Losing someone is hard enough without a pile of admin on top. This page explains, in plain steps, how to tell Starling Bank that someone has died, what they will ask for and what happens next. Starling is an app-based bank. It has partnered with a free service called Settld, which can notify Starling and some other providers together.
At a glance
- Bereavement team: 020 7930 4450 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Online: the Starling app, or the free Settld service
- Death Notification Service: Not a member; notify them directly
- Grant of probate usually needed above: £10,000
- Official page: https://www.starlingbank.com/faq/customer-support/bereavement/
How to tell Starling Bank
You can notify Starling Bank by phone or using the Starling app, or the free Settld service. 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.
Starling Bank is not part of the Death Notification Service, so notify it directly using the details above. If you are dealing with several providers at once, a free service called Settld can notify some of them together.
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 Starling Bank asks for it.
What happens after you tell them
Once Starling Bank has what it needs, it will freeze the accounts, stop any cards and explain how the money is dealt with. Starling usually asks for a grant of probate above around £10,000, and can often release smaller balances without one. Confirm the current figure with the team. 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: 020 7930 4450 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
- Online: the Starling app, or the free Settld service
- Post: Bereavement Team, Starling Bank, 5th Floor, London Fruit and Wool Exchange, 1 Duval Square, London E1 6PW
- Official bereavement page: https://www.starlingbank.com/faq/customer-support/bereavement/
Common questions
Do I need probate to close a Starling Bank account?
Starling usually asks for a grant of probate above around £10,000, and can often release smaller balances without one. Confirm the current figure with the team.
Can I notify Starling Bank and other banks at once?
Starling Bank is not currently part of the Death Notification Service, so notify it directly. A free service called Settld can help you notify several providers together.
Who can report the death?
Anyone can make the first contact. Starling 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.
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Last reviewed June 2026. Details such as phone numbers and thresholds can change, so please confirm with Starling Bank on its official page before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Source: https://www.starlingbank.com/faq/customer-support/bereavement/
