‘Third party access’ means letting someone you trust – a ‘third party’ use your current or savings account. It might be useful if you need someone to do your shopping for you, or if you need help with your day-to-day banking for a while, for example if you’re going into hospital.
This is how it works:
- Your third party will need to be over the age of 18 and a UK resident
- We’ll add your chosen person to your banking or savings accounts
- They will receive their own card & PIN
- They can access your account using Online and Mobile Banking, by phone and in branch. They'll have most of the same information and services you have
- They can manage payments such as Direct Debits and standing orders
We also have a handy factsheet (44 KB)
| Can be used if you: | Carers Card | Third party access | General Power of Attorney | Lasting Power of Attorney | Court of Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just need help with the small things, like shopping or getting cash. |  |  | | | |
| Are physically ill, injured or disabled. | | | | | |
| Need a little help with looking after your day-to-day banking, for a shorter period of time, but you don't want someone to make decisions for you. | | | | | |
| You will be abroad, and won't have access to your account (for example, travelling) | | | | | |
| Are preparing for when you'll be unable to make decisions, or want someone to start looking after all of your finances | | | | | |
| No longer have the mental capacity to make decisions, and someone needs to do this for you. | | | | | |
Please remember that if you add third party access to your account, you're still responsible for anything your chosen person does with it.
Third party access is just one of the ways we may be able to help you if you're worried about looking after your money now or later in life. There's more information on our supported banking pages.
If you’re experiencing a situation that’s affecting the way you manage your finances, it can be helpful to tell us so you don’t need to repeat yourself every time you speak to us.
Let us know by logging on to Mobile or Online Banking, start a chat and type in ‘tell us once’ and we’ll record it with your consent. Please visit our chat with us online page to learn more about our secure chat and how to access it.
You can also tell us in branch or over the phone by contacting us
For more detailed information, take a look at our dedicated accessibility page.
How do I register my third party?
- Your third party will need to be over the age of 18 and a UK resident
- You can only add a third party to an account held in your name
- A maximum of two third parties can be added
- You’ll need to provide proof of identity and proof of address for yourself and each third party
Tell us online
You can complete this online form to add a third party to your account
Visit a branch
To add a third party, you can book an appointment in any branch
- You will need to bring the proof of identity and proof of address with you.