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 directly, provide proof of death, and follow their specific process. Most banks require a certified copy of the death certificate and documentation showing you have authority to act—either as executor named in the will, next of kin under state law, or power of attorney. The timeline varies: some banks close accounts within days of receiving the right documents, while others take two to four weeks.
Before you call, gather the account number, the deceased person's full legal name as it appears on the account, and your relationship to them. Different banks have different procedures, so you may need to visit a branch in person, mail documents, or handle it by phone. Some banks will freeze the account immediately when they learn of the death, which stops new transactions but does not close it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the bank directly by phone or in person—do not assume they will find out on their own or close the account automatically.
- You will need a certified copy of the death certificate and proof you have legal authority to manage the account, such as an executor designation or power of attorney.
- The bank may freeze the account right away to prevent fraud, but freezing is not the same as closing.
- Ask the bank whether there are outstanding checks, automatic payments, or pending transactions before you close, so money does not get stuck.
- If the account has money in it, the bank will tell you how to withdraw or transfer the funds as part of the closing process.
Gather the documents the bank will ask for
Start with a certified copy of the death certificate. You can get this from the county vital records office or the funeral home. Order multiple copies—you will likely need one for the bank, one for the IRS if the account earned interest, and possibly one for other creditors or institutions. A certified copy has an official seal and signature; a photocopy or printout will not work.
Next, you need proof of your authority. If you are the executor named in the will, bring the will itself and the court document that appointed you (called letters testamentary or letters of administration, depending on your state). If there is no will or you are the surviving spouse or adult child, bring a government-issued ID showing your relationship. Some states have a simplified process for small accounts that does not require a will or court order—ask the bank whether your state allows this.
Have the account number ready, along with the deceased person's Social Security number if you have it. The bank may also ask for the date the account was opened or the last statement. If you are acting as power of attorney rather than executor, bring the original power of attorney document.
Call or visit the bank to start the closing process
Contact the bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Tell them you need to close an account for a deceased customer and ask what their specific process is. Some banks have a dedicated department for this; others handle it through regular customer service. Ask whether you can mail the documents or whether you must appear in person.
If you mail documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the bank received them. Include a cover letter with the account number, the deceased person's name, your name, your phone number, and a clear statement that you are requesting the account be closed. Keep a copy of everything you send.
If you visit in person, bring the original certified death certificate and your ID. The bank may make copies for their records. Ask for a written confirmation of the closing once it is complete—this protects you if questions arise later about whether the account was actually closed.
What happens to money still in the account
The bank will not automatically send the money anywhere. You have three main options: withdraw it in person, request a check mailed to you, or transfer it to another account. Ask the bank which methods they offer and whether there are any fees.
If the account is part of an estate being probated, the money may need to stay in the account temporarily while the court process moves forward. The executor can usually withdraw it once the court gives permission. If there is no will and no probate, state law determines who gets the money—usually the surviving spouse first, then adult children, then parents. The bank can tell you what your state requires.
If there are outstanding checks or automatic payments still processing, the bank will tell you about them before closing. Do not close the account until you know whether any checks are still in circulation. If you close too early, checks may bounce, which can create liability for you.
Handle any joint accounts or accounts with a beneficiary differently
If the account was joint with another person, that person usually becomes the sole owner automatically when the account holder dies. The bank will remove the deceased person's name, but the account stays open. The surviving joint owner can continue using it or close it on their own.
If the account had a named beneficiary (called a payable-on-death or POD account), the money goes directly to the beneficiary outside of probate. The bank will transfer the funds to the beneficiary and close the account. You do not need to be involved in this process unless you are the beneficiary.
These accounts do not go through the estate, so they close faster than regular accounts. The bank handles the transfer once you provide the death certificate.
What to do if the bank asks for a court order
Some banks require a court order to close an account or release funds, especially if the account balance is large or there is no clear heir. This happens more often when there is no will. You may need to file a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived.
If the account is small, your state may have a simplified process called a small estate affidavit or succession affidavit that lets you close it without going to court. Ask the bank whether your state offers this and what the dollar limit is. The process usually takes a few weeks and costs less than full probate.
If you need a court order, contact a probate attorney in your state. Many offer free initial consultations and can tell you whether court involvement is actually necessary for your situation.
Confirm the account is closed and get written proof
After the bank processes your request, ask for a written confirmation that the account has been closed. This should include the account number, the date it closed, and the final balance. Keep this document with the deceased person's other financial records.
If you withdrew the money, keep the receipt or bank statement showing the withdrawal. If the bank mailed a check, keep the cancelled check or bank record showing it cleared. This paper trail protects you if anyone later questions what happened to the account.
If the account earned interest during the year it was open, the bank will send a 1099-INT form to the IRS and to you. You will need this to file the deceased person's final tax return. The bank should send it by January 31 of the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to close the account right away or can I wait?
You can wait, but the longer you leave it open, the longer it sits in limbo. If there are automatic payments set up, they may continue to process and drain the account. It is usually better to close it within a few weeks of the death once you have gathered the documents.
What if I cannot find the death certificate?
Contact the county vital records office where the person died. You can order a certified copy by mail, phone, or online. It usually takes one to two weeks. Some banks will accept a temporary document from the funeral home while you wait for the official certificate.
Can I close the account if I am not the executor?
It depends on your relationship and your state's law. Surviving spouses and adult children can often close accounts without being executor. Ask the bank what proof of relationship they need. If the bank requires an executor, you may need to go through probate court first.
What if there is a dispute about who owns the money in the account?
The bank will likely freeze the account and ask you to resolve the dispute before they close it. If multiple people claim the money, you may need a court order. A probate attorney can help you navigate this.
Will closing the account affect the deceased person's credit score?
No. Credit scores stop mattering after death. The bank will close the account regardless of its history. However, if the deceased person had debts, creditors may still pursue the estate, so keep records of all account closings in case you need to show what assets were available.