Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
When someone dies, notifying HSBC is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long HSBC takes to process a bereavement notification.
HSBC bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 085 2578 — Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat–Sun 8am–6pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: HSBC bereavement notification
Call 0800 085 2578 or use the online bereavement notification form. HSBC's team is available seven days a week, so you can get in touch at a time that suits you. You can also visit a branch with the death certificate if you prefer.
Have the certified death certificate ready, along with your own ID and proof of address. If you are the executor, having the grant of probate speeds things up, though HSBC will begin the process before probate is granted.
HSBC will place a hold on all sole accounts. Joint accounts are typically transferred to the surviving account holder automatically. Any HSBC mortgage, credit card, or loan will be reviewed separately by the relevant team.
Once you have the grant of probate (or letters of administration), submit a certified copy. HSBC will then confirm the full estate balance and provide an estate account statement.
HSBC will release funds to the estate account you designate and close all accounts. You will receive written confirmation. HSBC also offers an estate administration service if you need further support.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
HSBC typically takes 2–4 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised. Frozen bank accounts cannot send or receive money, so it is important to ensure the estate has an accessible source of funds for ongoing costs such as funeral expenses.
HSBC is a member of the Death Notification Service (DNS). The DNS lets you notify multiple banks and building societies at once, saving time if the deceased held accounts at several institutions. You can use the service online at deathnotificationservice.co.uk or by telephone on 0800 158 2227.
However, notification via the DNS is the first step only. You must still contact HSBC directly to close accounts, transfer funds, and release assets to the estate. The DNS does not replace the full bereavement process — it simply triggers an initial notification.
For more on services that help manage death administration, see our complete guide to UK death administration services.
Once HSBC receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
HSBC will write to you with a bereavement reference number and a list of the documents they require to proceed. At that stage you will need to provide the grant of probate (or letters of administration) along with certified copies of the death certificate before funds can be released to the estate.
Do not delay notifying HSBC
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying HSBC promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Barclays bereavement team: 0800 161 5195 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm). Notify by phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately — death certificate required. Step-by-step guide.
Lloyds bereavement team: 0800 096 8476 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–2pm). Phone or online notification. Accounts frozen on contact. Death certificate required upfront. Step-by-step guide.
NatWest bereavement team: 0800 161 5902 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm). Phone or online. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required. Full step-by-step guide.
Halifax bereavement team: 0800 096 8765 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm). Notify by phone or online form. Accounts frozen immediately. Death certificate required. Full guide for executors.
Santander bereavement team: 0800 389 6655 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–12pm). Phone or online. Accounts frozen on notification. Death certificate required. Step-by-step executor guide.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95