Can You Change Coins from abroad at the Bank in the UK?

If you’ve ever come back from a holiday with a pocket full of euros, dollars, or other foreign currency, you’ve probably wondered: Can I change these coins at my bank?

The short answer is no. UK banks and bureaux de change do not accept foreign coins, and even certain UK coins like the old £1 round pound are no longer accepted. So what can you do with them? Let’s break it down.

Why Banks Don’t Change Coins

There are several reasons why banks refuse to handle foreign coins or withdrawn UK currency:

1. High processing costs – Coins are heavy, bulky, and expensive to transport internationally.

2. Sorting difficulties – With hundreds of different coins worldwide, it’s costly and time-consuming to separate and value them.

3. Low demand – Unlike banknotes, there’s very little demand for foreign coins in the international exchange system.

4. Withdrawal deadlines – Coins like the old £1 (round pound) were demonetised in 2017, meaning banks no longer accept them.

That’s why many people end up with jars of coins they can’t use – what we call “dead money.”

What About UK Coins?

Even with British coins, not everything is accepted by banks:

• Old £1 coins – replaced in 2017 by the 12-sided version.

• Pre-decimal coins – shillings, sixpences, and farthings, withdrawn in 1971.

• Damaged coins – bent, broken, or corroded coins are usually rejected.

So if you’re holding on to these, banks can’t help you.

The Solution: Specialist Services to Change Coins

While banks say no, specialist services like Cash4Coins say yes. We provide a fast, simple, and secure way to change coins into cash, including:

• All foreign coins and notes

• Old £1 coins (round pounds)

• Pre-decimal British coins

• Damaged or withdrawn coins and notes

• Mixed bags – no sorting needed

👉 Learn more on our Change Coins page.

How to Change Coins into Cash

1. Send or arrange collection – Post coins to us, or for bulk amounts, we offer secure courier collection.

2. We sort and count everything – No need to separate coins by country or type.

3. Receive payment quickly – Cleared funds are sent straight into your bank account (or to a charity if you prefer).

Comparison: Banks vs. Specialist Coin Exchange

Feature	Banks & Bureaux de Change	Cash4Coins (Specialist)
Foreign Coins	❌ Not accepted	✅ Accepted
Old £1 Coins	❌ Refused	✅ Accepted
Pre-Decimal Coins	❌ Refused	✅ Accepted
Foreign Banknotes	✅ Only major currencies	✅ All notes accepted
Damaged Currency	❌ Refused	✅ Accepted

FAQs: Changing Coins in the UK

Q: Can I still change bulk old £1 coins at the bank?

A: Unlikely, Many banks refuse to accept them after 2017. We still process them.

Q: Do banks accept foreign banknotes?

A: Some do, but only in major currencies like euros or dollars. They never accept coins.

Q: Can I donate coins instead of cashing them in?

A: Yes – many charities use our service to convert donated coins into funds.

Q: Is the process secure?

A: Absolutely. Collections are insured, and we provide a full audit trail.

Final Word

While banks won’t help you with foreign coins, old £1 coins, or pre-decimal currency, there is an easy alternative. A dedicated change coins service like Cash4Coins ensures your coins don’t go to waste.

👉 Visit our Change Coins page today and start turning your unused coins into real spendable cash.