Barclays bereavement: how to notify them when someone dies.
Telling Barclays takes one phone call or an online form. Here is exactly what they ask for, so you can do it once.
At a glance
Choose option 2 to reach a dedicated bereavement adviser.
Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm
Step by step for Barclays
- 1
Register the death
Register at a local register office and order several certified copies of the death certificate — banks each want to see one.
- 2
Gather what Barclays needs
The death certificate, photo ID for yourself, and any account or sort code details you can find.
- 3
Notify Barclays
Use the online form or call 0800 068 2238 and choose option 2. You will be given a reference number starting BRV — keep it for all later contact.
- 4
Barclays takes it from there
They freeze the accounts, send an account settlement form, and guide you through releasing the funds. One call also covers Barclaycard.
Documents Barclays needs
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Photo ID for yourself (the person dealing with the estate)
- The deceased's account or sort code details, if you have them
- A completed account settlement form (Barclays send this to you)
- Grant of probate — only if the balance is above their threshold
What happens after you tell Barclays.
Barclays sets its own threshold. The bereavement team confirms whether a grant of probate is needed once they can see the balance, so ask them when you call.
Accounts are frozen as soon as you notify them. The team works through releasing funds with you using your BRV reference, case by case.
Joint accounts move into the surviving holder's sole name once Barclays is notified, and day-to-day banking continues. Any loans, overdrafts or Barclaycard balances are repaid from the deceased's accounts first. Tesco Bank and Barclays Partner Finance are part of the group but must be told separately.
Full contact details.
Bereavement Service Centre Barclays Bank UK PLC PO Box 1495, Pallion Trading Estate Sunderland SR5 9YB
Common questions about Barclays.
Not always. Barclays sets a threshold and the bereavement team confirms whether a grant is needed once they see the balance. Small, straightforward accounts can often be settled without one.
Once you have notified Barclays, the account is changed into the surviving holder's sole name. You can keep using it for day-to-day banking throughout.
Yes. One call to 0800 068 2238 notifies the whole Barclays Group, including Barclaycard, Business and Wealth. Tesco Bank and Barclays Partner Finance are separate and must be contacted directly.