How to Register an LPA With Your Bank

Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed 16 March 2026

You have your registered LPA back from the Office of the Public Guardian — so what now? The next essential step is to register it with every bank and building society where the donor holds accounts. Banks will not grant attorney access until they have verified the LPA themselves, and this separate process can take days or weeks. Registering early — before the LPA is actually needed — can save significant stress and delays when it matters most.

Why You Should Register Your LPA With Banks Early

Many families only try to register an LPA with their bank when the donor has already lost mental capacity and urgent access to funds is needed. At that point, the processing time — which can range from a few days to several weeks — creates real hardship. Bills go unpaid, care home fees fall behind, and everyday expenses become difficult to manage.

By registering as soon as the LPA is returned from the OPG, you ensure that everything is in place the moment it is needed. There is no downside to registering early. The donor keeps full control of their accounts, and attorney access simply sits ready in the background until it is required.

For a broader overview of how attorneys manage money, see our guide on how attorneys manage finances.

What You Need to Bring

Although exact requirements vary between banks, you will generally need the following documents when registering an LPA:

• The original registered LPA document (with the OPG stamp on every page) or an OPG-certified copy
• The attorney's valid photo ID — a passport or driving licence
• Proof of the attorney's current address — a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months
• The donor's account details (sort code and account number) for each account you wish to register
• The bank's own LPA registration form, if they have one (some let you complete this in branch)

Some banks accept solicitor-certified copies of the LPA, while others insist on seeing the original or an OPG-certified copy. A practical tip: keep several certified copies so you can register with multiple banks simultaneously rather than waiting for one bank to return the document before sending it to the next.

How Major UK Banks Handle LPA Registration

Each bank has its own process, and these have improved considerably in recent years. Here is what to expect from the major high-street banks:

HSBC — You can register by visiting any branch with the original LPA and your ID. HSBC also accepts postal registration. Once registered, attorneys can access accounts in branch, by telephone, and through online banking. Processing typically takes two to three weeks.

Barclays — Barclays offers registration in branch or by post. They have a dedicated Power of Attorney team that handles registrations centrally. Attorneys can be set up with their own online banking access and a separate debit card. Barclays also allows you to upload LPA documents digitally in some cases.

NatWest / RBS — Registration can be done in branch or by post to their specialist team. NatWest provides attorneys with online and telephone banking access once registration is complete. They aim to process applications within ten working days.

Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland) — All three brands follow the same process. You can register in branch or by post. Lloyds provides attorneys with their own debit card and online banking access. Their bereavement and LPA team can be contacted directly for support.

Nationwide Building Society — Registration is handled in branch. Nationwide's process is straightforward, and their staff are generally well trained in LPA matters. Attorneys receive access to branch services and telephone banking.

For a detailed look at the relationship between LPAs and the banking system, read our guide on how LPAs work with banks in the UK.

Registering an LPA With Banks: Online vs In-Branch

Historically, LPA registration with banks had to be done in person at a branch. While branch visits remain the most common method, several banks now offer postal and even digital registration options. This is particularly helpful if the attorney lives far from a branch or has mobility difficulties.

When registering by post, you will typically need to send a certified copy of the LPA along with certified copies of your ID documents. Never send the original LPA by post unless the bank specifically asks for it and provides a prepaid return envelope. Use recorded or tracked delivery to protect your documents.

Some banks now allow you to upload scanned copies of the LPA as a first step, with verification of the original completed later by post or in branch. This can speed up the initial stages of the process considerably.

How Long Does Bank LPA Registration Take?

Processing times vary, but here is a rough guide to what you can expect:

• In-branch registration: Some banks can set up access on the same day for simple cases, but most take 5–15 working days to fully process the registration
• Postal registration: Allow 2–4 weeks, including postage time and processing
• Digital/online submission: Initial acknowledgement within a few days, with full access typically granted within 1–2 weeks

If you need urgent access to the donor's funds, explain the situation to the bank. Most banks have procedures for emergency access while the full registration is being processed, particularly if care fees or essential bills need paying.

What to Do if a Bank Refuses Your LPA

Banks are legally obligated to accept a valid, registered LPA. If a bank refuses to register your LPA or unreasonably delays the process, you have several options:

• Ask to speak to a manager or the bank's specialist LPA team
• File a formal complaint through the bank's complaints procedure
• Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if the complaint is not resolved within eight weeks
• Contact the Office of the Public Guardian for guidance

The Financial Ombudsman has ruled in favour of attorneys in numerous cases where banks have unreasonably refused or delayed LPA registration. Banks can be ordered to pay compensation for any financial loss or distress caused by their failure to comply.

After Bank Registration: Managing the Donor's Accounts Responsibly

After successful registration, you will be able to access the donor's bank accounts and carry out transactions on their behalf. As an attorney, you must always act in the donor's best interests and keep their money entirely separate from your own.

Good record-keeping is essential. Note down every transaction you make, the reason for it, and keep receipts where possible. The OPG has the power to investigate how attorneys handle finances, and clear records will protect you if your decisions are ever questioned.

If there are multiple attorneys appointed to act jointly, all attorneys may need to authorise certain transactions. Make sure you understand whether the LPA specifies joint or joint and several decision-making, as this affects how the bank sets up access.

Answers to Questions We Get Asked

This guide was last reviewed and updated on 16 March 2026. Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.

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