What you need to do to close a deceased person's bank account

The bank will not close the account on its own. You need to contact the bank, provide proof of death, and request closure. Most banks require a certified copy of the death certificate and proof that you have the authority to act — either as the executor named in the will, as next of kin under state law, or as a power of attorney if one was granted before death. The process usually takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if the account is small and there are no complications.

Start by calling the bank's customer service line and asking to speak with someone in the probate or estate department. They will tell you exactly what documents they need and whether the account can be closed when ready or must stay open while the estate is settled. Some banks freeze accounts automatically when they learn of a death; others wait for you to request it.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the bank directly and ask for the probate or estate department, which handles deceased account holders.
  • You will need a certified copy of the death certificate and proof of your authority to act on the account.
  • The bank may require you to provide information about any outstanding checks, automatic payments, or direct deposits linked to the account.
  • If the account holds money that belongs to beneficiaries or the estate, the bank may not close it until those funds are distributed.
  • Some banks allow closure by mail or phone; others require you to visit a branch in person with original documents.

What documents the bank will ask for

Every bank requires a certified copy of the death certificate. This is not the same as a photocopy. You get certified copies from the vital records office in the county where the person died, usually for a small fee. Order several copies at once — you may need them for the bank, the IRS, insurance companies, and other institutions.

The bank will also ask for proof that you have the right to close the account. This might be a copy of the will showing you as executor, a court order appointing you as administrator, a letter of testamentary (issued by the probate court), or documentation of your relationship to the deceased if you are a spouse or adult child and the account has no will. Some states allow next of kin to claim small accounts without going through probate; the bank can tell you whether your state has this option and whether this account qualifies.

Bring or send the original certified death certificate and a photo ID showing your name. The bank may ask you to sign a form authorizing closure. If you are mailing documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the bank received them.

What happens to money still in the account

If the account holds money, the bank will not straightforward hand it to you. The funds belong to the estate or to named beneficiaries, depending on how the account was set up. If the deceased named a payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary, that person can claim the money directly without probate. You will need to provide the beneficiary's name and contact information, and the bank will work with them to transfer the funds.

If there is no named beneficiary, the money becomes part of the estate and must be distributed according to the will or state law. In this case, the bank may freeze the account and require a court order or letter of testamentary before releasing any funds. This can take weeks or months depending on the size of the estate and whether anyone contests the will.

If the account is small — many states set the threshold between $5,000 and $25,000, though this varies — you may be able to claim it as next of kin without probate. Ask the bank whether your state has a small estate procedure and whether this account qualifies.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Before you close the account, identify any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it. Social Security, pension payments, and other income may still be depositing into the account. Utility bills, insurance premiums, loan payments, and subscriptions may still be drawing from it. The bank can show you a list of recent transactions, which will help you spot these.

Contact each company making a payment or receiving a payment and ask them to stop. For income like Social Security, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration and report the death; they will stop deposits and may ask for repayment of any funds deposited after the death date. For bills and subscriptions, ask the company to remove the account and provide a new payment method or cancel the service.

Do not close the account until you have stopped or redirected all automatic activity. If a payment tries to go through after closure, it will be rejected and may trigger overdraft fees or late fees on the original account.

Whether you need probate to close the account

Probate is the court process that settles an estate and distributes assets. You do not always need to go through probate to close a bank account. If the account is small, has a named beneficiary, or is held jointly with a surviving spouse, you may be able to close it with just the death certificate and proof of your relationship.

If the account is large, has no named beneficiary, and the deceased left a will, you will likely need to open probate and obtain a letter of testamentary or court order before the bank will release the funds. This process varies by state and by the size of the estate. Ask the bank whether they will accept a will and death certificate alone, or whether they require a court order. Some banks have a threshold — for example, they may not require probate for accounts under $10,000.

If you are unsure whether probate is necessary, contact a probate attorney in the state where the person died. Many offer a free initial consultation and can tell you whether you need to file.

Closing the account by mail, phone, or in person

Most banks allow you to start the closure process by phone or mail. Call the customer service number on the back of a bank card or statement and ask for the probate department. Explain that you need to close an account for a deceased person and ask what documents they need and how to send them.

If the bank requires you to visit in person, bring the original certified death certificate, your photo ID, and any court documents or letters of authority. The bank may ask you to sign additional forms. If you cannot visit the branch where the account was opened, ask whether you can visit a different branch or mail the documents instead.

Some banks have a specific mailing address for probate requests. Ask for it and use certified mail. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date and time you called or mailed documents. Follow up after two weeks if you have not heard back.

What to do if the account is frozen or disputed

If the bank froze the account and will not release funds without a court order, you will need to open probate or use a small estate procedure if your state offers one. Contact the probate court in the county where the person died and ask about the process. You can also consult a probate attorney; the cost is usually a few hundred dollars for a straightforward case.

If someone else claims a right to the account — a spouse, adult child, or creditor — the bank may hold the funds while the dispute is resolved. If this happens, ask the bank in writing what they need to release the money and to whom. You may need a court order to settle the dispute.

If the deceased owed money to creditors, the bank may freeze the account to protect those claims. Creditors have a limited time to file claims against the estate, usually between three and six months depending on the state. Once that period passes and claims are paid, the remaining funds can be distributed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access the account before it is closed to pay bills or funeral expenses?

It depends on the bank and the account type. If you are a joint owner or have power of attorney, you may be able to withdraw funds. If you are the executor or next of kin but not a joint owner, the bank may allow you to withdraw funds to pay funeral expenses or estate bills, but you will need to ask and provide documentation. Some banks require a court order.

What if there is a check that has not cleared yet?

Tell the bank about any outstanding checks before you close the account. The bank will keep the account open long enough for those checks to clear, or they will return them unpaid. Ask the bank how long they will hold the account open and whether you need to do anything else.

Do I have to close the account, or can I just leave it alone?

You should close it. Dormant accounts may be turned over to the state as unclaimed property after a period of inactivity, usually three to five years. Closing the account ensures the funds are distributed to the rightful heirs and prevents confusion later.

What if the person had multiple accounts at the same bank?

Contact the bank and ask them to close all accounts. Provide the account numbers and the death certificate. The bank will handle each account separately, but you only need to submit one set of documents.

How long does it take to close an account after I submit the death certificate?

If the account is small and has a named beneficiary, closure can happen in a few days. If the account has no beneficiary or is part of a larger estate, it may take two to four weeks or longer while the bank verifies your authority and processes the request. Ask the bank for a timeline when you first contact them.