Who can access a bank account when the holder passes on?

03/02/2026

Transactions carried out after the death of an account holder frequently cause arguments, whether between joint holders or between people who were authorised to use the account while the holder was alive. The best way to avoid problems is to check whether the account was an individual or joint one and, if joint, what each account holder can do, i.e. whether the account is set up as an any-to-sign account (i.e. any holder can use the account without anybody else’s permission) or all-to-sign account (i.e. all holders must consent to any transaction).

In the case of accounts held by just one person, banks must immediately block cards, passwords and online banking access once they are notified of the owner’s death. This prevents unauthorised use and ensures that authorised users can no longer make transactions using the account (their authorisation having ended with the holder’s death). The bank will only allow new transactions if approved by all the heirs, with a few exceptions, such as funeral expenses or costs that “maintain the unclaimed estate” before it is shared out.

Someone’s estate is categorised as “unclaimed” in the period after their death and before the heirs either accept or refuse their inheritance. During this period, good banking practice dictates that banks help look after the estate’s assets, which means continuing to pay out existing direct debits (such as electricity bills, taxes and insurance) to avoid penalties and other avoidable problems for any heirs.

For the joint or shared accounts we mentioned earlier, the rules set out in the relevant contract must be followed, especially when it comes to distinguishing between accounts set up on an any-to-sign versus all-to-sign basis, along with specific clauses (if there are any) dealing with the death of one holder.

• For any-to-sign accounts, unless the contract states otherwise, any surviving joint holder may continue to use the account as if they were the sole holder. Banks must continue to follow the instructions of surviving joint holders without requiring authorisation from, or having to inform, the heirs of the deceased. If any disagreement arises between survivors and heirs regarding ownership of funds, these must be resolved by the courts, as the proper adjudicator of such issues, not by the banks themselves.
• For all-to-sign accounts, any transaction involving the account requires the consent of all surviving joint holders and the heirs.

The bank will only release funds in an account to the heirs once the work of the bank’s own probate services has been completed. To this end, proof must be provided that any inheritance tax due has been paid.