It’s not unusual to spot a tear or a mark on a banknote in your wallet and wonder if it will be accepted at the till. Notes that look a little worse for wear can cause hesitation during everyday payments—both for the person offering them and the one receiving them.
This blog post looks at how these situations are handled in shops, what counts as a damaged note, and what steps can be taken if one is turned down.
You’ll also find some simple ways to sidestep hassle later on, especially when a note’s condition raises questions. Read on to learn more.
What Counts as a Ripped or Damaged Note?
Some banknotes show clear signs of wear—a slight tear, a bit of fading, maybe a corner missing. Others might be more noticeably affected. Not all damage is treated equally, and the way the note looks or feels can influence how it's received.
Common signs include tears, holes, stains, scuffed plastic windows and even faded or smudged ink. A note that’s been bent or written on may still be accepted, but the more unusual it looks, the more scrutiny it might face.
Polymer notes include several design elements that are essential to their appearance—these can become harder to check if the note has been altered or worn down. One general guide, used in official processes, is that a certain portion of the note must still be present. We’ll explore that further later on.
So, what happens if you try to use one in a shop?
Do Shops Accept Ripped Notes in the UK?
In the UK, shops aren’t required to accept any specific banknote. Each business sets its own standard for what it will and won’t take.
That said, many retailers tend to take a practical view. If a note shows only minor signs of use, such as a light crease, a short tear, or a small mark, and the key details are clearly visible, it may still be fine. Staff can usually tell at a glance whether a note appears ordinary enough to go through the till.
Self-checkout machines are another story. They often use sensitive scanners, and even small imperfections can confuse the reading process. A note that passes the human eye test might not pass the machine's.
But even if a shop says no, that doesn't mean the note is no longer usable. There are ways to sort it, which we’ll cover in the next section.
How Much Damage Is Too Much for Shops to Accept?
This is where things get more specific. While no single rule applies across all retailers, some patterns tend to hold.
A note with a short, clean tear—especially one that doesn’t affect the plastic window or foil elements—is generally seen as acceptable. A slight crease or a tiny missing corner, too, often won’t raise concerns, provided the printing and design elements are untouched.
On the other hand, a note that has a large chunk missing or significant smudging, or one where security features are hard to make out, may be turned away more often than not.
Machines, again, are typically less lenient. They may reject notes that have been taped, folded sharply, or even lightly worn—not because the note is fake, but because the scanning mechanism can’t interpret it reliably.
And remember that earlier reference to a general guide about how much of the note needs to remain? The Bank of England advises that over half should be present for a replacement to be considered. If that’s not the case, shops will almost certainly decline it—and another route will be needed.
What Should You Do If a Shop Refuses a Ripped Note?
If you’re told a note can’t be used, there are still ways to get its value back—no need to throw it away.
The first step for many is their own bank or building society. If most of the note is still there and the design is clearly visible, staff may be able to swap it on the spot. This can be quicker and more convenient, especially for familiar customers. Identification might be asked for in some situations, such as for larger amounts.
If your bank is unable to assist, there’s a more formal solution available—one designed for notes that are heavily damaged or no longer accepted by shops and machines.
Where Can You Exchange Damaged Banknotes?
For notes in poor condition, or those rejected by banks, there’s an established process through the Bank of England.
Their postal exchange service is designed to handle situations where the usual options aren’t suitable. The process involves submitting a short application, sending in the damaged note, and waiting for it to be examined. If everything checks out, the full amount is paid to you—usually via bank transfer or cheque.
In cases where multiple notes are involved, or when a note is so distorted it’s hard to identify, this route is especially useful. You may be asked to provide proof of identity and address, particularly for higher values.
The turnaround time can vary depending on how complex the case is, but the aim is always the same: to return the value once the note has been assessed.
Tips to Avoid Problems with Damaged Notes
Avoiding awkward situations at the till often comes down to how notes are handled day to day.
Try to keep them flat and stored securely, rather than folding them tightly or tucking them around coins. This helps prevent small creases that can turn into rips. Polymer is more durable than paper, but it’s still prone to damage from pressure or repeated stress.
Moisture and heat are also worth avoiding. Although modern notes can survive a lot, they can still warp or cloud over if left damp or placed too close to a heat source. Writing on notes, stapling them, or clipping them too tightly can also lead to tears or visible marks that cause trouble later.
And if you’re ever handed a note that looks questionable—maybe a tear near the edge or a piece missing—it's best to check it immediately. Asking for a different note while still at the counter can spare you from a more involved process down the line.
Keeping notes in decent condition can make everyday transactions smoother. And when damage does happen, there are clearly laid out ways to deal with it—whether that’s at the bank, through a machine, or via official services.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.