Bank bereavement guide

Barclays bereavement number and how to notify them (UK)

Losing someone is hard enough without a pile of admin on top. This page explains, in plain steps, how to tell Barclays that someone has died, what they will ask for and what happens next.

At a glance
Barclays bereavement team
0800 068 2238
Choose option 2.
Notify Barclays online
Death Notification Service member. You can tell Barclays and other banks at once, see below.

How to tell Barclays

You can notify Barclays by phone or using an online bereavement form. You do not need every document ready before you get in touch. Tell them first, and they will explain exactly what to send and at what pace.

If the person banked with more than one provider, the free Death Notification Service lets you tell Barclays and other members in a single submission at deathnotificationservice.co.uk. The records are updated and the team gets in touch within about ten days.

Documents Barclays needs

The death certificate, or an interim certificate from the coroner.
Proof of who you are, such as a passport or driving licence.
The account details you have for the person who died.
The will if there is one, plus a grant of probate or letters of administration if Barclays asks for it.
Notify several banks at once

The free Death Notification Service

Barclays is a member. Tell them and other UK banks and building societies in one submission, then each one contacts you with their next steps.

deathnotificationservice.co.uk

For state services, HMRC, DWP and councils, use the government’s Tell Us Once service instead.

What happens after you tell Barclays

When probate is needed

£50,000

Typical timescale

Accounts are frozen as soon as you notify them. The team then works through releasing the funds with you, case by case.

Once Barclays has what it needs, it will freeze the accounts, stop any cards and explain how the money is dealt with. Barclays usually needs a grant of probate, confirmation or letters of administration when the person’s sole accounts total more than £50,000. Below that it can often release the money without one. The bereavement team will confirm what applies. Joint accounts usually pass to the surviving holder rather than counting towards this. Timescales vary, so ask the bereavement team what to expect for your situation.

Full contact details

Online
an online bereavement form

Common questions about Barclays

Do I need probate to close a Barclays account?

Barclays usually needs a grant of probate, confirmation or letters of administration when the person’s sole accounts total more than £50,000. Below that it can often release the money without one. The bereavement team will confirm what applies.

Can I notify Barclays and other banks at once?

Yes. Barclays is a member of the free Death Notification Service, so you can notify it and other member banks in one submission at deathnotificationservice.co.uk.

Who can report the death?

Anyone can make the first contact. Barclays can only release money to the person entitled to deal with the estate, usually the executor named in the will or the next of kin.

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Details can change. Always confirm with Barclays before acting. This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Sourced from their official bereavement page, www.barclays.co.uk/what-to-do-when-someone-dies.
Barclays bereavement number and how to notify them (UK)