7 Best Places Where to Donate Foreign Coins in the UK (2025)

Posted by: Ian • 16 Sep 2025

Just returned from a holiday with a pocketful of strange coins, or perhaps you've found a forgotten jar of old European currency from years ago? Don't let that leftover foreign currency gather dust. Instead of letting it go to waste, you can easily convert it into a valuable donation for a good cause. Knowing where to donate foreign coins can feel confusing, but it doesn't have to be. This guide simplifies the process, making it fast, easy, and completely hassle-free.

We've compiled a comprehensive list of the UK's best services and charities that specialise in turning your travel leftovers into meaningful contributions. These trusted organisations, used by major brands including charities, supermarkets, airports, and police forces, ensure your spare change makes a real difference. In the sections below, you'll discover exactly how to effortlessly convert foreign coins and notes into vital funds for charity.

Each option we cover offers a 100% guaranteed, credible service, with no need to sort your currency beforehand. We provide practical tips, helpful advice, direct links, and real-world insights to help you find the perfect platform for your needs, whether you're looking to exchange foreign coins, donate leftover foreign currency, or convert foreign coins and banknotes. Read on to transform that seemingly useless shrapnel into a powerful force for good.

1. We Buy All Currency

We Buy All Currency stands out as a premier online platform for converting foreign coins and notes into cash, offering a streamlined process that is fast, easy, and exceptionally reliable. It provides a comprehensive solution not just for individuals with leftover holiday money but also for charities and businesses looking for an efficient way to process foreign currency donations. This service removes the common hassle of sorting mixed coins—there's no need to sort—making it a truly hassle-free option where you can donate foreign coins to charity or simply cash them in.

Trusted by major UK brands, including well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces, the platform has built a strong reputation for its trust, credibility, and security. The entire process is 100% guaranteed, ensuring you receive the full, quoted value for your currency with no hidden charges.

Key Strengths and Features

What truly sets We Buy All Currency apart is its sheer versatility and user-centric design. The platform accepts an unparalleled range of currency, including obsolete, pre-euro, and even pre-decimal British and Irish coins, which most other services reject. This makes it an ideal destination for turning forgotten stashes of old or obsolete currency into valuable funds.

The process is remarkably straightforward:

Get a Quote: Use the online calculator or the unique weight-based wizard for unsorted collections to see your exchange value upfront.
Send Your Currency: Post your coins and notes using a secure postal service.
Receive Payment: Get paid via PayPal or bank transfer within five working days of receipt.

A standout feature is the option to directly donate your proceeds to one of their partnered UK charities. This transforms the platform from a simple currency exchange into a powerful fundraising tool, allowing you to convert foreign coins and banknotes into meaningful contributions with minimal effort.

Why It's Our Top Choice

We Buy All Currency excels by combining convenience with credibility. The transparent exchange rates, visible before you commit, foster trust and eliminate unpleasant surprises. The fast payment system and free returns on declined quotes further underscore their commitment to customer satisfaction. For anyone wondering where to donate foreign coins effectively, this platform offers a robust, secure, and socially conscious solution. You can learn more about their efficient process for converting even common currencies like Euros by exploring their guide on why you should exchange your Euro coins with We Buy All Currency.

Website: https://www.webuyallcurrency.com

2. Leftover Currency

Leftover Currency offers a streamlined and highly impactful way to donate foreign coins and notes directly to UK charities. This online service specialises in exchanging leftover holiday money, including both current and obsolete currency, and ensures that the full value reaches your chosen cause. What makes this platform exceptional is its commitment to maximising your donation’s value, making it a trusted choice for individuals, businesses, and even major organisations like airports and police forces.

The process is designed to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. You simply select a charity from their list of partners, fill out a form, and post your currency to them. There's no need to sort coins or notes beforehand; their team handles all the hard work, offering a 100% guaranteed service.

Why Choose Leftover Currency for Your Donation?

The standout feature of Leftover Currency is its unique donation model. Not only do they exchange foreign coins and notes for free, but they also add an extra 5% on top of the converted value. This means 105% of your currency's worth goes directly to the charity, with zero deductions for commission or administrative fees. This transparent approach guarantees your donation has the maximum possible impact.

For currency that isn't listed on their exchange rates, the team assesses it for any numismatic (collectable) value or its scrap metal value. This ensures that even seemingly worthless old or obsolete currency contributes to the final donation total, leaving no stone unturned in generating funds for charity. Once processed, you receive a confirmation email detailing the amount raised for your chosen organisation. For those interested, you can discover more about donating your old coins and notes through Leftover Currency's charity programme.

Key Features and Process

Wide Acceptance: They accept any coins or banknotes from any country, including old, obsolete currency like pre-Euro coins or old British pounds.
Bonus Donation: Your chosen charity receives the full exchange value plus an extra 5%, funded by Leftover Currency.
Donor Choice: You can select from a wide range of well-known UK charities.
Simple Process: Just post your currency via mail. The service handles all sorting and exchange complexities.

While the service is mail-based and lacks a high-street drop-off network, its straightforward and generous donation model makes it one of the most effective platforms for turning unwanted leftover foreign currency into meaningful charitable support.

Website: https://www.leftovercurrency.com/charity/

3. Cash4Coins

Cash4Coins provides a trusted and highly flexible service for turning all types of foreign currency into valuable donations for UK charities. This UK-based exchange specialist simplifies the process of donating unwanted foreign coins and notes, regardless of their age or origin. Trusted by hundreds of UK good causes, from local community groups to national charities, Cash4Coins has established itself as a credible and reliable partner in converting leftover travel money into meaningful funds.

The platform is designed to be completely hassle-free, offering multiple convenient options for sending in your currency. There is no need to sort or count your coins beforehand; their expert team handles the entire process. This ease of use makes it a popular choice for individuals clearing out old holiday money and organisations running large-scale collection campaigns.

Why Choose Cash4Coins for Your Donation?

The primary advantage of Cash4Coins is the sheer variety of convenient donation methods it offers, catering to both small and large quantities of currency. Whether you have a small jar of coins or several kilograms, they have a streamlined solution ready. Their commitment is to make the process as simple as possible, ensuring that anyone, anywhere in the UK, can easily donate foreign coins to charity.

Their service is built on a foundation of trust and efficiency. Once your currency is received, it is meticulously counted and sorted, and the funds are sent directly to your nominated charity or back to you if you prefer. This transparent and straightforward approach has made them a go-to service for many well-known UK charities looking for an effective fundraising partner. The process is fast, easy, and provides a 100% guaranteed way to make a difference.

Key Features and Process

All Currency Accepted: They take any foreign coins and notes from any country, including obsolete, pre-Euro, and old UK or Irish currency.
Multiple Donation Options: Donors can use Freepost mailing (often via a partner charity), arrange a free collection for larger amounts (typically over 5kg), or use a drop-off point.
No Sorting Required: Simply package all your currency together, and the Cash4Coins team will handle all the counting and administration.
Charity Focused: Widely recognised and used by hundreds of UK charities, making it a credible and established platform for fundraising.

While the Freepost option is typically linked to their partner charities and individual acknowledgements might be consolidated, the platform's flexibility and free collection service for bulk donations make it an exceptionally practical choice for converting foreign coins into charitable support.

Website: https://www.cash4coins.co.uk/donate-foreign-coins/

4. Oxfam GB

Oxfam offers one of the most convenient and accessible high-street options for donating foreign coins and notes across the UK. Through its extensive network of charity shops, individuals can easily drop off any leftover currency, knowing their donation will support Oxfam’s global projects fighting poverty and injustice. This method is exceptionally straightforward, making it easy to turn leftover holiday money into a meaningful contribution.

The process is designed for simplicity and requires no pre-sorting from the donor. You can bring your mixed collection of coins and notes, including obsolete pre-Euro currencies, damaged coins, and even old British or Irish money, directly to your local Oxfam shop. The currency is then collected and processed in bulk by their trusted partner, Cash4Coins, ensuring it is efficiently converted into vital funds for the charity.

Why Choose Oxfam GB for Your Donation?

The primary advantage of donating to Oxfam is its sheer convenience. With hundreds of shops located in towns and cities nationwide, finding a drop-off point is incredibly easy. This eliminates the need for packaging and postage, offering a hassle-free way for donors to contribute. The charity provides clear guidance on what is accepted, reassuring you that virtually no foreign currency will go to waste.

Oxfam’s partnership with a specialist currency exchange service ensures that the value of your donation is maximised. Even coins that are no longer in circulation or have minimal individual worth contribute to the total when processed in large volumes. While individual acknowledgements are not provided due to this bulk processing method, donors can be confident that their contribution is part of a larger, impactful fundraising effort. For those unable to visit a shop, a postal option is also available, though it's best to check their website for the most current instructions.

Key Features and Process

National Network: Donate in person at any of the hundreds of Oxfam charity shops located throughout the UK.
Broad Acceptance: Accepts almost any foreign coins and banknotes, including obsolete, pre-Euro, damaged, and even commemorative currency.
Hassle-Free Process: No need to sort or count your currency; simply drop it off in-store.
Trusted Partnership: All currency is handled by a professional exchange service to convert foreign coins and notes into sterling for Oxfam’s work.

Although you won't receive a personal thank you for your specific coins, the widespread accessibility and the trustworthiness of the Oxfam brand make it an excellent choice for anyone wondering where to donate foreign coins easily and effectively.

Website: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/donate-to-our-shops/donate-foreign-currency/

5. Breast Cancer Now

Donating foreign coins directly to a major health charity is made simple and effective through Breast Cancer Now’s currency donation scheme. This well-established UK charity has partnered with recycling specialists to create a hassle-free process for turning your leftover holiday money into vital funding for world-class research and life-changing care. By using their Freepost service, you can send any amount of foreign coins and notes without any personal cost, ensuring your support goes where it’s needed most.

The process is designed to be completely straightforward and accessible. You simply gather your unwanted currency, download a Freepost label from their website, and send your donation via post. There is no need to sort or count the currency beforehand; their partners at Cash4Coins manage the entire process of counting, sorting, and exchanging the funds on the charity’s behalf.

Why Choose Breast Cancer Now for Your Donation?

The key advantage of donating through Breast Cancer Now is the combination of trust and convenience. You are directly supporting a leading national charity while using a completely free postal service. This eliminates any barriers to donating, making it an excellent choice for individuals who want to ensure their contribution supports a specific cause they are passionate about.

The scheme is highly inclusive, accepting foreign currency of any age or condition, as well as old British coins and notes. This comprehensive approach means every single coin, no matter how old or obscure, contributes to the final donation total. The partnership with a professional currency exchange service ensures that the process is efficient and transparent, maximising the value raised from your collection. This model is one of many effective charity fundraising ideas in the UK that turns unwanted items into valuable contributions.

Key Features and Process

Freepost Service: UK donors can send their currency at no cost using a downloadable label.
All Currency Accepted: They accept all foreign and UK coins and notes, including obsolete and damaged currency.
Direct Charitable Impact: Your donation directly funds Breast Cancer Now’s research and support services.
Simple and Hassle-Free: No need to sort or count coins; simply pack and post your donation.

While the service does not provide individual acknowledgements due to bulk processing, its simplicity and the credibility of supporting a major charity make it a highly trusted and popular way to donate foreign coins for a good cause.

Website: https://breastcancernow.org/get-involved/donate/donate-your-foreign-currency

6. The Air Ambulance Service (and The Children’s Air Ambulance)

Donating your foreign coins directly to a life-saving emergency service is an exceptionally rewarding option offered by The Air Ambulance Service. This vital UK charity provides critical care at the scene of emergencies, and your leftover currency can directly fund these missions. They have partnered with Cash4Coins to create a straightforward and hassle-free process for turning unwanted foreign money into life-saving support, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a tangible community impact.

The process is designed for convenience, offering multiple ways to contribute without any need to sort or count your currency beforehand. Whether you prefer to drop off your donation in person or post it from home, the system is organised to be fast and easy. This makes them a trusted destination for anyone wondering where to donate foreign coins to a frontline cause.

Why Choose The Air Ambulance Service for Your Donation?

The primary appeal of choosing this charity is the direct link between your donation and its life-saving work. Knowing that your old holiday money helps keep helicopters in the air and specialist medical teams on the road provides a powerful sense of purpose. The service accepts a huge range of currency, so you can be confident that whatever you have will be put to good use.

Their partnership with an established currency exchange service ensures that every coin and note is professionally handled and converted to maximise its value. This transparent and efficient approach means more of your donation’s value goes towards funding emergency medical care for both adults and children across the UK. It’s a simple way to convert foreign coins and banknotes into a meaningful contribution.

Key Features and Process

Multiple Donation Methods: You can either drop your currency off at one of their local charity shops or use their Freepost service to mail it in from anywhere in the UK.
Broad Acceptance: They welcome all foreign and UK currency, including old, obsolete, and even damaged or commemorative coins and notes.
Direct Impact: Your donation directly supports a crucial UK emergency service, funding flights, medical equipment, and specialist crew.
Simple and Clear: The website provides clear, step-by-step instructions for both the mail-in and in-person donation options.

While individual acknowledgements are not possible due to bulk processing, and shop locations are regional, the ease of their Freepost service and the undeniable importance of their work make The Air Ambulance Service a fantastic choice for your donation.

Website: https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/ways-to-give/donate-foreign-currency/

7. Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund

The Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund provides a highly localised and community-focused way to donate foreign coins and notes. This initiative collects spare currency through large, distinctive globes located within the airport terminal, turning travellers' leftover money into vital support for local projects. It is a fantastic option for those passing through the airport who want to ensure their donation has a direct and visible impact on the communities surrounding Glasgow.

The process is designed for convenience, especially for travellers. You simply drop your unsorted foreign coins and notes into one of the designated collection globes. The fund handles all the sorting and conversion, making it a simple, hassle-free way to contribute. For those not travelling, a pilot programme has also been introduced to request a pre-paid collection box, extending the reach of this charitable effort beyond the airport's walls.

Why Choose Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund for Your Donation?

The standout feature of the FlightPath Fund is its commitment to local empowerment. All funds raised are distributed annually as grants to community groups, charities, and sustainability-focused projects within the neighbouring council areas of Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire. This ensures that your donation directly benefits the people and places closest to the airport, funding everything from local youth clubs to environmental initiatives.

This hyper-local focus provides a tangible connection between your donation and its outcome. While individual acknowledgements are not provided as the funds are pooled, the impact is showcased through the projects supported each year. This transparent model allows donors to see precisely how their leftover foreign currency is making a difference on a community level, turning small change into significant local support.

Key Features and Process

Community Focus: Donations directly support community projects in the areas surrounding Glasgow Airport.
Convenient Drop-Off: Large, easy-to-find collection globes are situated throughout the airport terminal.
Mail-In Option: A pilot programme offers pre-paid collection boxes for those wishing to donate from home.
No Sorting Needed: Simply deposit your mixed foreign coins and notes, and the fund manages the entire exchange process.

While its primary donation points are geographically limited to Glasgow Airport, the new home-mail option is a promising development. This initiative offers an excellent, trusted way for travellers and local residents alike to ensure their spare foreign currency creates a lasting positive legacy in the West of Scotland.

Website: https://www.glasgowairport.com/media-centre/2023/passengers-can-now-donate-their-spare-currency-to-a-good-cause-from-home/

Charity & Coin Donation Options Comparison

Service	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements ⚡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐
We Buy All Currency	Moderate: postal process with weight-based wizard	Low to moderate: requires mailing currency	Quick cash payments within 5 working days	Travelers, collectors, charities, businesses	Wide currency acceptance, fast payments, transparent rates, charity donation option
Leftover Currency	Moderate: postal donations only	Low: rely on postal submission and assessment	Full donation value + 5% extra donated	Charitable donors wanting max impact	No fees, 5% extra donation, considers rarity or scrap value
Cash4Coins	Moderate: postal or collection-based	Moderate: free bulk collection and sorting	Charitable donations processed via partners	Donors preferring multiple donation methods	Free collection, multiple options, trusted charity partner
Oxfam GB	Low to moderate: in-store drop-off plus postal	Moderate: physical shop network plus partner sorting	Broad currency acceptance supporting charity work	Donors with physical access to stores	Wide shop network, accepts damaged coins, clear guidance
Breast Cancer Now	Low: Freepost postal scheme	Low: relies on partner charity handling postal donations	Donations converted to support health charity	Donors wanting free postage and simple process	Freepost, clear instructions, supported by major health charity
The Air Ambulance Service	Low to moderate: shop drop-off and freepost	Moderate: relies on shop network and postal handling	Donations support emergency healthcare	Donors wanting multiple donation methods	Convenient local shops, freepost option, clear instructions
Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund	Low: airport collection and pilot mail service	Low to moderate: airport collection points and pre-paid boxes	Local community funding via pooled donations	Travelers passing through airport or local supporters	Convenient traveler access, home mailing option, local impact

Ready to Convert Your Coins into Cash or Charity?

That forgotten jar of holiday money or the envelope of old banknotes tucked away in a drawer holds more potential than you might realise. As we’ve explored, the journey from leftover currency to valuable contribution is surprisingly straightforward. You no longer need to wonder where to donate foreign coins; a diverse range of organisations, from specialised currency exchangers to major UK charities, are ready to help you make a difference.

The key takeaway is that your collection of pesetas, francs, dollars, and cents doesn’t have to gather dust. Whether you’re an individual traveller with a pocketful of change, a business that has accumulated foreign currency, or a charity that has received it in donations, there is a simple, effective solution available. The options detailed in this guide, including direct charity donations and professional exchange services, offer a clear path to converting that idle currency into tangible support for vital causes or cash for your own use.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Currency

Making the right choice depends on your specific goals and the type of currency you hold. To ensure your donation has the maximum impact or you receive the best return, consider these final points:

For Direct Charitable Impact: If you have a specific cause in mind, donating directly to charities like Oxfam GB, Breast Cancer Now, or The Air Ambulance Service is an excellent option. This route ensures your donation directly fuels their work, though it may require you to follow their specific submission guidelines.
For Convenience and Speed: For those seeking a hassle-free, fast, and efficient process, a dedicated exchange service is often the best choice. These services are experts in handling mixed, unsorted, and even obsolete currency, saving you significant time and effort.
For Mixed and Obsolete Collections: If your collection is a jumble of different currencies, including old and out-of-circulation coins and notes, a professional service like We Buy All Currency is specifically designed for this purpose. They have the expertise to value and process currency that charities may not be equipped to handle.

Ultimately, the most important step is to take action. Every coin and banknote you put to use contributes to a larger goal, turning forgotten change into funding for medical research, humanitarian aid, or community projects. Your decision to exchange foreign coins and notes is a powerful one.

Letting that currency sit idle means its potential goes unrealised. By choosing one of these trusted methods, you activate its value in a meaningful way. The process is easier than ever, with many services offering a 100% guaranteed, no-sorting-required approach. Don't let your leftover travel money become a forgotten souvenir; transform it into something impactful today.

Ready to turn your collection of foreign coins and banknotes into cash for yourself or a valuable donation for a charity of your choice? At We Buy All Currency, we provide a fast, easy, and hassle-free service trusted by major brands, including charities, supermarkets, airports, and police forces. Our 100% guaranteed process requires no sorting of your coins. Visit our homepage to learn how our credible and trusted service can help you exchange your leftover foreign currency today