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
Silver tuna
Sea View
A reflective, mirror-like image of a tuna fish is featured on the front of the banknote, with its shadow visible on the back.
Clear window
See-Through
An area that is both fully and partially see-through, showing a cloudy sky above water, visible from either side.
Shimmering Ink
Se-cure
On the reverse of the banknote, a wave design, multiple fish and a sun, printed in gold ink, shimmer when the banknote is tilted.
Tactile emboss
Sea View
Raised dots form a patterned shape to help those with visual impairments differentiate between denominations.
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
Polymer is a thin, flexible plastic material that offers an extended lifespan and can incorporate more security features than cotton – which is the material used for traditional banknotes.
The Bermuda Monetary Authority (the Authority or BMA) is responsible for issuing all currency for Bermuda in accordance with Paragraph 11(2), Part IV of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969. The Authority is moving to polymer banknotes because they are cleaner, safer and stronger than the existing banknotes, which are traditionally printed on cotton. Polymer banknotes provide enhanced security features and increase the quality of the banknotes in circulation. Studies from other countries show that polymer banknotes last two‐and‐ a‐half times longer than cotton banknotes, making polymer a more sustainable solution.
The BMA is scheduled to issue the polymer $2 and $5 banknotes in the Fall of 2024.
Yes, the existing banknotes and polymer banknotes will co‐circulate, which means the existing banknotes will remain an accepted form of payment and legal tender for the foreseeable future. There is no plan to withdraw the existing $2 and $5 banknotes out of circulation.
It is customary to introduce lower denominations into circulation first to help ensure a smooth, introductory transition. This allows us to assess the performance of a smaller quantity of banknotes prior to issuing the higher denominations of the banknotes.
At the present time, there is no date set for the production and issuance of the remaining denominations of polymer banknotes. Higher denominations will be introduced after consultation with stakeholders.
The new polymer banknotes feature embossed, tactile dots to help those with visual impairments differentiate between denominations. The $2 banknotes have a triangular pattern of raised dots while the $5 banknotes have a circle. The BMA will conduct in‐person, educational presentations for various stakeholders, to highlight the various features of the new banknotes.
No. Polymer banknotes are legal tender and can be used the same way as the existing banknotes. They can be folded in a wallet or money belt and stored in a cash register.
As our Polymer Campaign tagline says, ‘Same look, Smarter design’. Aside from the difference in the feel of the banknotes, the $2 and $5 polymer banknotes have the same historical and national imagery as the existing banknotes. They are also the same size and colour to avoid drastic differences in comparison to the existing banknotes. The BMA is launching an island‐wide campaign to advise the public about the new banknotes by way of social media, news outlets, posters and decals.
Similar to the existing banknotes, brand new polymer banknotes can sometimes be slippery and stick together. As is also the case with the existing banknotes, this effect will decline over time once the banknotes are in circulation and handled. See ‘Tips on caring for polymer banknotes’ below for more information on handling polymer banknotes.
The Authority has worked closely with our banknote printer to ensure that our banknotes are accessible to visually impaired individuals, partially sighted people, and those without visual impairments.
Instead of Braille, which not all visually impaired people are familiar with, we decided to use tactile dots or shapes on the banknotes as unique identifiers. This allows anyone, regardless of Braille literacy, to identify the banknotes by touch.
Tactile patterns are more inclusive and help differentiate denominations. We understand that Braille numbers can be confusing, such as distinguishing between two, 20, five and 50, while simple shapes are easier to identify.
Additionally, Braille dots tend to wear down more quickly over time and become less effective, whereas the tactile embossing in the polymer substrate is designed to last longer.
Verifying that banknotes are genuine
The BMA will release free education materials for the public on this topic. The BMA is also taking action to educate stakeholders through formal presentations. For a full breakdown of the security features of the new notes, please watch our Polymer Banknotes Key Security Features video.
If a polymer banknote has been torn in half, it can be accepted as a form of payment if the two pieces are accurately aligned and taped back together using clear tape.
Eligible damaged banknotes can be exchanged with banknotes of better quality at your local bank. If your local bank is unable to exchange the damaged banknotes, the notes may be redeemed at the BMA in accordance with the Redemption Policy.
Should a defaced, burnt, mouldy or torn banknote be damaged in a way where parts of the banknote are unrecognisable, the banknote may not be suitable as an acceptable form of payment, nor can it be exchanged for a new or undamaged banknote of face value. The size of the damaged banknote should be no less than three-quarters (3/4) of a banknote and both serial numbers should be visible. For torn banknotes, all pieces of the banknote should be presented and accurately taped together as aligned as possible using clear tape. A valid photo ID will also be required.
General questions
Existing $2 and $5 banknotes will not be exchanged for new polymer banknotes upon request. It is expected that the new polymer banknotes will progressively be obtained by members of the public through circulation.
At this time, there is no plan to withdraw the existing $2 and $5 banknotes from circulation.
One of the key benefits of the new polymer banknotes is that they do not absorb water or oil. This makes them ideal for Bermuda’s subtropical climate, which is subject to high levels of heat and humidity.
Bermuda’s banknotes are printed in the United Kingdom (UK) by De La Rue, a leading company in currency design and production in the UK.
Over 30 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and several Asian countries and Caribbean islands, have adopted polymer banknotes.
Business owners
The BMA is committed to working collaboratively with local businesses to support a smooth transition for the introduction of polymer banknotes. As with any change in currency design, businesses that handle cash should prepare for the issuance of the new $2 and $5 polymer banknotes by educating themselves with the features and benefits through information available on the BMA's website and other complimentary resources offered as part of the communications campaign. The BMA has been working closely with financial service businesses as part of their preparation prior to the launch of the new banknotes. It is recommended that business owners and other vendors consult directly with their bank on any questions or concerns.
You should contact your cash‐handling machine vendor to confirm whether your machine will need to be adapted to accept polymer banknotes. If your machine needs adaptation, you may reach out to the Authority at currency@bma.bm to request sample banknotes that you can use for calibration.
It is recommended that business owners and other vendors contact the Authority directly with any questions or concerns by emailing currency@bma.bm.
Tips for caring for Polymer Banknotes
- Store banknotes in cool and dry places like wallets and purses. This protects them from being damaged and keeps them clean.
- Keep banknotes flat. Crumpling them can reduce their life span and damage them.
- Do not staple banknotes as the resulting holes can easily cause tears. Use paper clips instead
- Do not expose polymer banknotes to excessive heat from household items such as irons, heaters or dryers as the banknotes can melt.
- Do not apply adhesive tapes to undamaged banknotes. The tape can damage their appearance and texture.
- Do not write on banknotes. Writing on banknotes destroys their look and feel.
For more information, questions or concerns, please email currency@bma.bm
