Conditions of joint bank accounts?

Broadback

I have learnt the hard way that banks do not necessarily know their busines, so I thought that I would ask this here.
If a married couple open a joint account what happens when one dies? Can the remaining holder continue to operate the account as usual, or does it have to go through probate?
Thanks

skeato

Having studied the HMRC web site I understand that assets owned jointly and willed to surviving spouse are not subject to probate.
Unless anyone out there knows differently

Reaper

Joint accounts are OK, you can carry on operating them as usual and some set them up for that reason.

xylophone

Joint accounts are often set up for the very reason that if one party dies, the account continues - for married couples in particular, all the direct debits etc go on without interruption.

Vortigern

The survivor can continue to operate the joint account as normal, but any account in the sole name of the deceased will be frozen until probate has been granted.
Also beware that credit cards accounts are not usually in joint names - there will be one account holder and one or more additional card holders. If the account holder dies, the additional card holder(s) can't continue to use the account.