Register a CoP order
If you already have a CoP order, you’ll need to register it with us before you can use it.
A Court of Protection (CoP) order is a legal document that lets a person (the ‘deputy’, in legal documentation) make decisions about property and finances on behalf of someone who, due to mental incapacity, can no longer make those decisions themselves (the ‘donor’). The process of setting it up can be complicated, and it’s often needed at a difficult time, which is why we’re here to support you in any way we can.
Register a CoP order
If you already have a CoP order, you’ll need to register it with us before you can use it.
A CoP order is a legal document that gives a deputy the authority to make decisions on behalf of a donor who’s no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to mental capacity limitations.
Visit the government website to find out how to apply to become a court-appointed deputy and the fees involved. If your application is urgent or an emergency, you can apply for an emergency interim order.
For all types of CoP order
There are two types of deputy, you can apply to be just one type of deputy or both.
Being someone’s deputy comes with responsibilities and rules on what you must or mustn’t do – anything you do must be in the person’s best interests. You’ll be supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), so it’s important that you understand your responsibilities as a deputy.
If there’s more than one deputy, you’ll need to specify how you’ll act together to make decisions. We explain the two options available for this below.
Jointly and severally
Deputies can choose to act independently or together. They can manage the donor’s account in Telephone Banking and Online Banking, and have a debit card for their account.
Jointly
All deputies will need to be present to carry out a transaction and they won’t be able to manage the donor’s account using Telephone Banking or Online Banking, or have a debit card for their account.
They can manage a donor’s affairs. This includes
How deputies can manage the donor’s accounts will depend on whether they’re appointed to act ‘jointly’, or ‘jointly and severally’ – see the section above for details.
Deputies should keep accounts of any decisions made about the donor’s assets, income, spending and outgoings, as these will need to be reported to the OPG each year.
Make an appointment
Find your nearest branch.
Please see below for the documents the deputies will need for their appointment.
If you can’t visit a branch
Please call 0345 075 74751 and choose option 1. We’ll explain the registration process, send you a submission form and let you know what we need you to send us.
If you don’t already bank with us, you’ll need ID documents such as a passport or photocard driving licence. You’ll also need to have access to a smartphone or tablet, as we’ll ask you to verify your identity using the Barclays app.
Documents you’ll need for a branch appointment
ID
If you already bank with us and have a debit card, you’ll need to bring it with you and know your PIN.
If you don’t already bank with us, we’ll need you to verify your identity before your appointment using the Barclays app (verify your identity). If you can’t use the app, don’t worry, you’ll just need to bring your ID and proof of identity to your appointment. Please check our identifications page to see what you’ll need.
Documents
We’ll need to see the full original or certified legal document, not just the summary page. This can be several pages long, so please make sure you bring it all.
What happens next
Once we receive everything we need, we’ll aim to set up your access within 10 working days. If we need anything else from you, we’ll get in touch by email or phone.
When it’s set up, we’ll send you a letter to confirm that you have access, along with anything else you asked for, such as Online Banking and Telephone Banking details or debit cards.
The type of authority you have will affect how you can manage the person’s accounts once you’re registered with us. Depending on whether you have power of attorney, a Court of Protection order or third-party authority, you’ll have access to these features.
Feature | If you’re appointed to act ‘jointly and severally’ | If you’re appointed to act ‘jointly’ |
---|---|---|
Debit card | ||
Online Banking | ||
Telephone Banking | ||
Barclays app | ||
Manned counter in branch | All deputies must be together | |
Self-service machines in branch | ||
Cheque book (only available if the person has lost mental capacity) |
All deputies must sign together |
If you have a question or need to make a transfer but can’t visit a branch, call our Telephone Banking team on 0345 734 53452 (+44 24 7684 21003 if you’re abroad). You’ll need your Telephone Banking membership number and passcode when you call – we’ll have sent you this in a letter when you registered with us.
Our handy Banking from home guide explains how to make transfers and manage payments.
The Office of the Public Guardian has a support line that anyone can contact if they have any concerns about a deputy. More details can be found at gov.uk/report-concern-about-deputy-deputy.
A third-party authority is a temporary arrangement between you and someone you trust to access your bank accounts with us on your behalf.
A Court of Protection (CoP) order is a legal document that lets a person (the ‘deputy’, in legal documentation) make decisions about property and finances on behalf of someone who, due to mental incapacity, can no longer make those decisions themselves (the ‘donor’). The process of setting it up can be complicated, and it’s often needed at a difficult time, which is why we’re here to support you in any way we can.
A guardianship (missing persons) order (GMPO) is a court-appointed document that lets someone take care of the property and finances of a person who’s been missing for an extended period of time.
An appointeeship lets someone manage someone else’s government benefits and claims.