Bank accounts · United Kingdom
Barclays account process
Barclays runs a dedicated bereavement team that can be reached by phone or through an online notification form; a branch visit is not normally required. Accounts are typically frozen once notified and stay restricted until the estate is administered.
Independent educational guide. BeforeHand is not affiliated with Barclays. Confirm current requirements through the official source.
What to prepare
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Your own photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
- Proof of your address
- Grant of probate or letters of administration, if already issued (not required to start notification)
- The deceased's Barclays account details, if known
Step-by-step process
- Contact the Barclays bereavement team by phone or through its online notification service.
- Provide the death certificate and your identification as requested.
- Ask whether Barclays' membership in the Death Notification Service can notify other UK banks and building societies at the same time.
- Confirm which accounts will be frozen immediately versus kept open for essential payments.
- Track the estate reference and wait for confirmation once accounts are transferred, paid out, or closed.
What to arrange in advance
Keep a record of Barclays account numbers, joint-account status, and any financial power-of-attorney arrangements. A power of attorney ends at death, so separate estate authority (a grant of probate or letters of administration) will still be needed to administer the account.
Official source
Provider processes change. Use the official page below for current forms, channels, and documentation requirements.
Barclays — What to do when someone dies →