Bank of Canada Unveils New Vertical $20 Note Featuring King Charles III

The Bank of Canada has unveiled a redesigned vertical $20 bank Note that will feature His Majesty King Charles III, marking the first time the monarch’s portrait has appeared on a Canadian bank Note. The new polymer Note will begin entering circulation in late February 2027, combining a portrait of Canada’s monarch with Indigenous botanical imagery, the Vimy Memorial and new anti–counterfeiting technology.

The new Note was presented in Ottawa on September 3, 2026, by the Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, alongside Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, and the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions).

The $20 Note is the second issue in the Bank of Canada’s Vertical series, following the $10 Note featuring civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond. The introduction also marks the first appearance of a new monarch on the $20 denomination in more than seven decades. The front of the Note places King Charles III at the centre of a botanical design reflecting his long–standing environmental interests. Floral emblems representing Canada’s 13 provinces and territories are also incorporated into the design. An important feature is a circular transparent window containing plants that have cultural significance to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The Bank’s Indigenous Advisory Circle contributed to the development of this element.

The reverse continues to feature the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, maintaining the connection between the $20 Note and Canada’s military history and remembrance. Poppies are also incorporated into the design as a symbol of remembrance.

Security is another major focus of the new Note. The Bank says it introduces security technologies that have not previously been used on Canadian currency. Among the features is a purple security stripe containing elements that appear to spin, change and pulse as the Note is moved. The features are intended to make authentication easier for the public while increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting.

The Bank describes the $20 denomination as the most frequently used Canadian bank Note. It plans to work with financial institutions, retailers, cash–handling companies and equipment manufacturers before the new Notes enter circulation, including preparations to ensure Banknote processing equipment can accommodate the redesigned currency.

The Bank also says accessibility considerations were incorporated into the design, including tactile elements and high–contrast numerals intended to help people who are blind or partially sighted identify the denomination. The new Note is scheduled for issue in 2027. Existing $20 Notes will not disappear when the new version arrives, but the new Note will be introduced gradually as part of the normal bank–Note replacement process.