What to do with bank accounts after death
Bank accounts are treated differently depending on whether they are held in sole names or jointly. This guide explains what happens, how to notify the bank, and when probate is required.
Sole accounts
A sole account is one held in the deceased person's name alone. When the bank is notified of the death, the account is frozen. No one can withdraw money or close the account without legal authority, usually a grant of probate.
The executor (or nearest relative if there is no will) can ask the bank for their notification form. The bank will require the death certificate and possibly other documentation.
After notification, the funds remain frozen until probate is obtained (unless the estate is small enough to qualify for simplified procedures).
Joint accounts
A joint account is one held in the names of two or more people. Upon death, a joint account typically passes automatically to the surviving account holder due to 'right of survivorship.'
The surviving account holder can access the account and withdraw money after presenting the death certificate. No probate is required, even if the account had substantial funds.
However, this only applies to true joint accounts where both names appear on the account agreement. Some accounts are in one person's name with another person authorised to operate it; these are sole accounts and require probate to access after death.
Small estate procedures
Many banks and building societies allow releases of small amounts without probate. The threshold varies, typically between £5,000 and £15,000, depending on the institution.
If the deceased's total assets at that bank are below the threshold, the bank may release the funds directly to the executor or family member on production of the death certificate, will, and identification.
This is a discretionary procedure, not a legal exemption. Each bank applies its own rules. Ask the bank what their small estate procedure is.
How to notify a bank after death
Contact the bank as soon as possible after the death. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person with the death certificate.
Provide the account number, the deceased's name and date of birth, and the date of death. The bank will send you a notification form to complete and return with the death certificate.
Keep a record of whom you spoke to, when, and what you were told. This is helpful if the bank later denies receiving notification.
What happens to standing orders and direct debits?
Standing orders and direct debits on frozen accounts continue until the bank is aware of the death. Once notified, they may be cancelled or frozen.
Important payments (such as mortgage payments on a property in the estate) should be arranged by the executor to avoid default. The executor may instruct the bank to continue certain payments from the estate.
Ask the bank which payments they will continue and which they will stop after notification.
ISA and Premium Bonds
ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) held in sole names are typically treated as part of the estate. The proceeds pass through probate and are inherited according to the will or intestacy rules.
Premium Bonds and other savings accounts follow similar rules: sole accounts are frozen, and joint accounts pass to the surviving holder.
Contact the ISA or Premium Bond provider for their specific procedures after death.
Inheritance tax and bank accounts
Bank accounts are part of the deceased's estate and count towards the value for inheritance tax purposes. If the estate exceeds the inheritance tax threshold (currently £325,000 as of 2026, though higher thresholds may apply depending on circumstances such as spousal transfers or property left to direct descendants), inheritance tax may be due. See our inheritance tax guide for detail.
The amount of inheritance tax owed may affect how much of the bank account can be distributed to beneficiaries. The executor may need to sell assets to raise funds to pay the tax.
See our guide on inheritance tax for more information.
Probate and bank accounts
If probate is required, the bank will not release funds until a grant of probate is presented. The executor must apply for probate, then present the grant to the bank.
Once the grant is received, the bank will release the funds to the executor, who can then settle debts and distribute the estate according to the will.
This process can take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the estate.
What the executor can use the account for
Once access to the account is obtained (either through small estate procedures or probate), the executor can use the funds to:
- Pay the funeral costs.
- Settle the deceased's debts and bills.
- Pay income tax and inheritance tax due.
- Pay executor fees and professional costs.
- Distribute the remaining funds to beneficiaries named in the will.
If the account is overdrawn
If the deceased had an overdraft or the account is overdrawn, the executor must settle the debt from other estate assets before distributing any inheritance to beneficiaries.
If there are insufficient assets to pay the overdraft, beneficiaries may inherit less or nothing.
Getting help
If the bank is refusing to provide information or release funds without probate, and the estate is small, ask for a copy of their small estate policy. If they will not explain why probate is required, contact Citizens Advice for guidance.
A solicitor can also help navigate the process and apply for probate if needed.