Our banknotes ceased being legal currency from midnight on 30th June 2022.
You are strongly encouraged to lodge/exchange these banknotes as soon as possible.
First Trust Bank has ceased issuing banknotes
We have ceased issuing First Trust Bank banknotes and now dispense Bank of England banknotes through our ATM Network.
The decision to cease issuing our own banknotes was a commercial decision which took into account the increasing use of digital payment methods and mobile technology.
Our decision is solely in respect of our own banknote issuance, and we will continue to handle banknotes issued by the Bank of England and any of the other authorised note issuing banks in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
We remain fully committed to Northern Ireland and supporting our customers here and the wider Northern Irish economy. You can view our public announcement and frequently asked questions for further information.
We strongly encourage all First Trust Bank noteholders to lodge/exchange their notes as soon as possible.
What does this mean for me?
Click to expand any of the below options to find out more information.
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Options for Lodging and Exchanging your First Trust Bank banknotes from 1st July 2022
AIB (NI)
We will continue to accept First Trust Bank banknotes from our customers for deposit to their accounts. We will also exchange First Trust Bank banknotes for Bank of England banknotes, or other sterling banknotes of equivalent value, when presented in person at AIB branches in Northern Ireland at no cost. There is no time limit on this. Supporting documentation, including proof of identity and address will be required and limits will apply.
Post Office
Post Office outlets in Northern Ireland will continue to accept First Trust Bank banknotes to support any cash deposit transaction. There are currently no plans to change this.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland note issuing banks (Danske Bank, Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland) will continue to accept First Trust Bank banknotes from their customers, for deposit into their respective accounts. There are currently no plans to change this.
Scotland, England and Wales
The Scottish note issuing banks (Royal Bank of Scotland, Virgin Money (formerly Clydesdale Bank) and Bank of Scotland) will continue to accept First Trust Bank banknotes from their customers, for deposit into their respective accounts. There are currently no plans to change this.
Republic of Ireland
AIB branches in Republic of Ireland will continue to accept First Trust Bank banknotes from their customers for deposit to their accounts. They will also exchange First Trust Bank banknotes for Bank of England banknotes for their own customers when presented in person at no cost. This service will be available for a limited period until 31st December 2022. Supporting documentation, including proof of identity and address will be required and limits will apply.
Post Office Cash Exchange Service
A free cash exchange service will be available in Northern Ireland in the Post Office at Bridge Street, Belfast for a limited period until 30th September 2022. Limits and ID requirements will apply.
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Old 'Allied Irish Banks' and 'Provincial Bank of Ireland' sterling banknotes can also be exchanged at face value at an AIB branch in Northern Ireland
Old sterling 'Allied Irish Banks p.l.c.', 'Allied Irish Banks Limited' and 'Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited' banknotes can also be exchanged for the equivalent face value in Bank of England banknotes, or other sterling banknotes of equivalent face value, in person at AIB branches in Northern Ireland, at no cost. There is no time limit on this.
Supporting documentation, including proof of identity and address, may be required. Limits may apply.
See our Banknotes section for more information on these banknotes.
First Trust Bank is a trade mark of AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.), incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
How you can contact us
If you cannot find the information you require or have any further questions, you can call into your nearest AIB branch in Northern Ireland or call us on 0345 646 0203. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday (except on bank holidays).
Alternatively you can submit your question online and we will aim come back to you within 3 working days. To submit a question, select the option below that best matches your type of query:
I am a noteholder
I am a voluntary group or relevant body
I am a retailer
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AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, Financial Ombudsman Service and is a Registered Firm with The Lending Standards Board.
The AIB logo and AIB (NI) are trade marks used under licence by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.