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Paragon Bank is a specialist savings and mortgage bank that applies a probate threshold of approximately £20,000 for its savings accounts. Below this amount, Paragon will generally deal with the estate using a small-estate indemnity. Above £20,000, a full grant of probate is required before any funds can be released.
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Paragon Bank applies a probate threshold of approximately £20,000 across all savings accounts held with them by the deceased. Where the combined total is below this figure, Paragon can deal with the estate using a small-estate indemnity — the executor or administrator signs a declaration of entitlement and Paragon releases the funds without the full grant of probate.
If the total savings balance exceeds £20,000, Paragon will require a grant of probate (or, in Scotland, confirmation) before proceeding. Paragon Bank primarily offers fixed-rate and notice savings accounts, so estate claims typically involve one or more savings accounts rather than current accounts. For context on how probate thresholds work across UK institutions, see our guide to the 2026–27 UK probate threshold.
For estates below £20,000:
For estates above £20,000:
Our guide to documents needed for probate and the estate administration checklist will help you keep on top of the paperwork.
Paragon Bank can be contacted through the following channels:
Paragon Bank will freeze the account upon notification. For guidance on notifying multiple institutions, see our guide on notifying banks after a death.
As of 2026, Paragon Bank does not participate in the Death Notification Service (DNS). You will need to contact Paragon directly and separately from any DNS submissions you make for other institutions. Paragon is also not covered by the government's Tell Us Once service.
Paragon Bank does not currently participate in the Direct Payment Scheme (DPS). This means that if the estate has an inheritance tax liability, the executor will need to fund the IHT payment from other sources before applying for probate. Our guide on probate delays and IHT interest explains the risks of late payment, and our 2026–27 inheritance tax guide covers the current rates and allowances.
For estates below the £20,000 threshold, Paragon Bank typically processes claims within two to four weeks of receiving the required documentation. For larger estates requiring probate, processing begins once the sealed grant is received. The full timeline therefore depends on how quickly probate can be obtained — typically three to six months.
Our complete UK probate guide for 2026 sets out the full timeline in detail.
Where the total Paragon Bank balance is below approximately £20,000, the bank uses a small-estate indemnity to release funds without requiring the full probate grant. Given that Paragon specialises in savings products, executors dealing with straightforward savings-only estates will find the process relatively streamlined.
Before deciding whether to apply for probate, check whether other assets in the estate also require it. Our guide on when you don't need probate covers the key scenarios. If probate is needed, our DIY probate vs solicitor cost comparison is useful for deciding how to proceed.
Probate needed if estate has property or over £50K. Joint accounts exempt. Check bank thresholds: HSBC £50K, smaller banks £15K.
Step-by-step probate application process, forms needed, costs, and typical timeframes for grant of probate.
Situations where probate isn't required, including small estates, joint assets, and nominated beneficiaries.
Step-by-step guide to notifying banks after a death in the UK. What documents you need, how to access funds before probate, joint accounts, funeral payment releases, and full timeline.
Triodos Bank's probate threshold is approximately £25,000 (as of 2026). Learn what documents Triodos requires, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long fund release takes.
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