# What happens to bank accounts after someone dies

Content updated: 2026-09-25

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bereavement/bank-accounts-after-death/

## In short

When a UK bank is told someone has died, they freeze sole accounts and stop standing orders/direct debits. Joint accounts usually pass to the surviving holder automatically. Each bank or building society sets its own limit for releasing money without a Grant of Probate, so ask each one what it needs. The Death Notification Service (deathnotificationservice.co.uk) covers most major UK banks in one form.

Banks must treat bereaved customers fairly: the FCA expects firms to take particular care with customers in vulnerable circumstances, and bereavement is one of the life events it names. Ask for a named contact and a clear timeline.

## Sole accounts

Once notified, the bank freezes the account. The personal representative (executor named in the will, or administrator if there is no will) deals with the bank using a copy of the death certificate and ID. Direct debits for essential services (utilities, Council Tax) are typically continued or refunded; mortgage payments may need to be discussed separately.

Banks may release money to pay the funeral director's invoice, Inheritance Tax due to HMRC or the probate fee before a Grant of Probate is issued — usually paying the funeral director, HMRC or HMCTS directly. They don't have to, so ask.


## Joint accounts

Joint current and savings accounts normally pass to the surviving holder under the 'right of survivorship'. The bank just removes the deceased's name on production of the death certificate. The balance does still form part of the estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.


## Small-estates threshold (no probate)

Each UK bank sets its own limit for releasing funds without a Grant of Probate. Above the limit the executor must produce the Grant. Where the deceased held accounts at several banks, each applies its own limit; an asset above one bank's limit can still avoid probate if there are no other large assets in the estate.


## Does the bank automatically know someone has died?

No — banks only act on a formal notification. The Death Notification Service lets you notify most major UK banks in one online form; smaller banks and building societies have to be contacted directly.

## What happens to a credit card balance?

Debts owed by the deceased are paid out of the estate before anything is distributed. Where the estate has no money, sole-name credit-card debts die with the deceased — banks are not allowed to chase relatives unless they were a joint borrower or guarantor.

## Can I keep paying the mortgage from the deceased's account?

Usually not after the bank freezes the account. The mortgage lender must be told separately; they have a duty to consider hardship and to give the personal representatives time to deal with the property.

## Sources

- [Death Notification Service](https://www.deathnotificationservice.co.uk/)
- [GOV.UK — Applying for probate](https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate)

Information only — not regulated financial advice.