The Bank of England has unveiled the design of its new £20 note, which will enter circulation on 20 February 2020.
The polymer £20 note features the artist JMW Turner. Its sophisticated security features make it the most secure Bank of England banknote yet. For the first time, the note incorporates two windows and a two-colour foil, making it very difficult to counterfeit.
The Bank’s Chief Cashier Sarah John said: “Being our most common note, the transition to the new £20 is the most significant, but I am confident that retailers and businesses will adapt to the change.”
Businesses can prepare for the new £20 note by taking the following steps:
- Plan training for staff that handle notes: go to the new £20 website where you can order or download free training materials. Staff will need to be able to check both paper and polymer £20 notes while they co-circulate.
- Continue to accept paper £20s: You can continue to spend and accept the current paper £20 note as normal. These notes will be gradually withdrawn as they are banked, and notice will be given six months’ ahead of legal tender status of the paper £20 being withdrawn.
- Engage with banknote machine suppliers to ensure any note accepting or dispensing machines will be updated – such as self-service checkouts, banknote authenticators and note counters.
- Pledge support for the Banknote Checking Scheme for advice and best practice and to stay up to date with the latest updates on banknotes and training materials.
