Losing someone is hard enough without a pile of admin on top. This page explains, in plain steps, how to tell The Co-operative Bank that someone has died, what they will ask for and what happens next.
At a glance
- Bereavement team: 03457 212 212 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, weekends 9am to 5pm)
- Online: a bereavement instruction form
- Death Notification Service: Check when you get in touch
- Grant of probate usually needed above: £50,000
- Official page: https://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/help-and-support/financial-support/major-life-events/bereavement/
How to tell The Co-operative Bank
You can notify The Co-operative Bank by phone or using a bereavement instruction 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.
You may also be able to use the free Death Notification Service to tell several banks at once. Check whether The Co-operative Bank accepts it when you contact them, at deathnotificationservice.co.uk.
Documents you’ll usually need
- 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 The Co-operative Bank asks for it.
What happens after you tell them
Once The Co-operative Bank has what it needs, it will freeze the accounts, stop any cards and explain how the money is dealt with. The Co-operative Bank usually needs a grant of probate or letters of administration when the person’s accounts total more than £50,000. Smaller balances can sometimes be released without one, so ask the team about your situation. 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.
Contact details
- Phone: 03457 212 212 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, weekends 9am to 5pm)
- Online: a bereavement instruction form
- Post: Bereavement Team, PO Box 4931, Swindon SN4 4PL
- Official bereavement page: https://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/help-and-support/financial-support/major-life-events/bereavement/
Common questions
Do I need probate to close a The Co-operative Bank account?
The Co-operative Bank usually needs a grant of probate or letters of administration when the person’s accounts total more than £50,000. Smaller balances can sometimes be released without one, so ask the team about your situation.
Can I notify The Co-operative Bank and other banks at once?
Possibly. Check whether The Co-operative Bank accepts the free Death Notification Service when you contact them. The government’s Tell Us Once service separately covers state notifications such as benefits and tax.
Who can report the death?
Anyone can make the first contact. The Co-operative Bank 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.
You might also need
Last reviewed June 2026. Details such as phone numbers and thresholds can change, so please confirm with The Co-operative Bank on its official page before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Source: https://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/help-and-support/financial-support/major-life-events/bereavement/
