Do I need probate for a small estate?

Typical bank probate thresholds

Some banks publish a limit for releasing funds without a grant; others confirm their requirements after you notify them. Limits can depend on the account, whether there is a will and the circumstances. You may still need identification, a closure form and other documents. A bank's limit does not decide whether probate is needed for the rest of the estate. Our bank limits tool lists what each one publishes, with a link to their own bereavement page.

• Barclays: more than £50,000 in sole accounts needs a grant (joint accounts do not)
• Santander: more than £50,000 across sole accounts needs a grant
• Nationwide: below £50,000 without a grant using their closure form; above £50,000 needs a grant
• HSBC UK: £50,000 with a will, £25,000 without (UK residents; can still ask for a grant)
• first direct: up to £50,000 with a will, £25,000 without (UK residents, subject to circumstances)
• Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland: depends on the products held, ask the bank to confirm
• NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank: the bank confirms what it needs after you notify it
• Smaller building societies: often lower, ask before you apply

Doing it without probate

If every asset is below its organisation's threshold, you can administer the estate without a grant. You'll typically need: the death certificate, a copy of the will (or evidence of intestacy), photo ID for the executor or next of kin, and a small estates indemnity form provided by each bank.