How to Get Money Out of a Deceased Monzo Bank Account

Dealing with a deceased Monzo bank account presents a unique challenge that families and executors rarely anticipate: Monzo is an app-only bank with no branches and no traditional high-street presence, yet it holds real money and real accounts that form part of a deceased person’s estate. The good news is that Monzo does have a dedicated process for bereavement cases and a public telephone number — 0800 802 1281 — though the primary route for notifying the bank is by email. This guide explains exactly how to access a deceased Monzo account, what documents you will need, how much money can be released without probate, and what to do if the executor does not have access to the deceased’s phone or biometrics.

How to Notify Monzo of a Death

The primary way to notify Monzo of a bereavement is by email to [email protected]. When sending the initial email, use the subject line “Bereavement notification” to ensure your message is routed to the correct team promptly. In your email, include the deceased’s full name, date of birth, and any account or card details you have access to. Monzo will then respond with instructions on what documentation to provide and how to proceed.

Monzo also has a public telephone number — 0800 802 1281 — which can be used to speak with its support team. However, because Monzo operates entirely through its app, many bereavement processes are managed digitally, and the email route often results in faster handling of documentation.

At the time of writing, Monzo’s coverage through the Death Notification Service is uncertain. We recommend confirming current participation directly with Monzo before relying on it as your sole notification method. If you hold accounts at multiple banks, our estate administration guide explains how to manage multiple institution notifications efficiently.

Documents You Will Need

Monzo’s documentation requirements are broadly similar to those of traditional banks, but the submission process is digital rather than postal. You will typically need to provide the following:

• Death certificate — a scanned or photographed copy of the original certificate is usually accepted by Monzo for initial processing
• Proof of your identity — a passport or driving licence and evidence of your address
• Evidence of your authority to act — a Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration, or evidence that you are the next of kin for smaller estates
• The deceased’s account details — email address associated with the Monzo account, full name, and date of birth

For estates requiring a Grant of Probate, the GOV.UK probate application page provides full guidance. Curtis Legal’s probate solicitors can manage this application on your behalf, including liaising with Monzo’s bereavement team throughout the process.

Releasing Funds for Funeral Costs

Monzo will generally consider releasing funds to cover verified funeral costs even where the estate’s total value has not yet been established. If you have a funeral director’s invoice, contact Monzo via [email protected] with the subject “Bereavement notification” and attach the invoice along with the death certificate. Monzo’s team will advise on whether a direct payment to the funeral director can be arranged or whether reimbursement to the executor is the appropriate route.

Because Monzo operates entirely digitally, there is no branch to visit and no in-person verification process. All communication is handled remotely, which means having clear, well-documented email correspondence is particularly important. Keep copies of all emails, attachments, and Monzo’s responses throughout the process. Understanding probate costs early allows executors to budget effectively.

The Grant of Probate Threshold at Monzo

Monzo operates a three-tier system for deciding whether a Grant of Probate is required for a deceased Monzo bank account — more nuanced than the flat threshold used by most traditional banks:

• Under £5,000: funds can be released without probate on production of a death certificate and proof of identity
• £5,000 to £50,000: Monzo reviews each case individually and may or may not require probate depending on the circumstances
• Over £50,000: a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is required before any funds can be released

The middle tier is particularly significant. If the balance falls between £5,000 and £50,000, Monzo’s decision will depend on factors including the complexity of the estate, the claimant’s relationship to the deceased, and whether there are any competing claims. In practice, executors in this bracket should be prepared to provide additional documentation and allow more time for the review process.

When Probate Is Required

For Monzo accounts with a balance exceeding £50,000, a sealed Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no Will) is required before funds can be released. The Grant of Probate process involves submitting a probate application to the Probate Registry, along with the original Will (if any), a completed inheritance tax return, and the applicable court fee.

Once the grant is issued, you submit it to Monzo digitally — a scanned copy of the sealed grant is typically accepted, though Monzo may request the original in some circumstances. The bank will then process the account closure and transfer funds to the executor’s nominated account.

If the estate is also subject to inheritance tax, the IHT400 form must be submitted to HMRC before the probate application can proceed. Visit our probate solicitors page to understand how we can move things forward as efficiently as possible.

Joint Accounts and Sole Accounts

Monzo does offer joint accounts, and the principle of survivorship applies. When one joint account holder dies, the surviving holder automatically inherits the full balance. The surviving account holder should notify Monzo via email with the death certificate, after which Monzo will update the account to reflect sole ownership. No probate is required for a joint account regardless of the balance held.

Sole Monzo accounts form part of the deceased’s estate in the usual way. The three-tier threshold system described above applies to sole accounts. Where the account is to be closed and the balance transferred to the estate, all correspondence must come from the executor or administrator — a next of kin who is not named as executor has no legal authority to deal with a sole account unless appointed by the court.

Monzo is FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected, meaning deposits of up to £85,000 per person are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in the event of bank failure.

The Challenge of App-Only Access and the Deceased’s Device

One of the most common difficulties executors face with a deceased Monzo account is not having access to the deceased’s phone or biometric authentication. Because Monzo’s interface is entirely app-based, logging into the account directly is not possible without the deceased’s device, PIN, or Face ID — and attempting to do so could raise security concerns.

Executors should not attempt to access the deceased’s Monzo account directly through the app. Instead, the entire process is managed through Monzo’s bereavement team via email. You do not need access to the deceased’s device to notify Monzo, to submit documentation, or to receive a transfer of funds. Monzo’s team can locate the account using the deceased’s name, date of birth, and email address associated with the account.

If you know the deceased’s email address but cannot access their inbox, you may need to provide additional evidence of your authority to act. A Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is the strongest evidence available and will resolve most access questions quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Deceased Monzo Bank Account

Managing a deceased Monzo bank account is manageable with the right guidance, but the app-only nature of the bank and its three-tier threshold system add complexity that can trip up even experienced executors. Simon Jenkins (SRA 167489), principal solicitor at Curtis Legal, provides same-day callbacks for families and executors who need immediate, practical advice. Whether you need help establishing whether probate is required or want a solicitor to handle the entire administration, we are here to help. Call us now on 0800 214 216 to speak with a specialist today.