Independent · Primary-sourced · England & Wales
estatecosts.

The cost of settling an estate, plainly reckoned.


HomeProbate › NatWest probate limit (2026)
Probate · England & Wales

NatWest probate limit (2026)

Last reviewed 18 August 2026

NatWest is the bank most often quoted at two different figures. Third-party sources cite both £25,000 and £50,000; the safest course is to confirm directly rather than rely on either.

How much NatWest releases without probate

NatWest (with Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank) is variously cited at £25,000 and £50,000 for releasing funds without a grant, and in practice assesses cases individually. Because the published position is unclear, confirm the current figure before assuming either way.

Notifying NatWest

NatWest Group’s bereavement team can be reached on 0800 161 5903. Joint accounts continue with the surviving holder without a grant.

Questions

Does this threshold apply to the whole estate?+
No. It applies only to the balance held with NatWest at the date of death, not to the estate as a whole.

Sources. NatWest bereavement information; figure marked as published or secondary convention and dated at review. Always confirm with the bank’s bereavement team.