Do I need a grant of probate to access the deceased's bank accounts?

It depends on the balance. Most banks have a threshold (typically £5,000 to £50,000) below which they will release funds at their discretion without a grant of probate, upon production of the death certificate and proof of the executor's identity. For larger balances, a grant of probate (or letters of administration if there is no will) is required.

How quickly will the bank freeze the accounts?

Banks typically freeze accounts as soon as they are notified of the death. This prevents any further withdrawals, standing orders, or direct debits from being processed. The bank will provide the executor with a balance statement as at the date of death. Some essential payments (such as funeral costs) may be released from the account even before probate is granted.

Can the bank release money for funeral costs before probate?

Yes. Most banks will release a reasonable sum from the deceased's account to cover funeral expenses, even before a grant of probate is obtained. The bank will typically pay the funeral director directly upon receipt of the funeral invoice. The executor should contact the bank's bereavement team to arrange this.

What happens to joint bank accounts when one holder dies?

Joint bank accounts typically pass to the surviving account holder by survivorship — the surviving holder can continue to use the account as normal. The bank should be notified of the death so that the deceased's name can be removed from the account. However, the deceased's share of the joint account may be treated as part of their estate for inheritance tax purposes.

What is the Tell Us Once service?

Tell Us Once is a free service run by local councils that allows you to notify multiple government departments of a death in a single step. It covers the DWP, HMRC, Passport Office, DVLA, council tax, and local council services. However, it does not notify banks, building societies, insurance companies, or utility providers — you will need to contact these organisations separately.

Free Executor Letter to Bank Template (UK)

When a person dies, their executor or next of kin must notify the deceased's bank as soon as practicable.

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executor

Executor / Personal Representative Name*

Executor Address*

Relationship to Deceased*

deceased

Deceased's Full Name*

Deceased's Date of Birth

Date of Death*

Date of Death Certificate*

bank

Bank Name*

Bank Address (Bereavement Department)*

Account Details (Sort Code, Account Number, Account Type)*

probate

Grant of probate / letters of administration has been obtained

request

Action Requested*

execution

Date of Letter*

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[executorName] [executorAddress] [date] [bankName] [bankAddress] Dear Sir or Madam, NOTIFICATION OF DEATH — [deceasedName] I am writing to notify you of the death of [deceasedName] I understand that a Grant of Probate may be required before funds can be released, depending on the total balance held. If the balance is within your small estates limit, I would be grateful if you could release the funds upon receipt of this letter and the death certificate. If a Grant of Probate is required, I will forward this to you as soon as it is obtained. 4. CONTACT DETAILS Please direct all correspondence regarding the estate to me at the address above. If you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Yours faithfully, ___________________________ [executorName] Executor of the Estate of [deceasedName] Date: [date]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

The duties of executors are set out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925. Under section 25, the personal representatives of a deceased person are under a duty to collect and get in the real and personal estate of the deceased and administer it according to law. Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 protects personal representatives who distribute the estate after giving proper notice to creditors (typically by placing statutory advertisements in the London Gazette and a local newspaper). Banks set their own thresholds for releasing funds without a grant of probate — these vary from bank to bank but are typically between £5,000 and £50,000. The Banking Protocol and the British Bankers' Association guidelines provide a framework for how banks should handle bereavement. For joint accounts, the surviving holder can usually continue to use the account, as the balance passes by survivorship under the general law. However, the deceased's share of a joint account may form part of their estate for inheritance tax purposes (HMRC will consider the source of the funds).

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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