Bank limits · From Coutts’s own website, 4 November 2026

Coutts probate limit

Coutts publishes no limit for releasing money without probate. Tell its bereavement team about the death and ask whether it needs a grant.

“Probate is not always required, however in certain circumstances one may be needed.”
Coutts’s own words, from its website, read on 4 November 2026

Says probate is “not always required”. 71 of the 95 banks and building societies we list publish a figure, most often £50,000.

Will Coutts ask for probate?

Type roughly how much was in their name alone at Coutts. Add their other banks too if you like.

Add up every account in their name alone at that bank. Leave out joint accounts. What you type stays in your browser.

Questions about Coutts and probate

How much can Coutts release without probate?

Coutts publishes no limit for releasing money without probate. Tell its bereavement team about the death and ask whether it needs a grant. In its own words: “Probate is not always required, however in certain circumstances one may be needed.” From Coutts’s own website, checked 4 November 2026.

Do joint Coutts accounts need probate?

Usually not. A joint account normally passes straight to the other account holder, so it doesn’t count towards Coutts’s limit. Only money in the person’s name alone does.

Is the Coutts limit per account?

No, banks look at the total. Add up every account in the person’s name alone at Coutts. Money at other banks is judged against each bank’s own limit.

What if the Coutts balance is over the limit?

Apply for probate (or letters of administration if there’s no will), then send Coutts a copy of the grant. One grant works at every bank, so if any one bank needs it, it covers the rest too.

Other banks’ limits

Not sure you need probate at all? Use the 3-question checker. Spotted a change at Coutts? hello@probatechecklist.co.uk