Guides › Banking Scams and Fraud › Money in an Old or Dormant Bank Account
Money in an Old or Dormant Bank Account
You can search for lost bank, building society and NS&I accounts with My Lost Account, which over 70 providers use. After 15 years without contact, money may move to Reclaim Fund Ltd, but it still belongs to you and can be repaid to you or your heirs.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Finding Lost Accounts
How It Works
Over 70 account providers take part in My Lost Account, covering banks, building societies and NS&I; apply online or on paper. After 15 years of no contact, money may be transferred to Reclaim Fund Ltd, but it remains the customer's and will be repaid to the account holder or heirs on a legitimate claim. You will need to verify your identity, or have authority if you are not the account holder. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 15 yearsBefore money may move to Reclaim FundYou can still reclaim it
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather old details: addresses, account numbers, statements or passbooks.
Step 2 of 5
Search on My Lost Account.
Step 3 of 5
Verify your identity if an account is found.
Step 4 of 5
If searching for someone who has died, have the right legal authority.
Step 5 of 5
If a provider refuses a valid claim, complain, then go to the Financial Ombudsman.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Bank's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, once your bank has refused or not replied.
Financial Ombudsman Service
You are unhappy with your bank's final response. It is free, and its limit is 430,000 pounds.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep your providers updated when you move house, so accounts do not go dormant.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- mylostaccount.org.uk/faqs Checked 13 October 2026
- psr.org.uk/information-for-consumers/app-fraud-reimbursement-protections Checked 13 October 2026