New King Charles III banknotes available in North East from today - full list of Post Office branches to get them

Banknotes featuring the portrait of the King are set to be issued from Wednesday, marking a first in the Bank of England's history where the sovereign has been changed. These new banknotes will circulate alongside those bearing Queen Elizabeth II's image.

The image of Charles will grace all four denominations the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes with no other changes made to the existing designs. However, the public may only gradually start seeing these new notes in their change.

The initial release of the new banknotes at selected Post Offices, including in the North East, will include £5, £10, and £20 notes. Over the next few days and weeks, thousands of Post Offices across the country are set to receive the updated currency.

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Currently, there are over 4.6 billion Bank of England notes in circulation, amounting to approximately £82 billion. Following guidance from the Royal Household, these new notes will only be printed to replace worn-out ones and to cater to any increase in demand.

This approach is aimed at minimising both environmental and financial impacts of the change. Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, expressed his pleasure at issuing the new King Charles banknotes, stating: "We're very pleased to be issuing the new King Charles banknotes."

He described it as a historic moment, being the first time the sovereign on the banknotes has been changed. He emphasised the importance of cash for many people and the Bank's commitment to providing banknotes as long as there is public demand for them, reports Wales Online.

The introduction of these new notes, he said, is a testament to that commitment.

In April, Charles was presented with the first banknotes bearing his portrait. He commended them as "very well designed" and expressed his surprise at being only the second monarch to feature.

While the Bank of England has been issuing banknotes since the 17th century, it was Charles's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who first appeared on a £1 note in 1960. The latest currency featuring King Charles III will be available at select Post Office branches for eager collectors.

Poundbury in Dorset, an area that embodies the architectural vision of King Charles, is home to one of the branches distributing the new banknotes. Poundbury, an extension to Dorchester initiated in the 1990s, showcases a mix of commercial and residential spaces, shops, and leisure facilities designed for a walkable community, all influenced by Charles's classical design preferences.

Portsmouth Post Office branch manager Karen Stonham, whose branch is among the first to offer the new notes, expressed excitement: "Our local customers come into our branch every day to withdraw or deposit cash for their daily needs, so we were excited to be one of the first branches to have the new banknotes available."

Krishna Thakeria, branch manager at the Broadway Post Office in central London, which is also stocking the new banknotes, commented: "The new-look notes hold a special significance for us at Broadway Post Office, given our proximity to Buckingham Palace and the historic Cabinet War Rooms."

Recent statistics from the Post Office have shown a marked rise in cash handling this April, with over £3.48 billion in cash deposits and withdrawals recorded at their countersa new record. Ross Borkett, the banking director at the Post Office, remarked: "This historic launch of the new banknotes featuring King Charles III comes as we experience the highest levels of cash withdrawals and deposits in Post Office branches."

"We're pleased to be able to mark this day by giving people the opportunity to withdraw the new notes from our branches."

While current banknotes bearing Queen Elizabeth II's image are still valid and there's no requirement to swap them out, those eager to glimpse the new currency can now do so. The Bank of England has established temporary measures to facilitate access to a limited quantity of the new King Charles III banknotes.

A postal exchange service has been established, running from 5 to 30 June, with a limit of £300 per customer. An application form and further details can be found on the Bank of England's website.

The Bank of England counter at Threadneedle Street in central London will also issue new notes featuring the King from 5 to 11 June, with the same £300 limit per customer.

Visitors to the Bank of England Museum have had the opportunity to see the new banknotes before they enter circulation, as part of its Future Of Money exhibition. Graham Mott, director of strategy at ATM and cash access network Link, stated: "While more people are paying for things online or using contactless cards, cash use remains popular, with over 70% of adults spending cash at least once a fortnight."

"As King Charles III banknotes begin to enter circulation, they will steadily be available through all cash machines as worn notes are withdrawn."

A recent survey for Link suggested that nearly half (48%) of people expect to see a cashless society in their lifetime. However, according to Link's data, the average UK adult still withdrew around £1,500 from cash machines last year.

In 2023, legislation was passed under the Financial Services and Markets Act to protect access to cash.

Here are the locations and postcodes for the Post Office branches where the notes will first be available on launch day, with a gradual rollout to others in the coming weeks:.

Piccadilly Plaza (Manchester), M2 1BB.

Sunderland City, SR1 1RR.

Portsmouth, PO1 1AB.

Birmingham, B2 4AA.

The City of London, EC2M 5TE.

Moorgate, EC2M 5TE.

Broadway, SW1H 0AX.

Great Massingham, PE31 6HP.

Tetbury, GL8 8DB.

Minchinhampton, GL6 9BN.

Windsor, SL4 1AA.

Houndsditch, E1 7BS.

Woodstock, OX20 1SP.

Poundbury, DT1 3AZ.