Bank of England Governor Mark Carney dips a new plastic £5 note into a tray of food
There's not long left until the old-style paper fivers cease to be legal tender.
It’s been four months since the new plastic notes came into circulation and there’s just four months left until the paper fivers are phased out for good.
On May 5, the paper £5 note will cease to be legal tender, meaning you won’t be able to use them.
The Bank of England predicts the number of old £5 notes in circulation to have already halved, meaning 50 per cent have been switched to the new polymer notes.
After May 5 you will need to exchange your £5 notes at your nearest bank, building society or Post Office.
High streets banks may refuse to exchange notes after the cut-off date but the Bank of England is legally obliged to.
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