Bank Probate Thresholds 2026: Complete Comparison
When someone dies, their bank accounts are frozen. But you do not always need a grant of probate to access the money. Every bank sets a threshold below which they will release funds with just a death certificate and some identification. This guide compares the probate threshold for every major UK bank and building society in 2026, explains what documents you will need, and walks you through the process step by step.
Key takeaways
- + All six major high street banks share a £50,000 probate threshold
- + Building society thresholds range from £15,000 to £50,000
- + Joint accounts pass automatically to the surviving holder with no probate needed
- + Most banks will pay a funeral invoice directly, even above the threshold
- + The free Death Notification Service lets you notify multiple banks at once
What is a probate threshold?
A probate threshold is the maximum balance a bank or building society will release from a deceased person's account without requiring a grant of probate or letters of administration. If the total amount held at that institution falls below their threshold, they will release the funds to the executor or next of kin on production of the death certificate and supporting documents.
The threshold applies to the total held across all accounts at that bank or banking group. For example, Lloyds, Halifax, and Scottish Widows are all part of Lloyds Banking Group. If the deceased had accounts across these brands, the balances are combined when assessing against the threshold.
These thresholds are set by each institution individually and can change without notice. The figures below are correct as of March 2026. If you are dealing with a large balance, always confirm the current threshold directly with the bank's bereavement team.
2026 probate thresholds: full comparison
Click any bank name to see their full bereavement contact details, phone numbers, and what to expect when you notify them.
| Bank / Building Society | Type | Probate Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Barclays | Bank | £50,000 |
| HSBC | Bank | £50,000 |
| Lloyds Bank | Bank | £50,000 |
| Halifax | Bank (Lloyds Group) | £50,000 |
| NatWest | Bank | £50,000 |
| Santander | Bank | £50,000 |
| Nationwide | Building Society | £50,000 |
| Yorkshire BS | Building Society | £30,000 |
| Skipton BS | Building Society | £30,000 |
| Coventry BS | Building Society | £25,000 |
| Leeds BS | Building Society | £25,000 |
| Principality BS | Building Society | £15,000 |
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Key observations
- 1.All six major high street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide) now share the same £50,000 threshold.
- 2.Building society thresholds are generally lower, ranging from £15,000 (Principality) to £50,000 (Nationwide).
- 3.Halifax shares the Lloyds Banking Group threshold. If the deceased held accounts at both Lloyds and Halifax, the balances are combined.
- 4.These thresholds apply to the balance at the date of death. Interest accrued after death does not affect whether you meet the threshold.
How to release money from a bank account without probate
Contact the bank's bereavement team
Every major bank has a dedicated bereavement team. Call them or visit a branch. They will freeze the account to prevent fraud and tell you exactly what they need from you. Use the links in the table above to find the right number for each bank.
Gather your documents
Collect the death certificate, your ID, the will (if there is one), and any account details you can find. Order at least five copies of the death certificate when you register the death, as each bank will need its own original.
Submit your claim
Send or take the documents to the bank. Most banks let you do this by post, in branch, or through an online bereavement form. The bank will verify the documents and check the account balance against their probate threshold.
Wait for the funds to be released
If the account balance is below the bank's threshold, they will typically release the funds within 5 to 15 working days. Some banks are faster. The money is usually paid by bank transfer to the executor or next of kin.
If the balance is above the threshold
You will need to apply for a grant of probate (or letters of administration if there is no will) before the bank will release the funds. Most banks will still release money to pay for the funeral directly to the funeral director, even before probate is granted.
Documents banks typically need
Requirements vary between banks, but most will ask for the following. Check with the specific bank's bereavement team, as some have additional requirements.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Original death certificate | Most banks need an original, not a photocopy. Some will accept a certified copy. |
| Proof of your identity | Passport or driving licence. Some banks also ask for proof of address. |
| Proof of your relationship to the deceased | The will, or if there is no will, evidence of your entitlement under intestacy rules (birth or marriage certificate). |
| The original will (if there is one) | Or a certified copy. If there is no will, the bank may ask you to sign an indemnity form instead. |
| Account details | Account numbers, sort codes, or any recent statements you can find. The bank can usually trace accounts by name and address if you do not have these. |
| Your own bank account details | So the bank can transfer any released funds to you. |
Practical tips
Use the Death Notification Service
The free Death Notification Service lets you notify multiple banks and building societies at the same time. One form covers Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide, and many others. It saves hours of phone calls.
Order enough death certificates
Each bank typically needs an original death certificate. If the deceased had accounts at three different banks, you will need at least three certificates. Order them when you register the death (£12.50 each in England and Wales (£15 in Scotland)). Ordering extras later costs more and takes longer.
Ask about funeral payments
Even if the account balance is above the probate threshold, most banks will pay a funeral director's invoice directly from the account before probate is granted. Ask the bereavement team about this when you first contact them. It can relieve significant financial pressure during a difficult time.
Keep records of everything
Note the date and time of every call, the name of the person you spoke to, and any reference numbers. If you send documents by post, use recorded delivery. Banks process thousands of bereavement cases and paperwork occasionally goes missing. Having a clear record protects you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bank probate threshold?
A probate threshold is the maximum amount a bank will release from a deceased person's account without requiring a grant of probate. If the balance held at that bank is below the threshold, the bank will release the funds on production of the death certificate, identification, and other supporting documents. Each bank sets its own threshold, and these can change at any time.
Can I get money released from a bank account without probate?
Yes, if the total balance held at that particular bank is below their probate threshold. Most major UK banks set this at £50,000 as of 2026. Building societies tend to have lower thresholds, ranging from £15,000 to £50,000. The threshold applies per banking group, not per account, so if the deceased had a current account and a savings account with the same bank, the balances are combined.
How long does it take for a bank to release funds after death?
Once all the required documents have been submitted, most banks release funds within 5 to 15 working days. Some are faster. If probate is required, the process takes longer because you first need to obtain the grant of probate, which typically takes 8 to 16 weeks from application.
Will a bank release money to pay for a funeral before probate?
Most banks will pay a funeral director's invoice directly from the deceased's account, even if the balance is above the probate threshold and probate has not yet been granted. You will need to provide the funeral director's itemised invoice along with the death certificate. Contact the bank's bereavement team to arrange this.
What happens if someone has accounts at multiple banks?
Each bank applies its threshold independently. If the deceased had £40,000 at Barclays and £30,000 at HSBC, both banks would release the funds without probate because each balance is below £50,000. However, if the total estate value (including property, investments, and all bank accounts) exceeds the inheritance tax threshold, you may still need to apply for probate for tax purposes.
Do joint bank accounts need probate?
No. Joint bank accounts automatically pass to the surviving account holder by right of survivorship. The bank simply removes the deceased person's name from the account. You will need to provide the death certificate, but probate is not required for joint accounts regardless of the balance.
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Contacting banks: Our notification guide has direct bereavement phone numbers for every major UK bank. Use our call scripts for what to say, and our template letters for written notifications. See our cost breakdown for all the other expenses to expect.
Related guides
Probate Guide
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Who to Notify
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Costs Breakdown
What everything costs and practical ways to reduce expenses
The True Cost of Dying in the UK
Every cost you may face when someone dies, with real 2026 figures and ways to reduce them
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