Executor account

Why you may need an Executor account and how to get started.

What is an Executor account?

An Executor account is an account set up by one or more of the executors of an estate to manage the financial affairs of a deceased person's estate. The account is for collecting incoming funds, such as income from investments or the sale of estate assets. It can also be used for paying any ongoing bills, debts, and expenses related to the estate.​ 

As the executor, you will be responsible for keeping detailed records of all transactions. These records are important for the final accounting and distribution of the estate's assets to the beneficiaries. It helps keep things clear, preventing disputes.

Do I need an Executor account?

You may need an executor account for several reasons:​

  • Collecting and holding funds before 'confirmation' is granted. It allows you to be ready to distribute funds when the 'Grant of Confirmation' is completed.
  • Efficient management. It allows you to collect incoming funds (like income from investments or the sale of assets) and pay any bills, debts, and expenses related to the estate efficiently.​
  • Record keeping. It helps you keep detailed records of all transactions.​
  • Legal compliance. It helps you comply with legal requirements for managing an estate.​

What do I need to know?

Important information before you start

  • To name someone on the account, they must already have a Bank of Scotland current account.
  • You can only open these accounts for conversion to an Executor account:
    Classic accountAccess Saver, or Advantage Saver.
  • Opening and converting a savings account to an Executor account, could create a personal tax liability. You should check how this could affect you before choosing this option.
  • The FSCS provides 'temporary high balance protection' above £85,000. You can check how this works and if it applies to your circumstances, on their website.
How many Executors would your account need?

Sole Executor accounts

  • You’ll need to open a separate personal current account, which will become your Executor account.
  • Make sure you have noted what accounts you can use. There are only certain accounts we can convert.
  • You can’t use an existing account.

After the account is open, it can be converted to an Executor account, using the ‘Executor account request’ form.

Complete in full and select ‘submit’.

Executor account request form

After the account has been converted to an Executor account, we’ll contact you by email.

We’ll send you a document upload link. When 'confirmation' is granted, you can send the proof using the link.

Joint Executor accounts

  • Both parties need to have current account with us to qualify.
  • You’ll need to open a separate joint personal current account
    (You can’t use an existing account).

    Make sure you have noted what accounts can be used.
  • One party can open this account for the two customers, using the banking app.

After the account is open, it can be converted to an Executor account, using the ‘Executor account request’ form.

Complete in full and select ‘submit’.

Executor account request form

After the account has been converted to an Executor account, we’ll contact you by email.

We’ll send you a document upload link. When 'confirmation' is granted, you can send the proof using the link.

You can open an account for up to two executors using this process. For more executors you'll need to visit a branch

Confirmation

The UK probate process in Scotland is called 'confirmation'. This may be required to deal with a deceased person's estate, including their property, money, and possessions. It's a legal authority and only certain people can apply.

There's more information about probate and confirmation on our bereavement support page.

You can also visit these government support websites:

Tax

Any interest paid to an executor who is resident in the UK, will be reported to HMRC, despite you as executors not necessarily being the beneficial owner.​

​HMRC may use this information to determine tax liability and as such you are advised to review your tax code in case of any query.  

Getting started online

 

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  • Join our 1 million app users
  • Simple and secure log in.
  • Set up handy notifications.
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Log in to view or manage your accounts on our website.

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Where can I find more support?

Protecting your money


The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects up to £85,000 of the eligible money you hold with us.

More about the FSCS



Protecting your money

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects up to £85,000 of the eligible money you hold with us.

More about the FSCS

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