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

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

1. Contact Ulster Bank

   Call the dedicated bereavement line on 0800 232 1112 or use the online bereavement page. Ulster Bank operates in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland — ensure you contact the correct entity.

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

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

4. Supply the grant of probate or letters of administration

   Provide a certified copy of the grant of probate (in England and Wales) or letters of administration once obtained. In Northern Ireland, probate is granted by the Probate Registry of the High Court.

5. Funds released and accounts closed

   Ulster Bank will release funds and close all accounts once all documents are received. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks.

What documents does Ulster 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 Ulster Bank take?

Ulster 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 Ulster Bank

Ulster 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 Ulster 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 Ulster Bank?

Once Ulster 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.

Ulster 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.

What cannot wait