Home › Guides › Bank Accounts After Death

What Happens to Bank Accounts When Someone Dies in the UK?

Last updated: March 2026 · 5 min read

Sole bank accounts are frozen when someone dies. They cannot be accessed until a Grant of Probate is produced. Joint accounts pass automatically to the surviving holder. Here is what to do and what to expect.

Sole Accounts vs Joint Accounts

Sole accountJoint account
On deathFrozen immediatelyPasses to surviving holder
Access before probateUsually no (except funeral costs)Yes — full access continues
Probate requiredUsually yes (depends on balance)No

What to Do When Someone Dies

  1. Obtain the death certificate (within 5 days of registering the death)
  2. Notify the bank in person or by post with the death certificate
  3. The bank freezes sole accounts and issues a bereavement reference
  4. Request a statement of balance at date of death — needed for IHT
  5. Once probate is granted, provide a sealed copy to release funds

Bank Thresholds — When Probate Is Not Required

BankTypical no-probate threshold
BarclaysUp to £50,000
HSBCUp to £50,000
Lloyds / HalifaxUp to £50,000
NatWest / RBSUp to £25,000
NationwideUp to £30,000
SantanderUp to £50,000

These thresholds change. Always confirm with the specific bank.

Funeral Costs

Most banks will release funds directly to a funeral director for funeral costs before probate is granted. Present the funeral invoice, death certificate, and account details. Some banks require the executor to make the request.

Need Help With Probate?

Clear Legacy handles the full process — notifying banks, collecting assets, distributing the estate. Fixed fee from £195.

Start Probate →