New 5 pound note goes into circulation tomorrow

[Martin-O2]

Hey guys, 

We have a brand new £5 note going into circulation tomorrow which will feature a design including Winston Churchill on the back. The most interesting thing about the new fivers is that they will no longer be printed on the traditional paper and instead will be made of a plastic polymer like they currently use in Australia and Canada. 

The new polymer is cleaner, safer and longer lasting then the existing notes according to the Bank of England and can be recycled into new plastic products at the end of their life span. There will be a £10 and £20 version introduced over the next few years but there are no plans for a replacement for the £50. 

What do you think of the new bank notes? Has anyone had any experience using polymer notes abroad and if so what was your impression of them? 

Further reading

[Cleoriff]

I saw them on the news this morning ....At least they can be washed then @Martin-O2.

[Martin-O2]

@Cleoriff Washing is fine (not laundering) but apparently they will shrink if you iron them! 

[Bambino]

I've never used any notes like that, but it looks a great idea. They look malleable, and should cut down on counterfeiting for sure.

[jonsie]

Many countries have adopted these notes now and they certainly feel better in the hand and are far more durable. I presume they cost more to produce but that is offset by their longevity.

[Cleoriff]

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@Martin-O2 wrote:

@Cleoriff Washing is fine (not laundering) but apparently they will shrink if you iron them! 

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I am ok @Martin-O2 Ironing is never high on my list of priorities.....

[Martin-O2]

@Bambino Yes counterfeit prevention is one of the main reasons for bringing these types of note. The new fivers have lettering that can only be read by a microscope which will be very hard to duplicate without the right equipment. 

@jonsie There meant to last 2.5 times longer then existing notes. Only a good thing IMO as I've had so many battered fivers in my wallet over the years! 

@Cleoriff Haha you and me both. A good hanger usually does the job 

[Toby]

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@jonsie wrote:

Many countries have adopted these notes now and they certainly feel better in the hand and are far more durable. I presume they cost more to produce but that is offset by their longevity.

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I tried to rip an Australian note in half while I was there last year. I used all of my strength, and it did nothing but stretch slightly, so your longevity point is a good one @jonsie

[Marjo]

I wonder if these new ones will be thicker? Might need to upgrade my wallet.

[MI5]

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@Toby wrote:

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@jonsie wrote:

Many countries have adopted these notes now and they certainly feel better in the hand and are far more durable. I presume they cost more to produce but that is offset by their longevity.

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I tried to rip an Australian note in half while I was there last year. I used all of my strength, and it did nothing but stretch slightly, so your longevity point is a good one @jonsie

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Saved your bacon then Toby as it is illegal to deface or destroy currency.