Bereavement Support
We understand that losing someone close to you is an emotional time. Sorting money and documents can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help make this as easy and as simple as possible.
How to let us know
If you're the next of kin, you can let us know by phone or post, so feel free to choose what's most comfortable for you.
For credit cards, loans and savings accounts
Call to speak to one of our dedicated advisors on:
0345 071 6153
(Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
Or if you'd prefer to write to us:
Freepost Tesco Bank Estates Team, PO Box 27009, Glasgow G2 9EZ
For car or home insurance polices
Call to speak to one of our dedicated advisors on:
0345 030 7006
(Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
Or if you'd prefer to write to us:
Freepost Tesco Bank Bereavement Support Team, PO Box 276, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 2BT
What happens to the account
See what happens to the account after you've contacted us.
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozenThe account(s) will be frozen
- Any cards will be blockedAny 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 card holders will no longer be able to use their card and must apply for a new account to continue using Tesco Bank.
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozenThe 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 openThe account will remain open
- Any regular payments (such as direct debits and standing orders) will continueAny 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 frozenThe account(s) will be frozen
- No further transactions can be madeNo further transactions can be made
- The account will continue to earn interest until closureThe account will continue to earn interest until closure
However, if the account is a joint account:
- The account will remain openThe account will remain open
- You can access the account as normalYou can access the account as normal
If we are notified of the death of the main policyholder:
- The policy will remain in place for a period of time dependent on your circumstancesThe policy will remain in place for a period of time dependent on your circumstances
- Any named drivers on the policy are still covered to driveAny named drivers on the policy are still covered to drive
- We'll discuss options for continuing your cover when you get in touchWe'll discuss options for continuing your cover when you get in touch
If you need to drive a policyholder's vehicle bur are not currently insured on the policy, please call us and we can discuss adding you as a named driver. This will be subject to cost and eligibility.
If we are notified if the death of a named driver:
- The named driver will be removed from the policyThe named driver will be removed from the policy
If we are notified of the death of the main policy holder:
- The policy will remain in place for a period of time dependent on your circumstances, we will discuss this when you contact us.The policy will remain in place for a period of time dependent on your circumstances, we will discuss this when you contact us.
If we are notified of the death of a joint policy holder:
- The policy will continueThe policy will continue
- The joint policyholder will be removed from the policyThe joint policyholder will be removed from the policy
If an insured property is unoccupied or becomes unoccupied at any time, it's important to let us know so we can make sure the cover is still valid.
When we are notified of the account holder's death:
- The account(s) will be frozenThe account(s) will be frozen
- No further transactions can be madeNo further transactions can be made
- If the account earns interest it will continue until closureIf the account earns interest it will continue until closure
If your spouse/civil partner has passed 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 will be able to 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 will be able to discuss your options.
- Alternatively you can take over the allowance using the Additional Permitted Subscription. You will be able to transfer over this allowance to your instant access ISA with Tesco Bank or to another ISA provider who accepts this allowance.Alternatively you can take over the allowance using the Additional Permitted Subscription. You will be able to transfer over this allowance to your instant access ISA with Tesco Bank or to another ISA provider who accepts this allowance.
If we are notified of the death of a child account holder:
- The account(s) will be frozenThe account(s) will be frozen
- No further transactions can be madeNo further transactions can be made
- If the account earns interest it will continue until closureIf the account earns interest it will continue until closure
- Any credit funds will be paid to the Executor or beneficiary as appropriateAny 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 activeThe account will remain active
- Further transactions can be madeFurther transactions can be made
- Interest will continue to accrueInterest will continue to accrue
Once the appropriate evidence is received, then a new registered contact can be added to the account.
Documents we may need
When you contact us we'll let you know what documents we need. It might include some of the following:
- Original death certificate or original coroner's interim certificate if applicable - or 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 required will depend on the account circumstances.
- Copy of the Will
- The Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration or Certificate of Confirmation, 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 you're unsure what any of these terms mean, you can check our Bereavement Glossary
Other steps to consider, in order
This checklist will help guide you on what you need to do when someone has died.
First you will need to register the death using a medical certificate issued to you by the hospital. Where possible, 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 from government website.
Once you've registered the death, you can start arranging the funeral. You can choose to do this yourself or you can pay a funeral director to do it for you. You can find more advice on the government pages for arranging a funeral or you can see 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 identified as part of a Will, but if there isn't a Will the next of kin usually becomes the administrator of the deceased's estate.
Next, you’ll need to notify any companies or organisations that has business with the person who has passed away. This can include banks, energy suppliers and government bodies. We’ve made it easy to let us know by phone or post.
If this feels too difficult, there are services that can notify companies for you (Please note: 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 organisation in one goThe government’s Tell Us Once service will notify most government organisation in one go
- The Bereavement Register will reduce any unwanted direct mail addressed to the person who’s diedThe 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 onceThe Death Notification Service is a free service that can notify a number of organisations at once
You can find out how to let us know above.
To do this, you may need a Grant of Probate in England and Wales, or 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.
If you're unsure about what anything means, you can check our Bereavement Glossary
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.