Introduction

When someone dies, one of the most important admin tasks is sorting out the person’s money, property and possessions. If they owned more than a certain amount you will need to go through the legal process of probate. Whether you need probate to access money in someone’s bank account after they die depends on the bank’s threshold. 

This article explains more about UK bank probate limits and gives comprehensive and up-to-date information about the amount the main banks will release without needing probate. It also explains what to do if you do need to start the probate process.

When do I need probate to access the money of someone who’s died?

If the person who died had more than a certain amount of money in the bank, you will normally need to go through the probate process before you can transfer that money to the people who are inheriting. 

Different banks have different rules, with usually between £5,000 and £50,000 as the limit. If there is more than that in the person’s accounts, you will need to get a legal probate document before you can transfer the money, and share it out between those who are inheriting. 

If the person left a will, this document will usually be a Grant of Probate. If there wasn’t a will, there’s a slightly different process, and the document is known as Letters of Administration.

Someone’s property (houses and flats) and other investments will also count when deciding if probate is needed. Generally it’s only when someone had less than about £10,000 that probate isn’t needed.

What is a probate threshold?

A probate threshold is the maximum amount of money a bank or building society will release from the account of someone who’s died without requiring legal probate documents. If the money in the account is more than this amount, the bank will need legal probate documents to prove that you have the right to the money. 

How much money someone had before probate is required will depend on the bank. Many banks have a £50,000 limit. But thresholds vary, and other factors also affect whether you need to apply for probate —such as whether the accounts are single or joint accounts, and what other property, possessions or investments the person owned.

When do I need probate based on these thresholds?

• If the person who died had less than the bank’s individual probate threshold: the bank may transfer money to the next of kin or executor if they can show them the death certificate and proof of identity.

• If there is more money than the threshold in the account: you will almost certainly need to apply for probate before accessing the money.

Why do probate thresholds exist?

The limits exist to protect against fraud, and to stop unauthorised people accessing the money without going through the correct legal procedures. The thresholds are different because there is not a legal limit, and different banks have different attitudes to risk.

UK bank probate thresholds and bereavement notification methods (2025)

Note: These limits can change. We do our best to keep the information updated, but if you notice anything outdated, please let us know here. Always check with the bank for the most up-to-date information.

What else makes a difference to probate limits?

1. Type of bank account

• Joint accounts: If the person who died held a joint bank account, the money automatically passes to the surviving account holder without probate.

• Sole accounts: If the person who died was the sole account holder, the bank’s probate threshold applies.

2. Multiple accounts at one bank

Sometimes someone might have more than one account with a bank. The figure that matters is the total amount held in all the accounts. Even if an individual account falls below the probate threshold, more than one account held at the same bank may push the total balance above the limit, and probate will be needed.

3. Investments and other assets

Bank accounts are not the only things that count. If the person who died owned property (house and flats), shares, or investments, you may need to get probate whether or not the money in the bank is below the threshold.

What to do if you don’t need probate

If the deceased person’s estate falls below the probate threshold, you can follow these steps:

1. Contact the bank: Inform them that the account holder has died, and ask for any forms and paperwork.

2. Provide identification: The bank will ask to see the death certificate and proof of your identity.

3. Complete a small estate declaration (if applicable): Some banks will need you to complete a special indemnity form.

4. Receive funds: Once the bank processes the request, they will allow the money to be transferred to you.

Our step-by-step guide takes you through the process in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions about bank probate thresholds

1. Do all banks have the same probate threshold?

No. While many major banks have set their threshold at £50,000, some, like Metro Bank and Virgin Money, have lower limits. It’s best to check directly with the specific bank.

2. Can banks make exceptions to probate requirements?

In some cases, banks may waive probate requirements for close family members, especially if the estate is simple and there are no disputes.

3. What happens if probate is delayed?

Sometimes probate can take many months. This can cause problems paying for things like funeral expenses, debts and inheritance tax. Contact your bank to explain the situation if this happens. Many banks will let you take out some limited money before probate is granted to pay for funeral expenses or inheritance tax.

How Trustestate can help

Dealing with the admin after someone dies can be a challenging and overwhelming process. Let Trustestate take out the hassle for a fixed transparent fee. We offer a simple, streamlined service with expert support at every stage. Book a free call with one of our experts to find out more. We can advise you on whether probate will be needed in your particular circumstances.

What we offer

Use our Complete Probate service and we’ll manage every stage of the process. We’ll take over all the admin, apply to the court for probate, and share out the estate. 

Or if the estate is simple, and you have time, you can use our Grant of Probate service, and we’ll apply for probate using information you provide. 

Whichever service you choose, you’ll get dedicated advice every step of the way, and an online platform to keep track of everything.