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First Direct will release funds without probate if the total balance held in First Direct accounts is below £25,000 (as of 2026). First Direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc but operates its bereavement service separately from HSBC. For estates above £25,000, a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is required before First Direct will release funds.
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First Direct's probate threshold is £25,000 as of 2026. This is applied to the combined balance across all First Direct sole accounts. Despite being part of HSBC UK, First Direct applies its own threshold rather than HSBC's £50,000 threshold.
If the deceased held accounts at both First Direct and HSBC, these are treated separately — each institution applies its own threshold independently. For a full comparison of UK bank probate thresholds, see our probate threshold guide for 2026–27.
First Direct is a telephone and internet bank — there are no First Direct branches, so all interactions are by phone or online.
When notifying First Direct of a bereavement, you should have the following ready:
For estates above £25,000, First Direct requires the original Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Documents can be submitted by post or via the process First Direct directs you to during the bereavement call.
First Direct operates exclusively by phone and online. There are no physical branches:
When you first contact First Direct, they will freeze the deceased's account and stop any standing orders and direct debits. For guidance on managing notifications across multiple institutions, see our guide on notifying banks after a death.
Yes, First Direct participates in the Death Notification Service (DNS). You can submit a single notification via the DNS to inform First Direct and other participating banks simultaneously. First Direct will then contact you to collect the required documentation.
Yes, First Direct participates in the Direct Payment Scheme (IHT423). As part of HSBC Group, First Direct can facilitate direct payment of inheritance tax to HMRC from the deceased's account before probate is granted, provided sufficient funds are available.
To use this scheme, complete HMRC form IHT423 and submit it to First Direct alongside the IHT400. For more on IHT timing, see our guide on probate delays and IHT interest.
First Direct typically releases funds within 10 to 15 working days of receiving all required documentation. First Direct is known for responsive customer service, and straightforward cases may be resolved more quickly.
Use our estate administration checklist to track submissions and responses across all financial institutions in the estate.
For estates where the total First Direct balance is under £25,000, First Direct will use a simplified small estates process. You will be asked to sign a declaration or indemnity form and provide the death certificate. This can typically be completed within 5 to 10 working days of submitting the required documents.
Even if First Direct does not require probate, you may still need a Grant of Probate for other parts of the estate. Our guide on when you don't need probate will help you understand which other assets require formal authority.
For a full overview of UK probate, see our complete UK probate guide for 2026. If you are considering whether to handle probate yourself, our DIY probate versus solicitor costs guide is a helpful starting point. For inheritance tax questions, read our IHT guide for 2026–27. Use Farra's free estate tool to generate your personalised estate administration plan.
Barclays probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Barclays requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release funds.
Lloyds Bank probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Find out what documents Lloyds requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes to release funds.
Halifax probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Part of Lloyds Banking Group with its own bereavement process. Learn what documents Halifax requires and how long it takes.
NatWest probate threshold is £25,000 (as of 2026) — lower than many high street banks. Find out what documents NatWest requires and how to contact their bereavement team.
HSBC probate threshold is £50,000 for most accounts (as of 2026), with some account types lower. Learn what documents HSBC requires and how to use the Direct Payment Scheme.
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