Bank limits · From Family Building Society’s own website, 4 November 2026

Family Building Society probate limit

Family Building Society may ask for probate if the money in the person’s name alone is over £5,000.

“If the account balance, including accrued interest, is under £5,000 we can close it once we receive an acceptable Statutory Declaration…”
Family Building Society’s own words, from its website, read on 4 November 2026

Its page also still mentions a higher limit for the coronavirus period. The most common limit is £50,000, at 21 of the 95 banks and building societies we list, so Family Building Society’s is lower.

Will Family Building Society ask for probate?

Type roughly how much was in their name alone at Family Building Society. 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 Family Building Society and probate

How much can Family Building Society release without probate?

Family Building Society may ask for probate if the money in the person’s name alone is over £5,000. In its own words: “If the account balance, including accrued interest, is under £5,000 we can close it once we receive an acceptable Statutory Declaration…” From Family Building Society’s own website, checked 4 November 2026.

Do joint Family Building Society accounts need probate?

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

Is the Family Building Society limit per account?

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

What if the Family Building Society balance is over the limit?

Apply for probate (or letters of administration if there’s no will), then send Family Building Society 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 Family Building Society? hello@probatechecklist.co.uk