How to spot a fake bank note

Being handed a fake bank note used to be a problem mainly for busy shops and retailers. Now, it’s increasingly affecting people selling items through online marketplaces.

If you’re meeting a buyer and accepting cash, here’s what to check:

Check the feel: raised print or smooth?

Genuine banknotes have raised print you can feel with your fingers.

Run your finger over:

If the note feels completely smooth, it could be fake.

Examine the transparent window

Real polymer £20 notes have a large clear window. Inside, you should see a portrait of King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II.

Around the edge of the window:

The window should be clear and sharply defined. If it looks cloudy, blurry or poorly printed, it could be a fake.

Tilt the foil hologram

On the front of the note, there’s a silver foil patch with a hologram.

When you tilt the note, the wording should change, for example, from ‘Twenty’ to ‘Pounds.’

If the image doesn’t shift clearly or looks flat, treat the note with suspicion.

Compare with a genuine note

If you’re unsure, compare the note with one you know is real. Check the:

Small differences are often easier to spot when you compare them side by side.

Consider safer payment methods

If possible, avoid cash altogether. A bank transfer or another secure payment method may be safer when selling items online.

Use official training resources

Bank of England offers free online training that explains the security features of its bank notes. This can help you recognise genuine notes and spot counterfeits more confidently.