How to Notify Banks After a Death in the UK: Complete 2025 Guide

Quick Overview: Notifying Banks After a Death

Here's what you need to know about the bank notification process:

• When to notify: Within 1-3 days of death, before fraudulent activity can occur
• Who can notify: Executor, administrator, next of kin, or family member with death certificate
• Documents needed: Death certificate (interim or certified copy), your ID, proof of authority (will naming you as executor)
• What happens: Bank freezes sole accounts immediately, joint accounts may remain accessible
• Accessing funds: Banks can release £5,000-£50,000 for funeral expenses before probate
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks to receive full account details and probate valuations

Why You Must Notify Banks Immediately

Notifying banks quickly after a death serves several critical purposes:

1. Prevent Fraud and Unauthorised Transactions

Once someone dies, any transactions on their account become unauthorised. If family members continue using the deceased's cards or online banking without notifying the bank, this is technically fraud - even if done with good intentions to pay legitimate bills. Banks can pursue recovery of these funds from the estate or individuals who made transactions.

2. Stop Direct Debits and Standing Orders

Continuing direct debits can cause complications when closing accounts or distributing the estate. Subscriptions, memberships, and insurance policies will continue to be paid unnecessarily, reducing the estate value. Some payments (like life insurance premiums) may invalidate claims if they lapse.

3. Secure the Estate Assets

Executors have a legal duty to secure estate assets immediately. This includes bank accounts. Freezing accounts prevents beneficiaries or family members from accessing funds inappropriately before probate is complete and protects executors from liability for losses.

4. Access Funds for Funeral Costs

Most banks will release funds for funeral expenses from the deceased's account before probate is granted - but only if you've officially notified them of the death and provided the funeral invoice. Typical release limits range from £5,000 to £50,000 depending on the bank.

Which Banks and Financial Institutions to Notify

You need to notify every financial institution where the deceased:

• Held current or savings accounts - All high street banks, online banks, and building societies
• Had credit cards or loans - Card issuers and loan providers (including car finance, personal loans)
• Held investments or ISAs - Investment platforms, stocks and shares ISAs, cash ISAs
• Had pensions - Private pension providers, workplace pensions, SIPPs
• Held insurance policies - Life insurance, home insurance, car insurance
• Used payment services - PayPal, Revolut, Monzo, Starling, other fintech accounts
• Had business accounts - Business bank accounts if they were self-employed or a company director

How to Find All Bank Accounts

You may not know about all the deceased's accounts. Here's how to find them:

Search the Home

Look for:

• Bank statements (paper or email printouts)
• Cheque books and debit/credit cards
• Passbooks for savings accounts
• Online banking login details or password notes
• Letters from banks about accounts, investments, or loans
• Tax returns showing interest from unknown accounts
• Direct debit or standing order lists

Check Financial Documents

• Last tax return - shows interest earned from all accounts (banks must be listed)
• Will - may list major assets including banks where accounts are held
• Mortgage documents - show which bank holds the mortgage
• Payslips - show which bank receives salary (look for employer pension contributions too)

Use My Lost Account Service

The My Lost Account service (mylostaccount.org.uk) searches for lost bank and savings accounts across UK banks, building societies, and National Savings & Investments. Free to use for tracing accounts of deceased individuals. Searches take 3 months but can find dormant or forgotten accounts worth thousands.

Check for Unclaimed Assets

Search the Unclaimed Assets Register for insurance policies, pensions, investments, and bank accounts that may have been lost or forgotten. Costs £25 per search but covers multiple asset types.

Documents You Need to Notify Banks

Banks require different documents depending on the situation:

Essential Documents for All Notifications

• Death certificate - Interim death certificate (free, issued immediately after registering the death) works for initial notification. Certified copy (£12.50 from Register Office) required for formal probate valuations
• Your ID - Passport, driving licence, or other photo ID to verify your identity
• Deceased's account details - Account numbers, sort codes, or customer reference numbers if available

Additional Documents for Executors

• Original will - Shows you're named as executor and have authority to manage accounts
• Grant of Probate - Required to close accounts and withdraw funds (except funeral expense releases). Apply for probate after gathering all valuations

Additional Documents for Next of Kin (No Will)

• Proof of relationship - Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or civil partnership certificate
• Letters of Administration - Required to close accounts and access funds when there's no will. Apply after gathering all valuations

Documents for Funeral Payment Requests

• Funeral invoice - Itemised bill from funeral director showing costs
• Proof you paid - Receipt or bank statement showing you paid the funeral costs from your own funds

Step-by-Step: How to Notify Each Bank

Follow this process for each bank and financial institution where the deceased held accounts:

Step 1: Contact the Bank's Bereavement Team

Most major banks have dedicated bereavement services:

• Find the bereavement phone number - Check the bank's website for "bereavement services" or "death notification" - don't use the general customer service number
• Call during business hours - Bereavement teams typically operate Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
• Have account details ready - Account numbers, sort codes, or the deceased's customer reference number speeds up the process
• Request a bereavement pack - Ask them to send their bereavement information pack by email or post

Step 2: Complete the Bank's Notification Form

Each bank has its own notification process:

• Download or request the form - Available on the bank's website or sent in the bereavement pack
• Provide deceased's details - Full name, date of birth, date of death, last known address
• Provide your details - Your name, relationship to deceased, contact details, your role (executor, administrator, next of kin)
• List what you need - Tick boxes for: freeze account, date-of-death balance, funeral payment release, probate valuation

Step 3: Send Required Documents

Submit your notification package:

• Certified copy of death certificate - Most banks accept posted copies (they'll return the original)
• Copy of your ID - Certified by solicitor or bank staff
• Copy of the will - If you're named as executor (original will stays with you)
• Send by recorded delivery - Or hand-deliver to a branch and get a receipt

Step 4: Request Date-of-Death Valuations

For probate, you need the exact balance on the date of death for all accounts:

• Request in writing - Ask for "date-of-death balance for probate purposes"
• Include interest statements - Any interest earned between death and probate must be reported
• Request account history - Final 12 months of statements helps identify regular payments and assets
• Most banks provide free - Probate valuations are typically free for executors
• Allow 2-4 weeks - Banks need time to generate official probate valuations

Step 5: Confirm Account Freeze

Verify the bank has secured the account:

• Ask for written confirmation - Letter or email confirming date account was frozen
• Return debit cards - Cut up and return or destroy the deceased's debit and credit cards
• Disable online banking - Request the bank closes online access immediately
• Check standing orders stopped - Confirm all direct debits and standing orders have been cancelled

What Happens to Different Types of Accounts

Different account types are handled differently when someone dies:

Sole Current and Savings Accounts

Status: Frozen immediately when bank is notified

What happens:

• All cards, online banking, and cheques stop working instantly
• Direct debits and standing orders are cancelled
• No withdrawals allowed except funeral payment releases (typically £5,000-£50,000)
• Account stays frozen until executor provides Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• Interest continues to accrue on savings accounts during the freeze

Access: Only with probate (or funeral payment exception)

Joint Bank Accounts

Status: Depends on account type

Joint tenancy (most common):

• Surviving account holder retains full access to account immediately
• Entire account balance passes to survivor by survivorship
• Does NOT form part of the deceased's estate
• No probate needed to access funds - surviving holder can use account as normal
• Bank may freeze 50% of funds temporarily for investigation
• Survivor should notify bank but can continue using the account

Tenants in common (rare for bank accounts):

• Deceased's share (usually 50%) forms part of their estate and is frozen
• Surviving account holder may have limited access to their own share
• Probate required to release deceased's share
• Used when couples keep finances separate or in business contexts

Credit Cards and Loans

Status: Account frozen, cards cancelled

What happens:

• Cards stop working immediately
• Interest may continue to accrue on outstanding balances
• Debts are paid from the estate during probate
• Debts are written off if estate is insolvent (insufficient funds to pay all debts)
• Family members are NOT personally liable for deceased's unsecured debts (unless they were joint account holders or guarantors)

Payment: Executors pay from estate funds during probate, following legal priority order

ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts)

Status: Frozen on notification

What happens:

• Account maintains ISA tax-free status for 3 years after death
• Spouse or civil partner can inherit "additional permitted subscription (APS)" allowance equal to ISA value
• APS lets surviving spouse invest extra amount (equal to deceased's ISA) in their own ISA, above annual limit
• Interest continues tax-free during probate period
• Non-spouse beneficiaries receive cash value but lose ISA wrapper

Access: With probate, but spouse gets APS benefit

Premium Bonds

Status: Remain in prize draws for 12 months after death

What happens:

• Bonds continue entering monthly prize draws for 12 months
• Any prizes won go to the estate and are distributed to beneficiaries
• After 12 months, bonds are automatically cashed
• Value forms part of estate for inheritance tax purposes

Notification: Write to NS&I with death certificate

Business Bank Accounts

Status: Frozen immediately

What happens:

• Sole trader accounts freeze - executors must manage business closure
• Limited company accounts require board resolution appointing new signatories
• Partnership accounts continue - surviving partners take control according to partnership agreement
• Business may face cash flow crisis if deceased was sole signatory

Urgent action: Contact business accountant immediately for continuity planning

How to Access Funds Before Probate

Probate can take 3-9 months, but you may need funds sooner for funeral costs or estate administration. Here's how to access money before probate:

Funeral Payment Release

Most banks will release funds directly to funeral directors or reimburse you for funeral costs:

• Release limits: Typically £5,000 to £50,000 depending on bank policy and account balance
• What's covered: Funeral director fees, cremation or burial costs, flowers, catering, death notices
• Process: Submit funeral invoice with death certificate and proof you paid from your own funds
• Payment time: Usually 5-10 working days after submitting documents
• Direct payment: Some banks pay funeral director directly to avoid upfront cost

Small Estate Release

Banks can release entire account balance without probate if:

• Total account balance is under £5,000-£50,000 (varies by bank)
• You provide death certificate and proof of entitlement
• All executors or entitled beneficiaries sign indemnity forms
• Estate is straightforward with no disputes

Common thresholds:

• Barclays: £50,000
• HSBC: £50,000
• Lloyds: £50,000
• NatWest: £25,000
• Santander: £50,000
• Nationwide: £50,000

Joint Account Access

If the deceased had a joint account with you (as spouse or family member):

• You typically retain immediate access to all funds
• No probate required for joint tenancy accounts
• Money legally passes to you by survivorship
• Be aware of inheritance tax implications if large sums transferred before death

Timeline: How Long Each Step Takes

Here's what to expect throughout the bank notification process:

Days 1-3: Immediate Actions

• Notify all banks by phone - Accounts frozen same day
• Request bereavement packs - Arrive within 5-7 days
• Stop using deceased's cards - Destroy or return to bank

Week 1: Formal Notification

• Register the death - Get death certificates (5-10 copies)
• Complete bank notification forms - Return with death certificates
• Submit by recorded delivery - Or deliver to branch in person

Weeks 2-4: Account Valuations

• Banks process notifications - Confirm freeze and begin valuations
• Receive date-of-death balances - Official probate valuations arrive
• Request funeral payment release - If needed for immediate costs
• Funeral payments processed - Usually 5-10 working days

Weeks 6-12: Probate Application

• Gather all valuations - From banks, investments, property, pensions
• Complete inheritance tax forms - IHT205 (simple) or IHT400 (complex)
• Submit probate application - Online (8-12 weeks) or paper (12-16 weeks)

Weeks 12-28: Probate Grant Received

• Receive Grant of Probate - Usually 8-12 weeks after application
• Send probate to all banks - With instructions to close accounts or transfer
• Banks release funds - Usually 2-4 weeks after receiving probate
• Transfer to estate account - Open executor account for managing estate

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Problem: Can't Find All Bank Accounts

Solution:

• Use My Lost Account service (free, searches all UK banks and building societies)
• Check last tax return for interest from unknown accounts
• Search email for bank correspondence if you have access to deceased's email
• Contact credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) - credit reports list all accounts
• Check direct debits on known accounts - may reveal other banks used for payments

Problem: Bank Won't Release Funeral Payment

Solution:

• Check bank's specific release limit (some only allow £5,000, others £50,000)
• Ensure you've provided itemised funeral invoice, not just estimate
• Submit proof you paid from your own funds (your bank statement showing payment)
• Ask to speak to bereavement team manager if frontline staff refuse
• If account balance is insufficient, use funds from joint account or claim from multiple banks

Problem: Account Frozen But Bills Need Paying

Solution:

• Pay urgent bills from your own funds - reclaim later from estate
• Ask bank to pay specific bills directly from frozen account (they may agree for utilities, mortgage)
• Apply for funeral payment release even if only to cover bills, not funeral costs
• Use funds from joint account if deceased was joint holder (but track carefully)
• For small estates, request immediate release if total under bank's probate threshold

Problem: Bank Lost Death Certificate

Solution:

• This is why you should order 5-10 certificates during registration
• Order replacement certified copies from Register Office (£15 each, more expensive than during registration)
• Send by recorded delivery and keep tracking receipt
• Hand-deliver to branch and ask staff to certify they've received it
• Some banks now accept digital death certificates from Tell Us Once service

Problem: Multiple Executors Can't Agree

Solution:

• Most decisions require unanimous agreement from all executors when multiple appointed
• Banks typically require all executors to sign authority forms before releasing funds
• Consider mediation if executors disagree about account handling or distribution
• One executor can renounce (give up executor role) if they don't want involvement
• In serious disputes, court can remove an executor or appoint independent administrator

Problem: Overseas Bank Accounts

Solution:

• Notify international banks immediately - use international bereavement contacts
• Some countries require local probate (like USA, France, Spain) - UK probate may not be enough
• Check if double taxation treaties apply to foreign accounts and inheritance
• Include foreign account values in UK probate application (all worldwide assets must be declared)
• Seek specialist international probate advice if significant foreign assets (over £50,000)

Bank-Specific Bereavement Contacts

Major UK banks have dedicated bereavement teams. Contact details (as of 2025):

Barclays

• Phone: 0800 400 100
• Online: barclays.co.uk/help/bereavement
• Funeral release: Up to £50,000

HSBC

• Phone: 0800 085 2580
• Online: hsbc.co.uk/bereavement
• Funeral release: Up to £50,000

Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland)

• Phone: 0800 085 2404
• Online: lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/bereavements
• Funeral release: Up to £50,000

NatWest Group (NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank)

• Phone: 0800 404 8172
• Online: natwest.com/life-events/bereavement
• Funeral release: Up to £25,000

Santander

• Phone: 0800 389 7399
• Online: santander.co.uk/personal/support/bereavement
• Funeral release: Up to £50,000

Nationwide Building Society

• Phone: 0800 30 30 30
• Online: nationwide.co.uk/help/bereavement
• Funeral release: Up to £50,000

TSB

• Phone: 0345 835 3858
• Online: tsb.co.uk/bereavement-support
• Funeral release: Up to £30,000

Metro Bank

• Phone: 0345 08 08 500
• Online: metrobankonline.co.uk/help/bereavement
• Funeral release: Case by case

Related Guides

• Complete Checklist: Who to Inform After a Death in the UK - Full list of all organisations to notify, not just banks
• What Documents Do I Need for Probate? Complete UK Checklist - All documents needed from banks and other institutions for probate
• Estate Administration Checklist: Complete Executor's Guide UK - Full process from notifying banks through to distributing the estate
• How to Register a Death in the UK: Complete Step-by-Step Guide - Register the death and get death certificates needed for banks
• How to Apply for Probate in the UK: Complete DIY Guide 2025 - Apply for probate grant needed to access frozen bank accounts

Next Steps After Notifying Banks

Once you've notified all banks and received account valuations:

1. Notify all other organisations - Use our complete who to inform checklist covering HMRC, DWP, DVLA, pensions, insurance, utilities, and more
2. Value all estate assets - Get valuations for property, investments, pensions, possessions, vehicles
3. List all liabilities - Mortgages, loans, credit cards, utility bills, tax owed
4. Calculate inheritance tax - Total estate value minus debts, apply nil rate bands
5. Apply for probate - Use our complete probate application guide
6. Close accounts and distribute - Once probate granted, close bank accounts and distribute to beneficiaries

Notifying banks is one of the first critical steps in estate administration. Acting quickly protects the estate from fraud, secures assets for beneficiaries, and allows you to access funds for immediate expenses. Take it step by step, keep detailed records, and don't hesitate to ask banks for help through their bereavement teams.