How to Get Money Out of a Deceased Bank Account — The Complete 2026 Guide

Getting money out of a deceased bank account is rarely straightforward. Every major UK bank has its own rules, and the amount matters — below a certain threshold the bank releases funds on an indemnity, above it you need a Grant of Probate.

This guide explains exactly how to get money out of a deceased bank account at Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide and the digital banks — with the latest 2026 thresholds, required documents, and workarounds for urgent situations like funeral costs.

How to get money out of a deceased bank account — 5 key steps

Step 1: Notify the bank

As soon as possible after the death, notify every bank where the deceased held an account. Most banks have a dedicated bereavement team. You will usually need:

• The original death certificate (or certified copy)
• The deceased’s full name, address and date of birth
• Account numbers if known
• Your ID and relationship to the deceased

The bank freezes the accounts from that point. Direct debits cancel. No withdrawals without following the release process.

Step 2: Understand the bank’s threshold

Every UK bank sets its own internal threshold for releasing funds without probate. Below the threshold, release on indemnity; above it, probate required.

Approximate 2026 thresholds (these change — always check):

• Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland): up to £50,000
• Barclays: up to £50,000
• HSBC UK: typically up to £20,000, discretion up to £50,000
• NatWest Group (NatWest, RBS, Ulster): typically £25,000, up to £50,000 at discretion
• Santander UK: up to £50,000
• Nationwide: up to £50,000
• Co-operative Bank: up to £30,000
• Monzo, Starling, Revolut: usually £5,000–£15,000

Step 3: Below threshold — get money out of a deceased bank account without probate

If the balance is below the bank’s threshold, the bank typically releases funds on:

• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Certified copy of the Will (if one exists)
• Bank’s own indemnity form, signed by the executor or next of kin
• Proof of identity

The indemnity is a signed promise to compensate the bank if anyone later claims funds were paid to the wrong person. Standard practice.

Step 4: Above threshold — Grant of Probate required

If the balance exceeds the threshold, or the estate requires probate for other reasons (property etc), you need the Grant before the bank releases funds. Send a certified copy of the Grant and complete the bank’s release form. Funds transfer within 7–14 working days.

Step 5: Use the Direct Payment Scheme for inheritance tax

Separate from the release of funds to you, HMRC runs a Direct Payment Scheme. A bank can pay inheritance tax directly to HMRC from the deceased’s accounts before probate is granted. Complete form IHT423 and submit it to the bank. See the HMRC inheritance tax guidance.

Joint accounts are different

Joint accounts usually pass automatically to the surviving holder by the rule of survivorship. Notify the bank with the death certificate; the account transfers into the survivor’s sole name. No probate needed for the joint account itself.

Funeral costs — how to get money out of a deceased bank account urgently

Most banks release funds directly to the funeral director on production of the invoice and death certificate, even before probate. This is a standard concession. Funeral costs do not count toward the threshold calculation.

What about debts, mortgages and credit cards?

Debts do not disappear on death. They become payable from the estate. The bank sets off any account balance against outstanding loans, overdrafts or credit cards. Net debt becomes a claim against the estate, paid before distribution.

Common problems when getting money out of a deceased bank account

The bank refuses to release funds even below threshold

Escalate to the branch manager or bereavement team supervisor. If still refused, obtain the Grant.

Banks are taking weeks to respond

Bereavement teams are often understaffed. Chase weekly by recorded delivery. If unreasonable delay causes loss, complain to the Financial Ombudsman.

You do not know about all the deceased’s accounts

Use the Death Notification Service (deathnotificationservice.co.uk) — one form notifies multiple major banks. Check the deceased’s post and emails, and consider a paid tracing service.

Frequently asked questions

Specialist help from Curtis Legal

If you are struggling to get money out of a deceased bank account, dealing with multiple banks, or managing a complex estate, Simon Jenkins will handle the correspondence for you. Curtis Legal acts remotely across England and Wales.