Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
NatWest will release funds without probate if the total balance held across all NatWest accounts is below £25,000 (as of 2026). This threshold is lower than several other high street banks, so it is worth confirming the current balance before assuming probate will not be needed. For estates above £25,000, NatWest requires a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
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NatWest's probate threshold is £25,000 as of 2026. This is notably lower than the £50,000 threshold applied by banks such as Barclays, Lloyds, and Halifax. If the deceased held a combined total of less than £25,000 across all NatWest accounts, NatWest may release the funds without a formal Grant of Probate.
NatWest is part of NatWest Group, which also includes Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Ulster Bank. Accounts held at those institutions are treated separately for bereavement purposes. For a full comparison of UK bank thresholds, see our probate threshold guide for 2026–27.
When notifying NatWest of a bereavement, you should have the following ready:
For estates above £25,000, NatWest will require the original Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Given the lower threshold, it is more likely at NatWest than at some other banks that probate will be required.
NatWest provides bereavement support through the following channels:
NatWest will freeze the deceased's accounts upon notification and cancel standing orders and direct debits. Our guide on notifying banks after a death explains how to manage the notification process across multiple institutions efficiently.
Yes, NatWest is a member of the Death Notification Service (DNS). You can submit a single notification through the DNS to inform NatWest and other participating institutions simultaneously. NatWest will then contact you directly to collect the necessary documents and progress the estate.
Yes, NatWest participates in the Direct Payment Scheme (IHT423). This scheme allows NatWest to pay inheritance tax directly to HMRC from the deceased's account before probate is granted — which can be essential where cash is needed to settle the IHT bill before the grant is issued.
To use the scheme, you will need to complete HMRC form IHT423 and submit it to NatWest alongside the IHT400. For more on why IHT timing matters and the interest that can accrue on unpaid tax, see our guide on probate delays and IHT interest.
NatWest typically releases funds within 10 to 15 working days of receiving all required documentation. As with other banks, more complex estates may take longer — particularly where there are multiple executors, disputed items, or investment products involved.
Use our estate administration checklist to keep track of what has been submitted to NatWest and other institutions, and to monitor expected timelines.
For estates where the total NatWest balance is under £25,000, NatWest uses a small estates procedure. You will typically be asked to complete a statutory declaration or indemnity form to confirm your entitlement to the funds. This is faster than the full probate route.
Funds through the small estates process are usually released within 5 to 10 working days. Note that even when NatWest releases funds without probate, you may still need a grant to deal with property or other assets. Our guide on when you don't need probate can help you assess the full picture.
For a comprehensive overview of how probate works in the UK, visit our complete UK probate guide for 2026. To understand whether you need a solicitor, compare the options in our DIY probate versus solicitor costs guide. For inheritance tax questions, read our IHT guide for 2026–27. Start your personalised estate administration plan with Farra's free tool.
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.
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.
Nationwide Building Society probate threshold is £50,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Nationwide requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and release timelines.
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