Dealing with a deceased person’s bank accounts can be a daunting administrative hurdle while grieving. The process generally involves three core steps:

1. notifying the banks to freeze the account
2. gathering legal authority (like a Grant of Probate)
3. settling the estate’s debts before distributing the remaining funds.

Navigating a loved one’s finances after they pass away is rarely the easiest task to tackle while grieving, but it is one of the most important. As an executor, administrator, or next of kin, taking the right steps with banks and building societies is crucial to prevent fraud and ensure the estate is settled correctly.

This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know about dealing with banks for a deceased person in the UK.

1. Notify the Banks Immediately

Your first priority should be informing the bank of the death. Once notified, the bank will freeze sole accounts to prevent any unauthorized withdrawals or fraudulent activity, and all direct debits and standing orders will be stopped.

You don’t need to call every single bank individually if the institutions use the Death Notification Service. This free, centralized platform allows you to notify multiple major UK banks and financial institutions at once, including:

• Barclays
• NatWest
• HSBC
• Lloyds Bank
• Santander

2. Gather the Necessary Documentation

Before a bank can release funds, close accounts, or transfer money, they will need specific documents to verify who you are and your legal right to handle the deceased’s finances. You will typically need to provide:

• The Death Certificate: It is highly recommended to order 5 to 10 copies when you register the death, as most organizations require one.
• Proof of your identity: Such as your passport or driving licence.
• Proof of authority: If you are the executor of a will, you’ll need the Grant of Probate. If there is no will, you will need Letters of Administration.

3. Understanding Joint vs. Sole Accounts

How the bank handles the money depends on how the accounts were held:

• Joint Accounts: If the account was in joint names, it typically continues in the name of the surviving account holder. The bank will still need to be informed, but the surviving person usually keeps full access to the funds.
• Sole Accounts: Sole accounts are frozen. The funds become part of the deceased’s estate and cannot be accessed until probate or letters of administration have been granted.

4. Releasing Funds for Funeral Costs

Many families worry about how to cover funeral costs if the deceased’s bank accounts are immediately frozen. Fortunately, many banks have a discretionary “small estates” policy. Many UK banks will release between £5,000 and up to £50,000 directly to cover funeral expenses before probate is granted, provided you supply the invoice and the death certificate.

5. Settling Debts and Opening an Estate Account

Once the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration are issued, the bank will allow you to access the funds to pay off any outstanding debts and taxes owed by the deceased.
Executors often find it useful to open a separate “estate account” with a bank or building society. This helps you safely collect incoming funds (like the sale of assets) and pay off credit cards, mortgages, or utility bills in an organized manner.

Useful Resources

If you are unsure where the deceased held their accounts or need help tracking down dormant funds, you can use the My Lost Account search service. For comprehensive step-by-step guidance on registering the death with government bodies as well, consult the official GOV.UK Tell Us Once Service.

The British Banking Association (BBA) has established the Bereavement Principles which many of the financial institutions in the UK have signed up to. At a high level these principles include:

• Treat customers with respect and compassion following a bereavement
• Provide access to practical information and to sign post customers to other external sources of help
• Respond quickly to suppress marketing following the death of a customer
• Ensure all departments are notified of a customer’s death, and provide a point of contact
• Support grieving customers to meet individual needs, working to resolve any issues quickly and to keep customers updated
• Plan to consistently offer the best possible service for customers who are bereaved