Where to Exchange Leftover Currency in the UK (2025 Guide)

If you’ve ever come home from a trip abroad with leftover currency, you’re not alone. From a few euros in your pocket to a jar full of mixed foreign coins, most people don’t realise how much money they’ve left sitting around.

In fact, it’s estimated that there’s over £500 million in leftover foreign coins and notes lying unspent in UK homes, tills, and charity tins. But where can you actually exchange leftover currency in the UK — and who gives you the best deal?

This guide explains all your options, what to watch out for, and the easiest way to turn your leftover coins and notes into real cash.

Why It’s Hard to Exchange Leftover Currency

When you try to exchange leftover coins or old banknotes, you quickly hit a wall:

• Banks refuse coins and only take certain banknotes.

• Airport bureau de change charges poor rates and won’t accept coins.

• Travel money shops only deal with current, major currencies.

That’s why millions of pounds in leftover currency go to waste every year — unless you use a specialist exchange service like Cash4Coins that accepts everything banks won’t.

The Main Options for Exchanging Leftover Currency in the UK

Option	What They Accept	Pros	Cons
High Street Banks	Major banknotes only (no coins)	Easy access if you’re a customer	Refuse coins and withdrawn notes
Airport Bureaux de Change	Current notes in popular currencies	Convenient for travellers	Poor exchange rates, no coins accepted
Online Exchange Platforms	Major banknotes	Easy to post in	Usually exclude coins or old notes
Collectors / Auctions	Rare coins or old notes	Can get higher value	Only useful for collectible currency
Specialist Exchange Services (Cash4Coins)	✅ All foreign coins and notes, ✅ old £1 coins, ✅ damaged or withdrawn currency	Accept everything, fast payment, secure service	Small handling fee applies

Banks: Limited to Notes Only

If you’re holding foreign coins, your bank can’t help. Most UK banks only accept major banknotes — euros, dollars, and sometimes Swiss francs — and even then, only for account holders.

They won’t accept:

• Foreign coins

• Old or withdrawn banknotes

• Pre-decimal or old UK currency

• Damaged coins or notes

So if your leftover currency includes coins or older notes, you’ll need a different route.

Bureau de Change: Convenient but Costly

Airport and high street exchange desks offer convenience but come at a cost:

• Low exchange rates

• High fees

• No acceptance of coins

They’re best used for spending your notes abroad, not exchanging leftover money when you get home.

Charities: Donate Your Leftover Currency

If you’re not concerned about reclaiming the money for yourself, donating your leftover coins to charity is a brilliant option.

Many UK charities partner with Cash4Coins to collect foreign coins and notes from supporters, turning them into valuable fundraising income.

It’s a guilt-free way to give — and it helps charities unlock value from what would otherwise be wasted currency.

The Smart Choice: Specialist Exchange Services

Specialist services like Cash4Coins are designed specifically for people, charities, and businesses who want to exchange leftover currency that banks won’t touch.

✅ We Accept:

• All foreign coins and banknotes

• Old £1 coins (round pounds)

• Pre-decimal and demonetised UK coins

• Damaged or withdrawn currency

• Mixed coins and notes — no sorting needed

💷 How It Works:

1. Send or arrange collection – Post your coins, or use our insured courier collection for large amounts.

2. We sort, count, and process everything – No need to separate by country.

3. Receive fast payment – Cleared funds paid directly to your bank account, or donated to a charity of your choice.

 

Why Use Cash4Coins Instead of a Bank or Bureau

Feature	Banks & Bureaux	Cash4Coins
Accepts Foreign Coins	❌	✅
Accepts Old / Withdrawn Notes	❌	✅
Accepts Damaged Currency	❌	✅
Handles Mixed Bags	❌	✅
Fast Payment	⚠️ Limited	✅ Within a few working days
Minimum Amount	Often £50+	None – small or large accepted

FAQs: Exchanging Leftover Currency in the UK

Q: Can I exchange leftover coins at the bank?

A: No. Banks only accept certain banknotes, never coins.

Q: Do you accept small amounts?

A: Yes. Whether it’s a handful of coins or kilos of mixed currency, we’ll process it for you.

Q: Can I send coins from different countries together?

A: Absolutely. We handle mixed coins and notes — no sorting required.

Q: What about old £1 coins or pre-decimal coins?

A: We accept all old UK coins, including round pounds and pre-1971 coins.

Q: How fast will I get paid?

A: Most payments are made within a few working days after receipt.

Final Word

If you’ve been wondering where to exchange leftover currency in the UK, the answer depends on what you’ve got.

• For banknotes in major currencies, your bank or bureau might help.

• For coins, old notes, and withdrawn currency, Cash4Coins is the best solution.

Don’t let your foreign coins and old currency gather dust — turn them into real spendable cash or valuable charity donations.

👉 Visit Cash4Coins.co.uk today to exchange your leftover currency quickly, securely, and easily.