What is a Community Currency?

A community currency is a type of complementary currency that is used by groups with a common bond, like members of a locality, or association, and designed to meet their needs. A community currency may be geography-based, making it a type of local currency, or it may be used within a business-based, or online community.

​“Banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies...The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs." - Thomas Jefferson

International Examples

Bristol Pound   - Websitewww.bristolpound.org
Banknotes Freq. used £B1, £B5, £B10, £B20
User(s) Community Members in the City of Bristol , UK
Issuance  Central bank  Bristol Credit Union
The Bristol Pound (£B) is a form of local complementary currency, or community currency launched in Bristol, UK on 19 September 2012. Its objective is to encourage people to spend their money with local, independent businesses in Bristol and the former County of Avon. As of September 2012 it is the largest alternative in the UK to official sterling currency, though it is backed by Sterling.