The bank will not close the account on its own—you have to tell them, and you'll need a death certificate and proof you have authority to act
When someone dies, their bank account does not automatically close. The bank will freeze it once they learn of the death, but closing it is a separate step that falls to whoever is handling the estate. That person is usually the executor named in the will, or if there is no will, whoever the probate court appoints as administrator. If you are that person, the bank will ask you to show a certified copy of the death certificate and a document proving your authority—either the will itself, a court order, or a power of attorney the deceased signed before death.
The process varies slightly by bank and by whether the account had a named beneficiary. If it did, the money may bypass the estate entirely and go straight to that person. If it did not, the funds become part of the estate and are distributed according to the will or state law. Either way, you cannot touch the money until the bank confirms your authority and the account is formally closed or transferred.
Key Takeaways
- You will need an original or certified copy of the death certificate and proof of your authority as executor or administrator to close the account.
- If the account had a named beneficiary, that person may receive the funds directly without the account going through probate.
- The bank will freeze the account once notified of the death, but you must formally request closure—it does not happen automatically.
- Some banks allow you to close the account by mail or phone with the right documents; others require you to visit a branch in person.
- Any outstanding checks, automatic payments, or direct deposits tied to the account should be redirected or cancelled before closure.
What you need to bring or send to the bank
Start by calling the bank's main customer service line and asking for the department that handles deceased account holders. Do not go to a branch without calling first—they will likely send you to that department anyway, and you may waste a trip. Tell them the account holder's name and account number, and ask what documents they need.
Nearly every bank will ask for a certified copy of the death certificate. This is not the same as a photocopy. You get certified copies from the county vital records office or the funeral home that handled the arrangements. Order several copies—you may need them for the bank, the IRS, insurance companies, and other institutions. A certified copy has an official seal and signature.
You will also need to prove you have the authority to close the account. This usually means one of the following: the original will or a certified copy, a court order naming you as executor or administrator, or a power of attorney document the deceased signed before death. Some banks accept a letter from a probate attorney stating your role. Ask the bank which document they prefer before you gather everything.
If you are not the executor but are a surviving spouse or adult child, the bank may allow you to close a joint account or transfer funds from a single-name account if you can show the death certificate and your relationship to the deceased. Rules vary by state and by bank, so ask directly rather than assuming.
Whether the account had a named beneficiary changes what happens next
Many bank accounts allow the account holder to name a beneficiary—a person who receives the money directly if the account holder dies. This is called a "payable on death" or POD account. If the deceased named a beneficiary on this account, that person can usually claim the funds without waiting for probate to finish. The beneficiary will need to show the bank a death certificate and proof of identity, and the bank will transfer the money to them.
If there is no named beneficiary, the account becomes part of the estate. The money cannot be released until probate is complete or until the court confirms you have authority to distribute it. This can take weeks or months depending on the state and the complexity of the estate. During that time, the account stays frozen.
If the account was a joint account with a right of survivorship, the surviving joint owner usually becomes the sole owner automatically. You do not need probate court approval. You will still need to notify the bank and provide the death certificate so they can update their records, but the surviving owner can access and close the account without waiting for probate.
Steps to close the account once the bank has your documents
After you submit the death certificate and proof of authority, the bank will review them. This usually takes three to ten business days. Some banks will call you to confirm details or ask follow-up questions. Once they approve, they will freeze any remaining funds and ask you how you want to proceed.
If you are the executor and the account has no named beneficiary, the bank will typically issue a check to the estate in your name as executor. You deposit that check into an estate account if you have opened one, or you hold it until probate is complete and you are ready to distribute funds to heirs. Do not deposit it into your personal account—that creates a tax and legal problem.
If the account had a named beneficiary, the bank will issue a check to that person or transfer the funds directly to their account if they provide banking details. If you are the beneficiary, you can ask the bank to close the account and send you the funds in one step.
Before the account closes, check whether any automatic payments or direct deposits were tied to it. Utility bills, insurance premiums, or loan payments may still be trying to draw from the account. Redirect those to a different account or cancel them. If direct deposit was going into this account, notify the employer or benefit provider so they can update their records.
What to do if the account is overdrawn or has outstanding debts
If the account is overdrawn—meaning the balance is negative—the bank will not close it until the overdraft is paid. The estate is responsible for paying it. If there are other assets in the estate, you will use those to cover the overdraft before distributing money to heirs. If the estate has no money, creditors may have a claim against other assets like a house or car.
If the deceased had a loan through the bank and the account is linked to that loan, closing the account does not close the loan. The loan is a separate obligation. The estate must continue making payments on it, or the bank can pursue collection against the estate's other assets. Talk to the bank about whether the loan can be paid off in full when you close the account, or whether it needs to be transferred or refinanced.
Handling accounts at multiple banks
If the deceased had accounts at more than one bank, you will need to contact each one separately. There is no central system that closes all accounts at once. Go through the same process—death certificate, proof of authority, and instructions on how to handle the funds—for each bank.
Before you start, check whether the deceased left a list of accounts, or search for statements in their home, email, or online banking portal if you can access it. Some people keep accounts at multiple banks without telling anyone. If you find statements, call those banks. If you cannot find a complete list, ask the probate court whether they have a process for notifying financial institutions, or hire a probate attorney to do a search for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close the account if I am not the executor?
Only if you are a surviving joint owner or the named beneficiary. If you are a spouse or adult child but not listed on the account, you cannot close it yourself. You will need to wait for the executor or administrator to be appointed by the court, or for probate to be complete. If there is no will and you want to be appointed, you can petition the probate court in the county where the deceased lived.
How long does it take to close a bank account after someone dies?
If the account has a named beneficiary and no probate is needed, it can be closed within one to two weeks. If probate is required, it can take two to six months or longer depending on the state and whether anyone contests the will. The bank itself usually processes closure within one to two weeks of receiving your documents.
What if I cannot find the death certificate right away?
Call the county vital records office where the death occurred and order certified copies. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail, or you can sometimes pick them up in person the same day. Some funeral homes can order them for you. Do not wait to contact the bank—call them and let them know you are gathering documents, so they can flag the account as belonging to a deceased person.
Do I have to pay taxes on money from a closed account?
The estate may owe income tax on interest the account earned after the death, depending on how much interest accrued and the size of the estate. The executor usually handles this by filing a final tax return for the deceased and an estate tax return if required. Talk to a tax professional or probate attorney about whether taxes explore in your situation.
What happens to unclaimed money if I cannot find the account?
If the deceased had money in an account you never found, it may eventually be turned over to your state's unclaimed property program. You can search your state's unclaimed property database online using the deceased person's name. If you find money there, you can file a claim to recover it, even years later.