14 October 2026
If you shared a joint bank account with them, you may be wondering what happens to the money, whether you can continue using the account and whether probate is required.
The good news is that, in most cases, a joint bank account can continue to be used by the surviving account holder. However, there are some important things to understand about how the account is handled, inheritance tax and any outstanding debts.
Does a joint bank account automatically pass to the surviving account holder?
In England and Wales, joint bank accounts are usually held in a way that means the account continues in the surviving account holder's name following the other person's death.
This is commonly known as the right of survivorship. In practice, it means the surviving account holder will generally be able to continue accessing the account without having to apply for probate specifically to deal with those funds.
The bank will normally need to be informed of the death and may ask to see a death certificate or other documentation before updating its records.
However, it is important to understand that the arrangements for operating a joint account and the question of who is beneficially entitled to the money can be different. This may be particularly relevant when considering inheritance tax or a dispute over who contributed the funds.
Can you continue using a joint bank account after someone dies?
Generally, yes. A joint account will usually continue in the surviving account holder's name, allowing them to access the money and manage their finances.
You should contact the bank to notify it of the death and confirm whether any changes need to be made to the account.
You may also need to review any regular payments going into or out of the account, such as:
If the account was used to manage household finances, it is worth checking that essential payments will continue as expected.
You should also be aware that any overdraft or other debt attached to a joint account may remain the responsibility of the surviving account holder. Contact the bank if you are concerned about an outstanding balance or your ability to meet the repayments.
Does it matter who paid money into the joint account?
It can do, particularly when working out the deceased person's estate and whether inheritance tax may be payable.
For example, a couple may have a joint account into which both people paid their salaries or pensions. Alternatively, one person may have provided most or all of the money, with the account being held jointly for convenience.
Although the surviving account holder will generally be able to operate the account, the beneficial ownership of the funds may need to be considered separately for inheritance tax purposes.
HM Revenue & Customs guidance indicates that, when assessing the deceased person's share of a joint bank account in England and Wales, the contributions made by each account holder will normally be an important factor.
This means that adding someone else's name to a bank account does not necessarily mean that all the money will be treated as having belonged to that person for tax purposes.
If the account contained substantial savings, or there is uncertainty about who owned the funds, professional advice may help establish the position.
Is inheritance tax payable on a joint bank account?
Whether inheritance tax is payable depends on the circumstances, including who owned the money, who inherits it and the value of the deceased person's estate.
If a joint account passes to a surviving spouse or civil partner, the spouse or civil partner exemption will generally apply to the deceased person's interest, subject to the relevant rules.
The position may be different for unmarried couples or other joint account holders. For example, if an unmarried partner inherits money that was beneficially owned by the deceased, inheritance tax may be relevant.
The value of the deceased person's share of the account may need to be included when calculating the value of their estate for inheritance tax purposes, even where the money passes automatically to the surviving account holder.
The standard inheritance tax threshold is currently £325,000, although the amount of tax payable depends on the wider circumstances and other allowances or exemptions that may apply.
It is therefore important not to assume that a joint account is automatically exempt from inheritance tax simply because it passes to the surviving account holder.
Do you need probate to access a joint bank account?
In many cases, probate will not be required simply to deal with a joint bank account, because the account generally continues in the surviving account holder's name.
However, probate may still be needed to administer other assets belonging to the deceased person.
For example, the estate may include:
Whether probate is necessary will depend on the assets involved and the requirements of the relevant financial institutions.
If you are dealing with an estate, it is worth checking with the banks and other organisations involved before assuming that probate is or is not required.
What should you do when a joint account holder dies?
If you have lost someone who shared a joint bank account with you, the following steps may help you manage the practical arrangements.
1. Notify the bank
Contact the bank to inform it of the death. Ask what documents it needs and whether any changes are required to the account.
2. Check the account balance and regular payments
Review the money coming into and going out of the account, including household bills, income and any outstanding borrowing.
3. Keep records of the account
If there may be inheritance tax implications or uncertainty about who contributed the funds, keep relevant bank statements and other records showing where the money came from.
4. Consider the wider estate
Establish whether the deceased person owned other assets in their sole name and whether a grant of probate or letters of administration may be needed.
5. Seek legal advice if there is uncertainty
If family members disagree about who should receive the money, or you are unsure about inheritance tax or the administration of the estate, a solicitor can help explain your options.
How can we help?
Dealing with a joint bank account after a bereavement can raise questions about inheritance, tax and the administration of an estate. While the practical arrangements are often straightforward, more complicated situations may require specialist advice.
Our Wills, Trusts and Probate team can provide guidance on administering an estate, understanding inheritance issues and dealing with the legal responsibilities that arise following a death.
If you need advice about a deceased person's estate or are unsure what steps to take next, call our team on 01202 527008 or contact us via our website to arrange a confidential consultation Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs to discuss how we may be able to help.
