Notify banks and building societies; they will freeze or restrict sole accounts until probate or small-estate procedures apply
Each bank's bereavement team, which is a dedicated department separate from ordinary customer service.
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
Each bank's bereavement team, which is a dedicated department separate from ordinary customer service.
How
Use the Death Notification Service to cover the larger banks in one go, then contact the rest directly.
Ask each bank to freeze sole accounts and to confirm the balance at the date of death, which you need for probate.
Ask whether they will release funds for the funeral invoice and for Inheritance Tax before probate, most will.
Ask what their threshold is for releasing funds without probate, it varies from around £5,000 to £50,000.
What to bring
A certified copy of the death certificate
Your own ID and proof of address
The will, if you are the executor
Account and sort code details if you have them
Timing
First two weeks. Accounts stay frozen until probate or the bank's small estate procedure is completed.
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.