Power of attorney
A power of attorney (PoA) is a legal document that gives someone the authority to make decisions about property and finances on someone else’s behalf.
Third-party access to bank accounts
There may be circumstances – now or in the future – where you or someone else will need a bit of help with managing money. There are many types of third-party access available, so it’s important you choose the right one.
Choosing the right option
You’ll need to carefully decide which option works best for you – for both now and the long term. You can always change it in the future, if your needs change.
Select the options below to find out more. Or if you need a little more help deciding, use our side-by-side comparison table below.
Authorised users
If you want help managing your account, you can sign up someone you trust as an account supervisor or additional cardholder. You’ll stay in control and can set limits on what they can do.
Third-party authority
A third-party authority is a temporary arrangement between you and someone you trust to access your bank accounts with us on your behalf.
Court of Protection order
The Court of Protection (CoP) has the power to appoint a deputy to act on someone else’s behalf if they no longer have the mental capacity make their own financial decisions.
Appointeeship
This allows a delegated person to manage benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on behalf of someone who’s unable to make financial decisions for themselves.
Guardianship (missing persons) order
A court can appoint a trusted person to be the guardian of a missing person’s property and financial affairs.
Not sure which type of authority is right for you?
Take a look at our comparison table to help you decide on the right option.
| Authorised users – Additional cardholders | Authorised users – Account supervisors | Third-party authority | General power of attorney | Lasting power of attorney | Court of Protection order | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I need short-term support. | ||||||
| I need someone to have a card on my account to help me pay for things. | ||||||
| I want to be able to set permissions for someone to spend from my account and limit how much and where they can spend my money using the app. | ||||||
| I want someone to be able to see my account balance and transactions. | ||||||
| I want someone to be able to set permissions for me to spend from my account and limit how much and where I can spend my money using the app. | ||||||
| I’m preparing for a time when someone I trust may need to take control of my finances. | ||||||
| I need to take control of someone’s finances who has limited mental capacity. |
Other options not shown above include appointeeship and guardianship.
Extra help and advice
Citizens Advice
Get free advice on legal, debt, consumer, housing and other problems.
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
Information about managing money for someone else.
Financial abuse
Information on how you can keep your money safe and where to find help – either for yourself or someone you know.
Ways to contact us
Choose the best option to suit your needs.
Branch
If you’d like to come and see us, you can book a time that suits you at any of our branches.
Post
If you’d prefer to write to us, you can send a letter to
Barclays Delegated Authority Team
Barclays Service Centre,
Leicester,
LE87 2BB
Help and tools
Living with illness or disability
How to get the right support with your finances and for your wellbeing
Handling your finances after loss
Losing someone can affect more than how you feel
After Clare lost her husband, her life changed dramatically. She was worried about looking after her finances and staying on top of things.
Bereavement
How we can help and support you
Dealing with the financial affairs of someone close to you when you’re grieving is never easy. We hope our guide will help you through this difficult time.
