Dealing with bereavement

The death of someone close is always a difficult time. Dealing with practical matters and making important financial decisions can seem overwhelming when you’re experiencing grief. We’re here to support you through the steps and decisions you will have to make.

If you need to let us know that someone has passed away and that you'll be managing their AlRayan Bank accounts, this page explains the process and what we'll need from you.

What do I need to do?

There are a few important steps to follow - you may have already completed some of these.

Step 1: Register the death

You'll need to register the death before most financial matters can be handled.

  • In England and Wales: within 5 days
  • In Scotland: within 8 days

You can find your nearest register office at www.gov.uk/register-a-death. You'll receive a death certificate, which is needed to manage the person's accounts — it's often helpful to request multiple copies.

Step 2: Gather important documents

If available, gather:

  • Birth certificate
  • NHS number or medical card
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • Driving licence
  • Proof of address

Step 3: Tell other organisations

You'll need to notify:

  • Banks and financial providers
  • Government organisations (such as HMRC, DVLA, Passport Office)
  • Local services (such as council tax and electoral services)

Step 4: Let us know

You can tell us about a bereavement in any of the following ways:

  • Digital Banking (for joint account holders) - send us a secure message
  • Email: bereavementteam@alrayanbank.co.uk
  • Post: Account Services Team, AlRayan Bank, PO Box 8177, London, W1A 8DN

Once we've been notified, we'll guide you through the next steps.

Documents you'll need

For sole accounts, you'll usually need:

  • Death Certificate (original or certified copy)
  • A request from the executor to close the account
  • ID and proof of address original or certified copy (if the executor isn't an existing customer)

In some cases, we may also ask for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, or the Will. You'll also need to provide details of the account where funds should be sent.

For joint accounts

  • A Death Certificate is required

ISA accounts

  • ISA funds can remain tax-free for up to 3 years
  • After this, they must be transferred to a non-ISA account
  • An Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) may be available through another provider. 

Important: we can't share account details until we receive the Death Certificate and required identification, and all documents must be correctly certified.

What happens next?

Once we receive notification:

  • The account will be restricted, meaning there will be no access to online banking and no withdrawals or transfers into or out of the account.
  • We'll contact the executor to confirm what we need

Once all documents are approved:

  • The account can be closed
  • Funds will be released to the executor

We'll keep you updated by email.

How long will it take?

Timescales vary depending on the account and documents provided. Once everything has been verified, funds are usually released within 3–5 working days.

In some cases, we may be able to release funds early - for example, for funeral costs - with supporting documents.

Quick tips

  • Request multiple death certificates to avoid delays
  • Make sure documents are properly certified
  • Don't withdraw funds before speaking to us
  • Provide executor details as early as possible
  • Be aware of the 3-year ISA time limit

Need help?

If you have any questions or would like an update, email bereavementteam@alrayanbank.co.uk

Frequently asked questions