Overview
- Journalists on BBC Morning Live reported that £2.1 billion was reunited with owners in the first half of 2026, showing people are still finding long-forgotten sums.
- Under the Dormant Asset Act 2022, banks may transfer money from accounts untouched for 15 years to charitable or non-profit recipients.
- People commonly lose track of accounts after events like moving house, relationship breakdowns, or abandoning projects, which creates so-called 'lost' or dormant accounts.
- If you suspect a dormant account, start with the bank or building society you think held it and bring ID and proof of address; if you do not know the provider, use the free MyLostAccount service to locate UK bank, building society, and NS&I accounts.
- Unchecked accounts can still gain interest or incur overdrafts, charges, or fees that change balances, so owners and estate handlers should check now to avoid loss or complication for heirs.