How to Notify Metro Bank of a Death: Bank Bereavement Guide 2026

How to notify Metro Bank of a death — step by step

1. Contact Metro Bank

   Call 0203 824 4815 (available Mon–Sun 8am–8pm) or use the online bereavement support page. Metro Bank operates branches across England and Wales and can handle all notifications in-branch or by phone.

2. Provide the death certificate and account details

   You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the account number from any correspondence, and your own ID and contact details.

3. Accounts frozen

   Metro Bank will freeze the deceased's accounts on notification. Direct debits and standing orders will be stopped.

4. Supply the grant of probate

   Once probate has been granted, provide a certified copy to Metro Bank to authorise you to deal with the accounts.

5. Funds released and accounts closed

   Metro Bank will release funds and close all accounts. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks from receiving all documents.

What documents does Metro Bank need?

• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Grant of probate or letters of administration (when available)
• The executor's or administrator's ID (passport or driving licence)
• The executor's or administrator's proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within 3 months)
• Account numbers or bank statements if known

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.

How long does Metro Bank take?

Metro Bank 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.

Using the Death Notification Service for Metro Bank

Metro Bank 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 Metro Bank 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.

What happens after you notify Metro Bank?

Once Metro Bank 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.

Metro Bank 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. Once the grant is in hand, you can proceed to close the deceased's bank account and release funds to the estate.

What cannot wait