How to Choose the Best Service for Exchanging Foreign Coins in the UK

Introduction

Every year, travellers return to the UK with bags, jars, and wallets full of leftover coins and old banknotes. In fact, billions of pounds in leftover foreign currency are estimated to be sitting unused in UK homes and offices. The problem? High street banks rarely accept coins, bureaux de change will only deal with current banknotes, and obsolete currencies such as pesetas or francs have long been withdrawn from circulation.

So, what’s the best way to exchange foreign coins in the UK? The answer is to use a specialist currency exchange service. But with multiple providers claiming to be the best, it’s important to know what to look for. This guide will show you exactly how to choose the right service, what pitfalls to avoid, and why Cash4Coins is the trusted choice for individuals, charities, businesses, and public sector organisations across the UK.

Why leftover foreign currency is such a big issue

• Banks won’t accept coins – Even for active currencies such as euros or US dollars.

• Obsolete money is hard to cash in – Old favourites like Spanish pesetas, German marks, and French francs are no longer legal tender.

• Mixed coins and notes – People return from trips with a jumble of denominations, making it hard to know what’s valuable.

• Charities and businesses collect bulk – Supermarkets, airports, and charities often gather coins but don’t have the systems to process them.

This is where specialist services like Cash4Coins provide a solution: simple, fast, and transparent.

What to Look for in a Foreign Coin Exchange Service

When comparing providers, consider the following key factors:

1. Currencies Accepted

Some providers only accept major notes. A truly reliable service should handle:

• Coins and banknotes

• Current and obsolete currencies

• Pre-decimal British and Irish coins

• Damaged, withdrawn, and mixed money

✅ Cash4Coins accepts any currency, any age, in any condition.

2. Speed of Payment

Waiting weeks for payment isn’t ideal—especially for charities or businesses that rely on cash flow.

• Some providers process slowly or batch payments.

• The best services pay out within days—or even hours.

✅ With Cash4Coins, many customers receive cleared funds the same day we receive their currency.

3. Transparency & Fees

Hidden charges can eat away at your return.

• Check for deductions or unclear “processing fees.”

• Look for clear exchange rates and guarantees.

✅ Cash4Coins guarantees the best rates and makes payment with no hidden charges.

4. Reputation & Trust

Your coins may seem small, but collectively they’re worth a lot. Trust matters.

Look for services trusted by:

• UK airports

• Major banks

• Leading supermarkets

• National charities

• Popular attractions (theme parks, museums, venues)

• Police forces and local authorities

• Well-known high street brands

✅ Cash4Coins is trusted by all of the above, making it the most credible choice in the UK.

5. Charity & Business Support

Charities, schools, hospitals, and businesses often collect bulk amounts. They need:

• Secure collection and transport options

• Transparent reporting

• Direct donation facilities

• Receipts for accounting and fundraising campaigns

✅ Cash4Coins provides dedicated solutions for charities and businesses, including direct payment to nominated charities with full donation receipts.

Comparing UK Options

Let’s compare the main ways of exchanging leftover currency:

• High street banks – Will not accept coins; only a few notes in major currencies.

• Bureaux de change – Limited to current notes; no coins or obsolete money.

• Competitor services – Accept some coins but often exclude damaged or obsolete ones, with longer turnaround times.

• Cash4Coins – Accepts all coins and notes, pays out quickly, trusted nationwide, supports charities and bulk users.

It’s clear that for complete coverage, speed, and trust, Cash4Coins is the best choice.

How Cash4Coins Works – Step by Step

1. Complete the online form – Tell us what you’re sending.

2. Send your currency – Use Freepost for small amounts, Evri drop-off for medium, or courier collection for bulk (10kg–30kg+).

3. Sorting & counting – We process mixed, obsolete, and damaged currency with no need to pre-sort.

4. Get paid or donate – Payment is made directly to your bank or to a charity, often within hours.

See how to send us coins here.

Extra Benefits of Choosing Cash4Coins

• Fastest payment in the UK – Often same-day.

• No limits – From a handful of coins to 30kg+ bulk shipments.

• Best-rate guarantee – Always the highest returns.

• Charity-first approach – Helping charities raise millions.

• Proven track record – Used by airports, banks, supermarkets, police forces, and local authorities.

Real Examples of Currency We Handle

• Old European money: French francs, German marks, Spanish pesetas.

• Worldwide currencies: Dollars, yen, dirhams, pesos, rupees, and more.

• Obsolete UK money: Old £1 coins, shillings, and pre-decimal pennies.

• Damaged or withdrawn notes: Torn, faded, or withdrawn banknotes.

FAQs

Can I send mixed coins and notes?

Yes—no sorting needed.

What if I only have a small amount?

We’ll advise if it’s worth sending. Small amounts can be donated.

How do I know it’s safe?

We’re trusted by UK airports, banks, supermarkets, charities, police forces, and high street brands.

Do you accept obsolete or damaged currency?

Yes, including withdrawn coins and notes from any country.

How long does it take to get paid?

Most customers are paid within hours of us receiving their currency.

Conclusion – The Best Way to Exchange Foreign Coins in the UK

When deciding how to exchange your leftover coins and banknotes, the choice is clear. Banks won’t take coins, bureaux de change are limited, and other services can be slow or restrictive.

Cash4Coins offers the most complete, trusted, and hassle-free service in the UK. We accept any currency, any age, any condition, pay out faster than anyone else, and are trusted by some of the UK’s biggest organisations—from airports and supermarkets to national charities and police forces.

Start your exchange today and turn your unwanted coins into cash or charity donations.