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.
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When someone dies, notifying PayPal 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 PayPal takes to process a bereavement notification.
PayPal bereavement contact details
Online: PayPal — closing a deceased relative's account
Email: bereavement@paypal.co.uk
Last verified: June 2026
Spotted a change? Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.
Email bereavement@paypal.co.uk or use the online guidance to report the death and request closure of the PayPal account. PayPal handles bereavement by email rather than a dedicated phone line.
You will need a copy of the death certificate and the email address associated with the PayPal account. PayPal may also require your own ID.
If there is a remaining balance in the PayPal account, the executor can request a withdrawal to the estate's bank account. PayPal may require probate documentation for this.
If the deceased had a PayPal Credit balance, this becomes a debt of the estate. Notify PayPal of the death and the account will be frozen while the estate is administered.
PayPal will confirm account closure once all matters are resolved. The process typically takes 1–2 weeks.
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.
PayPal does not publish a processing time, so we do not give one. Ask when you notify them, and ask for a reference so you can chase it.
Accounts or services are usually frozen until the estate is administered, which means no new transactions can be authorised.
Once PayPal 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.
PayPal will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying PayPal
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 PayPal promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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