Thumbs up for Northern's plastic note

Press release

Northern Bank

16.02.00

Northern Bank's commemorative plastic £5 note which was launched in December has been given the thumbs up particularly among younger people in Northern Ireland, according to a recent survey.

Independent research commissioned by Northern Bank found that almost 75% of those aged between 16 and 35 years surveyed said they preferred the new note. The main reasons given for preferring the new note is that it is modern looking, will last longer and is easy to keep clean.

However 29 % of overall respondents say they still prefer the old note a lot because they like the feel of it and it looks traditional.

The survey was commissioned by Northern Bank which this week announced the sale of 50,000 limited edition £5 notes with the 1st January 2000 date on them.

The special edition notes come in a commemorative pack and will be sold at Northern Bank counters across the province for £7.50 each.

The Northern £5 note was first launched in December 1999 and is made of Guardian polymer, a type of plastic, which is more durable. It has enhanced security features, including see-through panels on the note which makes counterfeiting more difficult.

The polymer note is also more durable than the paper note, often lasting up to 4 times longer before needing to be replaced. It is also waterproof and almost impossible to tear.