Bereavement support
We understand how difficult it is when you lose someone close to you. Sorting out financial matters can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help make things as straightforward as possible for you.
How to let us know when someone passes away
If you're the next of kin, you can inform us by phone or post, whichever feels most comfortable for you.
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Call to speak to one of our dedicated advisors |
Contact details |
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Lines are open Monday - Friday 8am - 9pm |
Or if you'd prefer to write to us:
Freepost Tesco Bank Estates Team, PO Box 27009, Glasgow G2 9EZ
What happens to the account after you contact us?
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozen.The account(s) will be frozen.
- Any cards will be blocked.Any cards will be blocked.
- Interest and fees are frozen - any interest or charges applied after the date of their death will be refunded.Interest and fees are frozen - any interest or charges applied after the date of their death will be refunded.
Additional cardholders will no longer be able to use their card and must apply for a new account to stay with us.
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozen.The account(s) will be frozen.
- A settlement figure is calculated, and interest will only be charged up to the date of their death.A settlement figure is calculated, and interest will only be charged up to the date of their death.
However, if the account is a joint account:
- The account will remain open.The account will remain open.
- Any regular payments (such as Direct Debits and standing orders) will continue.Any regular payments (such as Direct Debits and standing orders) will continue.
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozen.The account(s) will be frozen.
- No further transactions can be made.No further transactions can be made.
- The account will continue to earn interest until closure.The account will continue to earn interest until closure.
However, if the account is a joint account:
- The account will remain open.The account will remain open.
- You can access the account as normal.You can access the account as normal.
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozen.The account(s) will be frozen.
- No further transactions can be made.No further transactions can be made.
- If the account earns interest this will continue until closure.If the account earns interest this will continue until closure.
If your spouse/civil partner has died and holds a Tesco Bank ISA:
- You may be eligible to add their remaining tax-free allowance to a new or existing ISA. You can speak to an estate representative who can discuss your options.You may be eligible to add their remaining tax-free allowance to a new or existing ISA. You can speak to an estate representative who can discuss your options.
- Alternatively, you can take over the allowance using the Additional Permitted Subscription. You can transfer this allowance to your instant access ISA with Tesco Bank or another ISA provider that accepts this allowance.Alternatively, you can take over the allowance using the Additional Permitted Subscription. You can transfer this allowance to your instant access ISA with Tesco Bank or another ISA provider that accepts this allowance.
If we are notified of the death of a child account holder:
- The account(s) will be frozen.The account(s) will be frozen.
- No further transactions can be made.No further transactions can be made.
- If the account earns interest, this will continue until closure.If the account earns interest, this will continue until closure.
- Any credit funds will be paid to the Executor or beneficiary as appropriate.Any credit funds will be paid to the Executor or beneficiary as appropriate.
If we are notified of the death of a registered contact (parent or guardian):
- The account will remain active.The account will remain active.
- Further transactions can be made.Further transactions can be made.
- Interest will continue to be earned.Interest will continue to be earned.
Once we’ve received the necessary documentation, a new registered contact can be added to the account.
Documents we may need
When you contact us to inform us about a death, we'll let you know what documents we need. This might include some of the following:
- Original death certificate or original coroner's interim certificate. Alternatively, we may be able to check the electronic general register 10 days after the death has been registered.Original death certificate or original coroner's interim certificate. Alternatively, we may be able to check the electronic general register 10 days after the death has been registered.
- Authority to close instruction, signed by all named Executors or next of kin. The form we require will depend on the account circumstances.Authority to close instruction, signed by all named Executors or next of kin. The form we require will depend on the account circumstances.
- A copy of the willA copy of the will
- The Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration or Certificate of Confirmation. This only applies if the total value of the account(s) is more than £50,000 and they're held in the sole name of the person who's died.The Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration or Certificate of Confirmation. This only applies if the total value of the account(s) is more than £50,000 and they're held in the sole name of the person who's died.
If you don't know or are unsure what any of these terms mean, you can check our Bereavement Glossary for explanations.
Other things to consider when someone dies
First, you’ll need to register the death using a medical certificate issued to you by the hospital. Where possible, you should do this at the local register office of the person who has died. This needs to be done within five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and within eight days in Scotland.
You can find out more about this process, as well as the documents you need, on the UK government’s website.
Once you've registered the death, you can start arranging the funeral. You can do this yourself or you can pay a funeral director to do it for you. You can get advice about arranging a funeral at gov.uk, and you can also find out if you're eligible for help with funeral costs.
Executors, or personal representatives, will be those responsible for carrying out the wishes of the person who has died. These are often named in the will. If there isn't a will, then the next of kin usually becomes the administrator of the deceased's estate.
Next, you’ll need to notify any companies or organisations that have business with the person who has passed away. This can include banks, energy suppliers and government bodies. We’ve made it easy for you to inform us by phone or post.
If this feels too difficult, some services can notify companies for you.
Please remember, we can only take notification from the next of kin, or a solicitor acting on their behalf:
- The government’s Tell Us Once service will notify most government organisations in one goThe government’s Tell Us Once service will notify most government organisations in one go
- The Bereavement Register will reduce any unwanted direct mail addressed to the person who’s died
- The Death Notification Service is a free service that can notify a number of organisations at once
To do this, you may need a Grant of Probate in England and Wales or a Confirmation in Scotland. This will allow you to legally manage bills, close accounts, deal with inheritance tax and pay for any funeral costs.
The government’s applying for probate page will guide you through the process.
You can also check the government’s bereavement support payment service to see if you’re entitled to any financial help.
External Support
Citizens Advice
Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on your rights and responsibilities.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
Money Helper
A government-approved online advice service, providing impartial advice on money and pensions.