Official routes, free, by category
These are the official routes. They are free, they come from public bodies or not-for-profit bodies, and they are where you should start. Pick a category, then a region.
Pensions
UK
Find contact details for an old workplace or personal pension
GOV.UK Pension Tracing Service
OfficialUK
The free government search for the current contact details of a pension scheme, using the employer or provider name.
Score 98 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 20 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Step-by-step guide to tracing a lost pension
MoneyHelper (Money and Pensions Service)
OfficialUK
Free government-backed guidance on what to gather and who to contact when you think you have a lost pension.
Score 98 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 9 / 10
Free
This site blocks automated checks; we check it by hand.
Last checked 3 November 2026
Check your State Pension forecast
GOV.UK
OfficialUK
The official service to see your State Pension forecast and any gaps in your National Insurance record.
Score 95 / 100 · Rank 4
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 18 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Pensions dashboards programme
Pensions Dashboards Programme (MaPS)
OfficialUK
Official updates on the dashboards that will let you see your pensions in one place, and how schemes are being connected.
Score 92 / 100 · Rank 8
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 14 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
This site blocks automated checks; we check it by hand.
Last checked 3 November 2026
Find which firm now runs an old pension or policy
Association of British Insurers
OfficialUK
The insurers' trade body list of which firm now looks after policies and pensions from merged or closed insurers.
Score 92 / 100 · Rank 9
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 18 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
This site blocks automated checks; we check it by hand.
Last checked 3 November 2026
National Pension Tracing Day
National Pension Tracing Day
OfficialUK
An industry-backed awareness day with free how-to material for finding old pensions.
Score 84 / 100 · Rank 12
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 15 / 20
- Usefulness today: 13 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
NL
Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl
Stichting Pensioenregister
OfficialNL
The free Dutch site, logged in with DigiD, that shows your State pension and workplace pensions together.
Score 98 / 100 · Rank 3
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 20 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
AOW (Dutch State pension)
SVB
OfficialNL
The official SVB pages on your AOW date and what you have built up.
Score 94 / 100 · Rank 6
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Pension guidance
Wijzer in geldzaken
OfficialNL
Free, government-backed Dutch guidance on checking and understanding your pension.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 10
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 15 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Forgotten pensions
Geschilleninstantie Pensioenfondsen
OfficialNL
A Dutch pension disputes body's guidance on pensions people have forgotten about.
Score 87 / 100 · Rank 11
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 17 / 20
- Usefulness today: 14 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
US
Retirement Savings Lost and Found
US Department of Labor
OfficialUS
The free federal search for old US workplace retirement plans.
Score 95 / 100 · Rank 5
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 18 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
PBGC missing participants search
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
OfficialUS
The federal pension insurer's free search for pensions from plans that ended.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 7
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Accounts
UK
Search for lost bank, building society and NS&I accounts
My Lost Account (UK Finance, BSA and NS&I)
OfficialUK
One free form that asks banks, building societies and NS&I to search for accounts in your name or a dead relative's.
Score 98 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 20 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
The UK dormant accounts fund
Reclaim Fund Ltd
OfficialUK
The body that receives money from long-dormant UK accounts. Your right to the money stays; you still start with the bank or provider.
Score 90 / 100 · Rank 4
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 14 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
The Dormant Assets Scheme explained
GOV.UK (DCMS)
OfficialUK
Official explainer on how the UK scheme for dormant accounts, insurance, pensions and securities works.
Score 89 / 100 · Rank 6
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 12 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
NL
Loket Slapende Tegoeden (dormant bank balances)
Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken
OfficialNL
The Dutch banks' free desk for heirs and executors to ask all member banks about a dead person's accounts.
Score 96 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
About the Loket Slapende Tegoeden
Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken
OfficialNL
The banks' association explains who can use the dormant balances desk and how.
Score 90 / 100 · Rank 5
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 15 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
AU
Find lost money in Australia
Moneysmart (ASIC)
OfficialAU
The Australian government's free search for money in bank accounts, shares and life policies.
Score 96 / 100 · Rank 3
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Child Trust Funds
UK
Find a Child Trust Fund
GOV.UK (HMRC)
OfficialUK
The free HMRC route to find which provider holds a Child Trust Fund.
Score 96 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Premium Bonds
UK
Find lost Premium Bonds
NS&I
OfficialUK
Official NS&I help for tracing bonds you or a dead relative held, even without the paperwork.
Score 96 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Check Premium Bonds for prizes
NS&I
OfficialUK
The official NS&I checker for prizes on your Premium Bond numbers.
Score 95 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Life policies
NL
Zoekservice levensverzekeringen (life policy search)
Verbond van Verzekeraars
OfficialNL
The Dutch insurers' search for life policies of a person who has died.
Score 90 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 18 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 6 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free for a limited number of searches; a fee applies after that
Last checked 3 November 2026
US
Life Insurance Policy Locator
NAIC
OfficialUS
The US insurance regulators' free search for a dead person's life policies. We check this link by hand.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
This site blocks automated checks; we check it by hand.
Last checked 3 November 2026
Shares
UK
Search a company's name history and status
Companies House
OfficialUK
The official register: check a company's past names, status and filings before you contact the registrar.
Score 95 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Equiniti shareholder services
Equiniti (Shareview)
OfficialUK
The registrar's own site for holdings it manages. Contact it directly about old shares and dividends.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 18 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Computershare shareholder contact
Computershare
OfficialUK
The registrar's official contact page for holdings it manages.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 3
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 18 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
MUFG Corporate Markets investor centre
MUFG Corporate Markets (formerly Link Group)
OfficialUK
The registrar's official investor centre for holdings it manages.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 4
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 18 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Money or property from a dissolved company
GOV.UK
OfficialUK
Official guidance on what happens to a company's assets when it is dissolved.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 5
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 14 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Investment Association lost assets portal
The Investment Association
OfficialUK
The fund industry's list of how to contact member firms about old investments.
Score 90 / 100 · Rank 6
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 18 / 20
- Usefulness today: 16 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
The Gazette: official public notices
The Gazette
OfficialUK
The official public record for insolvency, dissolution and deceased estates notices.
Score 89 / 100 · Rank 7
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 13 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
NL
KVK company search
Kamer van Koophandel
OfficialNL
The Dutch business register: check a company's name and status before you contact anyone about old shares.
Score 89 / 100 · Rank 8
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 14 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
A dead person's money
UK
Applying for probate
GOV.UK
OfficialUK
The official route to the legal right to deal with a dead person's money and property.
Score 95 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 8 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Estates of people who died with no known heir
GOV.UK (Government Legal Department)
OfficialUK
Official guidance on estates passed to the Crown, and how a relative can come forward. You do not need an heir hunter.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 16 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Organisations to tell after a death, and Tell Us Once
GOV.UK
OfficialUK
The official checklist of who to tell after a death, including the free Tell Us Once service.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 3
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 16 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Search for a will or probate record
GOV.UK
OfficialUK
The official search for wills and grants of probate in England and Wales.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 5
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 15 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Bona Vacantia (Government Legal Department)
GOV.UK
OfficialUK
The government team that deals with ownerless estates and dissolved company assets.
Score 86 / 100 · Rank 6
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 12 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 5 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
NL
Centraal Testamentenregister
KNB (notaris.nl)
OfficialNL
Check through a notary whether a dead person left a will in the Netherlands.
Score 92 / 100 · Rank 4
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 16 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Tax
UK
Get a tax refund from HMRC
GOV.UK (HMRC)
OfficialUK
The official HMRC route if you think you have paid too much tax. Use this, not a paid agent.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 16 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
NL
Belastingdienst
Belastingdienst
OfficialNL
The Dutch tax office, for tax refunds and an estate's tax affairs. Use it directly, not a paid agent.
Score 88 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 13 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 5 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Scams
UK
FCA ScamSmart
Financial Conduct Authority
OfficialUK
Check a firm or offer before you hand over details. Cold calls about lost money are a classic scam opening.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 16 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Superannuation
AU
Find lost super
Moneysmart (ASIC)
OfficialAU
Official steps to find lost super through myGov and the ATO.
Score 95 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 18 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
Managing your super (myGov)
myGov
OfficialAU
The official myGov route to see all your super accounts, including lost ones.
Score 93 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 6 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
US state property
US
US state property search (NAUPA)
National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators
OfficialUS
The state treasurers' own directory: search each US state where you lived or worked, for free.
Score 96 / 100 · Rank 1
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 20 / 20
- Usefulness today: 19 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 7 / 10
Free
Last checked 3 November 2026
MissingMoney multi-state search
NAUPA (MissingMoney)
OfficialUS
The state-endorsed multi-state search. Blocks automated checks, so we check this link by hand.
Score 91 / 100 · Rank 2
Why this score
- Official or independent: 25 / 25
- Accuracy and sourcing: 19 / 20
- Usefulness today: 17 / 20
- Freshness: 15 / 15
- No fee: 10 / 10
- Depth: 5 / 10
Free
This site blocks automated checks; we check it by hand.
Last checked 3 November 2026
How we rank · Suggest a resource
Last checked: 3 November 2026