Why does the £50 note exist when it's barely used or seen?

[Cmdr_Graves]

I've noticed this while visiting the UK, that denomination is rare or even if when trying to spend it at a store for a £45 purchase as a tourist: like they go full on counterfeit detection mode despite the fact its real. The thing is, why does the UK even have a £50 note when it's barely used for in store transactions? Wouldn't they stopped printing them by now meaning it'll eventually cease to circulate?

 

[SettingSun77]

I've noticed this while visiting the UK, that denomination is rare or even if when trying to spend it at a store for a £45 purchase as a tourist: like they go full on counterfeit detection mode despite the fact its real. The thing is, why does the UK even have a £50 note when it's barely used for in store transactions? Wouldn't they stopped printing them by now meaning it'll eventually cease to circulate?

I worked in retail for 3 years (between 2007 and 2010) and I reckon in all the time I spent on the checkouts I saw a £50 note no more than 3 or 4 times. Some places just plain won't even accept them even though they're legal tender.

 

[lukem121]

Perhaps they're getting ready for inflation? When you go to the shops to buy a loaf of bread & milk for £40, suddenly a £50 note won't seem so outrageous.

 

[Proxellor]

They’re mainly used for larger cash payments, so shops don’t see them very often.