Businesses take note: the old 拢10 expires 1 March
All old paper 拢10 notes must be spent by 1 March 2018.
Time is ticking for the old paper 拢10 banknote. We鈥檙e advising all businesses to take 鈥榥ote鈥�, as there鈥檚 just a few days left to spend your old 鈥榯enners鈥�.
Figures from the Bank of England suggest there鈥檚 still 拢2.2 billion of old paper 拢10 notes in circulation. But, from midnight on 1 March 2018, these old paper notes will stop being legal tender. This means that from this date, you鈥檒l no longer be able to spend the old paper notes, featuring Charles Darwin.
Changing your old banknotes
From 1 March, most shops and other businesses will only accept the new polymer or 鈥榩lastic鈥� 拢10 notes, featuring Jane Austen. But, you鈥檒l still be able to exchange any old paper tenners for free at the Bank of England, either by post or in person.
Some retailers, banks and building societies may choose to accept the old notes after this deadline. But, they don鈥檛 have to.
New polymer notes
Paper banknotes of 拢5, 拢10 and 拢20, are being gradually replaced by polymer ones, which are more secure and harder to counterfeit. These new banknotes also have raised bumps and dots, to help blind and partially-sighted users identify each banknote by touch.
They鈥檙e also more resistant to dirt and wear, so last longer. According to the Bank of England, this means they鈥檙e better for the environment, with a lower carbon footprint than the old paper notes.
Other banknotes
The old paper 拢5 note has already been replaced, and a new polymer 拢20 banknote will be issued in 2020. The Bank of England hasn鈥檛 confirmed if the 拢50 note will be replaced.
Planning for the change
As with any change in banknote design, all businesses that use cash need to plan and prepare for polymer banknotes. For more information on how to get your business ready, you can visit the .
The easiest way to manage your information at Companies House, is online. Find out more about our range of digital services to help you file, or search for company details.