Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

$2 AND $5 POLYMER BANKNOTES

 

The BMA is scheduled to introduce the new polymer $2 and $5 banknotes into circulation in the Fall of 2024. Following the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the effigy of King Charles III will debut on these new banknotes.

Only $2 and $5 polymer banknotes will enter circulation. Existing banknotes and polymer banknotes will cocirculate, which means existing $2 and $5 banknotes, along with all other existing denominations, will remain legal tender.

 

Polymer Banknotes: Key Features

Key Security Features

 

In the fall of 2024, the Bermuda Monetary Authority introduced new $2 and $5 Bermuda banknotes printed on polymer.

These polymer notes use advanced security features that make them more secure.
 
Polymer is a thin plastic material. It's very smooth and more resistant to dirt and moisture. 

The notes stay cleaner for longer and are expected to last at least two and a half times longer than our existing notes, making them more sustainable. 

Same look as existing notes, the $2 note is predominantly turquoise, and the $5 note is pink.

On the front of the $2 note, we can see a Bermuda Bluebird.

And on the front of the $5 note, a marlin. 

The back of the $2 note shows the Dockyard Clocktower, and the Statue of Neptune,

and the back of the $5 note shows Horseshoe Bay Beach and Somerset Bridge.

The front left corner of each note features the King Charles III effigy.

To help the visually impaired to identify the notes, the $2 note has embossed dots in the shape of a triangle, and on the $5 note, a circle.

A highly reflective, mirror-like tuna is printed on the front of the notes. The shadow of the fish is visible on the back of the notes. 

Opposite the silver tuna is a coloured tuna, printed inside the substrate, that becomes clearer when the note is held up to the light.

There is a clear window in both notes which are fully and partially transparent, that depicts a cloudy sky and an underwater scene viewable from both sides. 

In the window area, the abbreviation BMA is printed on the front and a hibiscus flower is printed on the reverse. 

Both elements become see-through when the note is held up to the light. 

On the reverse of the window area, shimmering gold ink depicts a design of waves, multiple fish and a sun, when the notes are tilted.

If the notes are illuminated with UV light, hidden elements appear as two colours.

Each banknote has a unique serial number, along with a printed "security thread" with BMA microtext.

The new $2 and $5 polymer banknotes. Same look, Smarter design.

Durable. Accessible. Sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Polymer banknotes

Verifying that banknotes are genuine

General questions

Business owners

Tips for caring for Polymer Banknotes

  1. Store banknotes in cool and dry places like wallets and purses. This protects them from being damaged and keeps them clean.
  2. Keep banknotes flat. Crumpling them can reduce their life span and damage them.
  3. Do not staple banknotes as the resulting holes can easily cause tears. Use paper clips instead
  4. Do not expose polymer banknotes to excessive heat from household items such as irons, heaters or dryers as the banknotes can melt.
  5. Do not apply adhesive tapes to undamaged banknotes. The tape can damage their appearance and texture.
  6. Do not write on banknotes. Writing on banknotes destroys their look and feel.

 

 

For more information, questions or concerns, please email currency@bma.bm

 

 

feedback icon