Bank limits · From Metro Bank’s own website, 3 November 2026
Metro Bank probate limit
Metro Bank releases up to £35,000 in the person’s name alone without probate. Above that, it asks for a grant of probate (or letters of administration).
Probate needed whatever the balance if they had a safe deposit box. Source: Metro Bank’s bereavement page, read on 3 November 2026. That’s lower than most: 14 of the 23 banks and building societies we list release up to £50,000.
Will Metro Bank ask for probate?
Type roughly how much was in their name alone at Metro Bank. Add their other banks too if you like.
Questions about Metro Bank and probate
How much can Metro Bank release without probate?
Metro Bank releases up to £35,000 in the person’s name alone without probate. Above that, it asks for a grant of probate (or letters of administration). From Metro Bank’s own website, checked 3 November 2026.
Do joint Metro Bank accounts need probate?
Usually not. A joint account normally passes straight to the other account holder, so it doesn’t count towards Metro Bank’s limit. Only money in the person’s name alone does.
Is the Metro Bank limit per account?
No, banks look at the total. Add up every account in the person’s name alone at Metro Bank. Money at other banks is judged against each bank’s own limit.
What if the Metro Bank balance is over the limit?
Apply for probate (or letters of administration if there’s no will), then send Metro Bank 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
- First Direct £50,000
- Halifax no published limit
- HSBC UK £50,000
- Leeds Building Society £50,000
- Lloyds Bank £50,000
- 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 Metro Bank? hello@probatechecklist.co.uk