Banknote Checking Scheme

Protect your business from counterfeit notes

Overview

The Banknote Checking Scheme is a free programme that helps business owners to:

  • reduce the financial loss and reputational risks caused by counterfeit banknotes
  • get support and up-to-date guidance, including training materials
  • support their communities by preventing the spread of counterfeits and associated crimes

As a member, you will:

  • receive a welcome pack containing all our staff training materials on how to check a banknote and what to do with a counterfeit 
  • get a regular newsletter updating you on best practice and news 
  • be the first to hear about other important developments such as the withdrawal of old notes 
  • have a point of contact at the Bank 
  • help us to make sure we continue to provide the right support to businesses 

This scheme only covers Bank of England notes. You can get training materials and other information about Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes from the Committee of Commercial Banknote Issuers, although our newsletters will update you on any major developments.

Banknote Checking Scheme animation
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Who we're working with

Thousands of sites across the UK have already signed up. We also work with strategic partners who help us promote and develop the scheme. These are: 

  • Association of Convenience Stores
  • British Amusement Catering Trades Association
  • Best Bar None 
  • BID Foundation 
  • Bingo Association 
  • British Independent Retailers Association
  • British Institute of Innkeeping
  • British Retail Consortium 
  • Charity Retail Association
  • CrimeStoppers 
  • Federation of Independent Retailers
  • Federation of Small Businesses
  • Institute of Hospitality
  • National Association of Business Crime Partnerships
  • National Business Crime Centre
  • National Crime Agency
  • National Federation of SubPostmasters 
  • National Hair and Beauty Federation 
  • National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK 
  • National Police Chiefs' Council 
  • National Pubwatch
  • Petrol Retailers Association
  • Police Crime Prevention Initiatives
  • Retailers Against Crime 
  • Scottish Grocers' Federation

Contact us

If you have any questions, you can email us at: banknotecheckingscheme@bankofengland.co.uk. 

This page was last updated 15 July 2026