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Once you have the Grant of Probate in hand, collecting bank accounts is one of the first concrete steps in realising the estate. The process is largely the same across major UK banks, though timelines vary. This guide explains how to do it correctly. For the overall administration timeline, see our executor first steps guide.
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Before collecting any estate funds, open a dedicated estate bank account. This is a current account in your name as executor — for example, "John Smith as Executor of the Estate of Jane Smith (Deceased)." You must not mix estate funds with your own money.
Most high street banks will open an estate account on production of:
Some banks require you to use their own dedicated estate account product. Alternatively, a standard current account in your name with a clear reference to the estate is acceptable.
Many banks have a threshold below which they will release funds without a Grant of Probate. The amount varies by bank — typically £5,000– £50,000 for the total across accounts at that bank. If the balance is below the bank's "small estate" threshold, you may be able to collect by presenting:
Note that this does not affect whether you need probate for other purposes (Land Registry, other banks, investments) — it only means this particular bank releases funds without requiring a Grant.
Joint bank accounts automatically pass to the surviving account holder by right of survivorship — they do not form part of the probate estate and you do not need a Grant of Probate to access them. The surviving account holder simply notifies the bank with a death certificate and the account continues in their sole name.
However, the balance of a joint account at the date of death is still included in the estate for IHT purposes (the deceased's half is included) — see our IHT400 form guide.
Any interest earned on estate accounts during the administration period is taxable income of the estate. If total estate income (including bank interest, dividends, rental income) exceeds £500 during the administration period, you must file an SA900 estate tax return. See our guide to the SA900 estate income tax return.
All estate funds should sit in the estate account until you are ready to distribute. You should not distribute until:
For the full distribution process, see our guide on distributing cash to beneficiaries. For the creditor notice requirement, see advertising for creditors in the Gazette. For the full estate administration checklist, see our estate administration checklist. Start with our free estate administration tool.
Named as executor in a will? Learn your first 10 steps: registering the death, locating the will, valuing the estate, and applying for probate. UK 2026 guide.
What executor final accounts must contain, how to prepare them, the format to use, and when beneficiaries can demand them. UK estate administration guide 2026.
The executor's year gives executors 12 months from death to distribute the estate without being in breach of duty. When does it apply? Can it be extended? UK 2026 guide.
A month-by-month executor timeline: what to do in the first six months, what should be complete by 12 months, and how to handle estates that run longer. UK 2026.
How to formally renounce the executor role. Form PA15, the point of no return, what happens when all executors renounce, and power reserved.
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