Notify the bank and building society After a Death | Funeral Directory
5 Step 5 of 18

Notify the bank and building society

As soon as possible after registration

Contact the person's bank to let them know. Most banks have a dedicated bereavement team. They will freeze the account and guide you through accessing funds for funeral costs.

Most banks have a bereavement helpline — you can usually find the number on their website. They will need a copy of the death certificate.

Joint accounts usually continue to operate, but the bank needs to update the account to a sole name.

Sole accounts will be frozen. The bank may release funds for funeral costs before probate is granted, if you provide a funeral director's invoice.

If the person had savings, ISAs, or investments, you will need to contact each provider separately.

What you will need

  • A death certificate (or certified copy)
  • The person's bank account details
  • The funeral director's invoice (if requesting early release of funds)
30 minutes per bank

Some families use a notification service to contact multiple organisations at once, rather than making each call separately

Learn about notification services
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