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Bank probate thresholds UK 2026: what each bank releases without a grant

England & Wales · After Death · Banking · 86 institutions, checked 8 September 2026

The thresholds, bank by bank

Figures are taken from each institution's own bereavement page or guide on the date shown, and apply to accounts in the deceased's sole name in England and Wales. Where a bank sets different limits with and without a Will, both are shown. "Not published" means the bank's own pages give no figure — it will tell you what it needs after you notify it, and it is worth asking before you apply for a grant you may not need.

Sorted highest limit first, then alphabetically. Links go to the bank's own page. If you spot a change, email [email protected] and we'll re-check it.

How the thresholds work

There is no law that says a bank must release money below a certain amount. Each institution weighs the cost of a wrong payment against the inconvenience of demanding a grant for small sums, and sets its own limit. Below the limit it will usually ask for the death certificate, the executor's ID, a copy of the Will if there is one, and its own closure form — often with an indemnity (a promise to repay if someone else turns out to be entitled) or a statutory declaration sworn in front of a solicitor. Above the limit it will wait for the grant of probate (or letters of administration where there is no Will).

• The limit is per institution, not per account. Two accounts of £30,000 at the same bank count as £60,000. Money at different banks is assessed separately, so an estate can pass several thresholds at once and still avoid probate — until it meets one that it doesn't.
• Interest counts. Several banks measure the balance including accrued interest at the date of death; a balance that has since fallen below the line doesn't help.
• Joint accounts are outside the rules. The money passes to the surviving holder by survivorship. The bank removes the deceased's name on sight of the death certificate.
• Funeral bills come first. Almost every bank will pay the funeral director's invoice straight from the frozen account, and many will pay inheritance tax to HMRC, before any grant.
• Some limits step down without a Will. HSBC and first direct halve theirs to £25,000; Furness drops to £5,000 if the person claiming is not a beneficiary.
• A bank can still ask. Most reserve the right to require a grant at any value — typically where the estate is disputed, the Will is unclear, or the person dealing with it is not an executor.

How we compiled this

We read each institution's own bereavement page or downloadable guide on 8 September 2026 and recorded the figure it states, in its own words, with a link to the page. We did not use figures quoted by comparison sites, forums or other guides. Where a bank publishes no figure we say so rather than guess; where the only figure sits in a PDF form or guide we say which. Banks change these limits without announcement, so treat the table as a starting point and confirm with the bank's bereavement team. We re-check every institution twice a year and on request.