The British Pound Sterling is the official currency of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as several British territories. Known for its long history and global influence, the British Pound is one of the world’s most traded foreign currencies and a benchmark in international finance. At US First Exchange, you can easily sell or buy British Pounds through our secure, licensed foreign currency exchange platform.
Use our currency converter to check live currency exchange rates and decide the best time to convert USD to GBP for travel, business, or investment. We bring foreign currencies from around the world to your fingertips, fast and secure. You can also sign up for free exchange rate alerts to get notified when market shifts make it more favorable to trade.
The Pound Sterling paper banknotes were the first to be issued in Europe, printed and circulated by the Bank of Scotland in 1696. The modern-day British Pound (£) is divided into 100 pence (p), with coins produced by the Royal Mint. The Bank of England issues banknotes for England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own versions produced by authorized local banks under strict regulation, which are local legal tender only.
Similarly, Crown dependencies and British Overseas Territories such as Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar issue their own versions of the pound, which are regulated by their local governments rather than the Bank of England and pegged 1:1 to GBP, but are also legal tender only locally.
Modern British banknotes are printed on durable polymer material, introduced to enhance fraud prevention and extend their lifespan. These designs incorporate advanced security features such as holograms, transparent windows, and raised print, ensuring that the British Pound Sterling remains both secure and globally trusted.
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Banknote Denominations Issued in Scotland |
Banknote Denominations Issued in Northern Ireland |
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Check live USD to GBP exchange rates and buy British Pounds online anytime, from anywhere, at competitive rates with our secure and convenient platform. Get high-grade, crisp sterling banknotes delivered to your doorstep in 24-48 hours.
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Sell any leftover British Pounds and convert them back to US dollars at premium exchange rates and with ease.
Choose how much you wish to sell and calculate the price. Verify your identity and the preferred method for delivering your funds.
Request a shipping kit and shipping instructions. The instructions will be delivered to you electronically.
You will receive a receipt for the currency exchange, and the funds will be transferred to your account once we receive your shipment.
Anything else on your mind about the pound sterling? We’re here to help you make informed transactions and exchange global currencies with confidence.
You can buy British Pounds in major US banks, bureaux de change, and airport kiosks. It's best to order British Pounds online through licensed foreign exchange services such as those provided by US First Exchange. Using online services that convert USD to GBP at better mid-market rates helps you avoid poor rates at airport exchange offices and high ATM fees that often come with overseas withdrawals or cross-border payments.
At US First Exchange, you can check the live USD to GBP exchange rate, order currency of your choice online with confidence using multiple payment options, and enjoy insured home delivery within 24–48 hours directly to your address. It’s the most convenient, reliable, and cost-effective way to purchase British Pounds (GBP) before you travel.
The British Pound (GBP) is the 5th strongest currency in the world and is often considered a “hard currency” or a safe-haven currency due to the United Kingdom’s stable and diversified economy, independent monetary policy, and its long-standing role in the foreign exchange market. As one of the oldest and most trusted currencies (once the leading reserve currency), the Pound Sterling benefits from high investor confidence and steady demand.
Compared to other major global currencies, the pound often maintains a higher value due to the UK’s strong financial sector, low inflation over time, and global investment flows supporting the British Pound. London’s role as one of the world’s leading financial centers also supports constant international demand for sterling, as investors and institutions use it for trade, investment, and reserves.
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD), which includes both polymer banknotes and metal Australian coins. The current banknote series was introduced between 2016 and 2020. The system is fully decimalized (one dollar equals 100 cents), making it simple to use for everyday transactions, international travel, and exchange money services.
The strength of the US Dollar against the British Pound varies and depends on economic conditions in both the United States and the United Kingdom, including inflation, interest rates, and market fluctuations. Over 2025, the United States dollar has shown net strength versus the Pound Sterling, though the year has been volatile.
Sterling hit a high earlier in 2025 (around the mid-$1.37s in July) but has averaged lower this year – a move reflecting a period of dollar strength and sterling softness. Exchange rates between these two major currencies fluctuate regularly in the foreign exchange market, reflecting global economic shifts. To see how the USD to GBP rate has moved over time, refer to our historical USD to GBP chart for a clear view of past trends and performance.
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