Bank limits · From First Direct’s own website, 3 November 2026

First Direct probate limit

First Direct releases up to £50,000 in the person’s name alone without probate. If there’s no will, its limit is £25,000. Above that, it asks for a grant of probate (or letters of administration).

Source: First Direct’s bereavement page, read on 3 November 2026. That’s the most common limit: 14 of the 23 banks and building societies we list release up to £50,000.

Will First Direct ask for probate?

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

Questions about First Direct and probate

How much can First Direct release without probate?

Do joint First Direct accounts need probate?

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

Is the First Direct limit per account?

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

What if the First Direct balance is over the limit?

Apply for probate (or letters of administration if there’s no will), then send First Direct 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

Bank of Scotland no published limit
Barclays £50,000
Chase no published limit
Co-operative Bank £50,000
Coventry Building Society £50,000
Halifax no published limit
HSBC UK £50,000
Leeds Building Society £50,000
Lloyds Bank £50,000
Metro Bank £35,000
Monzo £25,000
Nationwide £50,000
NatWest £50,000
NS&I £5,000
Principality Building Society £40,000
Royal Bank of Scotland £50,000
Santander £50,000
Skipton Building Society £50,000
Starling £30,000
TSB no published limit
Virgin Money £50,000
Yorkshire Building Society £50,000

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