How to Notify NatWest When Someone Dies: A UK Guide

How to Notify NatWest When Someone Dies: A UK Guide

If you need to tell NatWest that someone has died, the fastest route is usually NatWest's online bereavement form. In many cases you can notify them before you have every document ready, then send extra paperwork later.

That matters because the first few days after a death are often a blur of phone calls, certificates and urgent decisions. A simple order of action helps.

What to do first

Start by checking whether the death has already been reported through the Death Notification Service. NatWest says this service can be used to tell several banks and building societies at the same time. If it has already been used, NatWest may not need a full duplicate notification straight away, but you may still need to send documents and wait for its next steps.

If it has not already been reported, use NatWest's online bereavement form. NatWest also offers webchat, phone and branch support, but the digital route is usually the quickest starting point.

What information NatWest usually asks for

Before you start, gather what you can. Do not panic if you do not have everything yet.

NatWest may ask for:

• your details and relationship to the person who died
• the deceased person's full name and account details, if known
• the date of death
• a death certificate or interim/coroner document
• a copy of the will, if there is one
• later, probate or confirmation documents if the estate needs them

NatWest guidance also says it can accept documents later if they are not available at the first submission. That is useful if you are still waiting on paperwork from the registrar or coroner.

NatWest's reference number matters

Once NatWest has the case, it assigns a BER reference number. Keep this. You may need it when sending documents, chasing progress or filling in account closure forms later.

A simple way to avoid delays is to save the reference in one place with:

• the date you notified NatWest
• the channel you used
• the documents already sent
• anything NatWest asked you to send next

If you are handling several institutions at once, this is exactly the kind of admin list that tools like GetPassage can help you keep in one place.

What happens to NatWest accounts after notification

This depends on the product and whether the account was in one name or joint names.

Sole accounts

NatWest says sole accounts are protected once it has been notified. In practice, that means money cannot usually move in or out in the normal way while the estate is being dealt with.

Joint accounts

NatWest says joint current or savings accounts are normally updated into the surviving account holder's name. The surviving person can usually continue using the account, although any overdraft or lending linked to it may be reviewed.

Credit cards and linked products

If the deceased was the main credit card holder, additional cards on that account may be cancelled. If the person had rewards or other linked products, NatWest may have separate deadlines or processes for claiming value that belongs to the estate.

Can NatWest release money before probate?

Sometimes, yes. This is one of the most important practical questions families ask.

NatWest says it may release money from the deceased person's account to pay certain costs before probate is granted, as long as the right evidence is provided.

Funeral costs

NatWest says it can pay funeral costs directly to the funeral company. This is usually done from the deceased person's funds rather than by reimbursing a family member later.

That distinction matters. If possible, ask the funeral director for an invoice that meets the bank's requirements before anyone pays out of pocket. NatWest's guidance says invoices should usually be itemised, show the deceased person's name and include payment details.

Inheritance Tax

NatWest also says it can pay Inheritance Tax directly to HMRC from the deceased person's account if the required form is provided. In practice, this normally means an IHT423 form.

Do not assume every bill can be paid this way. Banks usually have rules about what counts as an estate expense they can settle before probate.

Who NatWest needs to deal with

NatWest's bereavement guidance says the bank may need to speak to the closest next of kin, the executor or a solicitor before it can fully close the estate.

That means a relative or friend can often help start the notification, but the main estate decisions may still need to come from the person with legal authority.

If you are not sure who that person is, it is worth checking:

• whether there is a will naming an executor
• whether a solicitor is already acting
• whether the family needs to apply for letters of administration instead

For background on that difference, our guides on what probate is and grant of probate vs letters of administration can help.

How to send documents to NatWest

NatWest provides more than one document route, including digital options. Its guidance says documents can be sent by email, taken into branch, or posted, depending on the situation. Some customers may also be asked to complete identity checks digitally.

Common examples NatWest refers to include:

• death certificates, including some interim or overseas cases
• the will and any codicils
• grant of representation or Scottish confirmation, if required later
• proof of identity or address for the executor or next of kin

If the death happened abroad, extra certification or translation may be needed.

A simple step-by-step plan

1. Check if the Death Notification Service has already been used

If yes, avoid duplicating work unless NatWest asks you to.

2. Submit the NatWest bereavement notification

Use the online form if you can.

3. Save the BER reference number

You will likely need it again.

4. Send the documents you have now

Death certificate and will first, then anything else NatWest requests.

5. Ask about urgent payments

If funeral costs or HMRC tax payments need to be made from estate funds, ask NatWest what it needs.

6. Clarify account status

Find out what has happened to sole accounts, joint accounts, cards and direct debits.

7. Keep a follow-up date

If NatWest says it will contact you, make a note to chase if nothing arrives.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting for every document before making contact

In many cases, you can start the process sooner and send more later.

Losing the reference number

That slows down every future call or email.

Assuming joint and sole accounts are treated the same

They are not.

Paying funeral costs personally without checking the bank route

If the bank pays the funeral director directly, that can be easier than trying to recover the money later.

Final thought

NatWest bereavement cases are rarely just about one form. They usually involve account protection, document handling, urgent bills and probate timing. The simplest approach is to notify early, keep records, and deal with the estate in a clear sequence.

If you are also notifying other institutions, our guides on how to close a bank account when someone dies and how to get a death certificate in the UK may help you keep momentum.