How much will a bank release without probate?
When someone passes away, their bank accounts are frozen. You do not always need a grant of probate to access the money, though. 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.
Quick answer: UK bank probate thresholds 2026
£50,000
Major high street banks
Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide
£40,000-£50,000
Building societies
Yorkshire BS, Skipton BS, Coventry BS, Leeds BS, Principality BS
Below the threshold, banks release funds on production of the death certificate, proof of ID, and the will or indemnity form. Joint accounts pass automatically to the surviving holder with no probate required.
Key takeaways
- + Barclays, NatWest, Santander and Nationwide publish a £50,000 threshold; HSBC, Lloyds and Halifax decide case by case
- + Building society thresholds range from £40,000 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 person 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 were checked against each provider's own published information in August 2026. Bear in mind they are a discretionary ceiling rather than a right: a bank can still ask for a grant below its stated figure, and will usually ask you to sign an indemnity. They also count sole accounts only, added together across that brand, with joint accounts excluded.
Not every bank publishes a figure at all. Barclays, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Nationwide state £50,000 on their own websites or bereavement forms. HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and TSB publish nothing and assess each estate case by case, so their bereavement team may give you a number that differs from anything you read elsewhere. Two worth knowing separately: Metro Bank asks for a grant above £25,000, and NS&I may ask for one from £5,000. Always check directly if the balance is anywhere near the limit.
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 | Not published |
| Lloyds Bank | Bank | Not published |
| Halifax | Bank (Lloyds Group) | Not published |
| NatWest | Bank | £50,000 |
| Santander | Bank | £50,000 |
| Nationwide | Building Society | £50,000 |
| Yorkshire BS | Building Society | £50,000 |
| Skipton BS | Building Society | £50,000 |
| Coventry BS | Building Society | £50,000 |
| Leeds BS | Building Society | £50,000 |
| Principality BS | Building Society | £40,000 |
Get notified when bank thresholds change
We check thresholds monthly and notify you of any changes. No spam.
If the balance is over the threshold, you may need the grant
ProbateCheck is our sister site. It searches the official England and Wales probate records for a will or grant. You can order a copy yourself from GOV.UK for £16, or they run the whole search for £29 including government fees.
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Farewill's probate service manages all the bank notifications, estate administration, and paperwork from start to finish. Fixed fee, fully regulated, and you can start online today.
Key observations
- 1.Barclays, NatWest, Santander and Nationwide all publish a £50,000 threshold. HSBC, Lloyds and Halifax publish no figure and decide case by case, so ask their bereavement team rather than assuming £50,000.
- 2.Building societies are broadly in line with the banks: £40,000 at Principality, and £50,000 at Nationwide, Yorkshire, Skipton, Coventry and Leeds.
- 3.Halifax shares the Lloyds Banking Group threshold. If they 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
The steps below are broadly the same for every bank. When you get to step 3, our free template letters give you ready-to-use wording for each bereavement team, and our call scripts cover what to say if you would rather phone.
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.
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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 person who died | 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 they 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. Barclays, NatWest, Santander and Nationwide publish £50,000; HSBC, Lloyds and Halifax do not publish a figure and decide case by case. Building societies are broadly in line, ranging from £40,000 to £50,000. The threshold applies per banking group, not per account, so if the person 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 the grant of probate, which usually arrives within 12 weeks of applying.
Will a bank release money to pay for a funeral before probate?
Most banks will pay a funeral director's invoice directly from the 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 person had £40,000 at Barclays, that sits under its published £50,000 threshold. HSBC does not publish a figure, so you would need to ask them directly rather than assume. Either way, balances at different banks are not added together, so a smaller amount at each can still avoid 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 their name from the account. You will need to provide the death certificate, but probate is not required for joint accounts regardless of the balance.
Ready to contact the bank? Our phone directory has the direct bereavement number for every major UK bank, our call scripts tell you what to say, and our template letters cover it in writing if you would rather not phone. Our notification guide and cost breakdown cover everything else you will need to deal with.
We know this is an incredibly difficult time
There is so much to think about, and it can feel overwhelming. We have put together a free checklist of everything that needs to be done, step by step, so you do not have to worry about forgetting anything. Take it at your own pace.
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Related guides
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The True Cost of Dying in the UK
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