What banks ask for when you open an estate account
Most banks will ask for a court-issued document proving you have authority over the estate—usually the Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). This document shows the bank that you are legally allowed to manage the deceased person's money. Without it, the bank will not open the account or let you move funds.
Beyond that, you will need the deceased person's Social Security number, a death certificate (an official copy, not a photocopy), and your own government-issued ID. Some banks also ask for the estate's tax ID number, which you get from the IRS after you file paperwork with the probate court. The exact list varies by bank and by state, so call ahead before you go in.
You will also need to decide whether to open the account in your name as executor or in the estate's name. Most banks prefer the estate's name—it keeps the money legally separate and makes it clear to anyone reviewing the account later that this is estate money, not your personal money. This matters if the estate is ever audited or if beneficiaries later question how you spent the money.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to prove you have legal authority to manage the estate's money.
- The bank will also need an official death certificate, the deceased person's Social Security number, your government ID, and often the estate's tax ID number.
- Opening the account in the estate's name rather than your personal name protects you and makes the account's purpose clear to beneficiaries and auditors.
- Different banks have different requirements, so contact your bank before you visit to confirm what documents to bring.
- Some banks offer estate checking accounts specifically; others treat them as regular business accounts with extra documentation.
Getting the court document you need
The probate court issues the document that gives you authority, but the name and timing depend on whether the deceased person left a will. If there is a will, the court issues Letters Testamentary after the will is admitted to probate—usually a few weeks after you file the petition. If there is no will, the court issues Letters of Administration after you petition to be named administrator, which takes roughly the same time.
You cannot open an estate account before you have this document. Some executors try to use a power of attorney or a will itself as proof of authority, but banks will reject both. The court document is the only thing banks recognize. If you are still waiting for probate to be finalized, ask the probate clerk whether you can get a certified copy of the Letters early—many courts will issue it before all other probate business is done, so you can open the account and start managing money while the rest of the estate settles.
If the estate is small enough to use a simplified probate process (sometimes called "small estate" or "summary probate"), the court may issue a different document—often called an Affidavit or Declaration of Succession. Ask your probate court clerk what document you will receive and whether banks in your area accept it. Some do; some require full Letters even for small estates.
The death certificate and tax ID
You will need an official certified copy of the death certificate, not a photocopy or a copy you printed yourself. Order this from the county vital records office or the funeral home—they usually have copies on hand. Most banks ask for at least one certified copy, and you should order several (usually three to five) because you will need them for other purposes too: insurance claims, Social Security, the IRS, and sometimes creditors.
The estate's tax ID is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to the estate so it can file its own tax return. You request this using Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number), which you can file online, by phone, or by mail. The IRS usually issues the number the same day if you apply by phone. You do not need the tax ID to open the account, but many banks ask for it, so getting it early saves a second trip.
Choosing which bank and account type
Not all banks offer estate checking accounts, and policies vary widely. Some banks treat estate accounts as regular business checking accounts with extra paperwork. Others have a specific product labeled "estate account" with features designed for managing money during probate—for example, some waive monthly fees or offer check-writing without a minimum balance.
Call ahead to three or four banks in your area and ask whether they offer estate checking and what documents they need. Ask also whether they charge monthly fees, whether there is a minimum balance, and whether they allow you to write checks without a delay. Some banks hold estate checks for longer than personal checks because they treat them as higher-risk transactions. If the estate needs to pay bills quickly, this matters.
If the deceased person already had an account at a bank, that bank may let you convert it to an estate account or open a new one without requiring you to switch. Ask whether they will waive the new-account fee or simplify the process because you are already a customer.
Documents to bring to the bank
| Document | What it is | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration | Court document proving your authority | Probate court clerk |
| Certified death certificate | Official copy showing date and cause of death | County vital records office or funeral home |
| Deceased person's Social Security number | Nine-digit number from their tax returns or Social Security card | Estate records, tax documents, or Social Security Administration |
| Your government-issued ID | Driver's license, passport, or state ID | Your personal documents |
| Estate tax ID (Form SS-4) | Nine-digit number assigned by the IRS | IRS website or by phone |
What happens after you open the account
Once the account is open, the bank will give you a checkbook, debit card, or online access depending on what you requested. You can then deposit money from the deceased person's other accounts, receive payments owed to the estate, and pay bills and debts. Keep careful records of every deposit and withdrawal—you will need to show these to the probate court and to beneficiaries when the estate closes.
Some banks require you to notify them when probate closes so they can close the estate account. Others let it stay open indefinitely. Ask the bank what their policy is. If the account will stay open after probate, make sure you understand whether they will charge ongoing fees or whether the account converts to a regular checking account once you close out the estate.
If the bank denies your request
A few banks refuse to open estate accounts or ask for documents beyond what the probate court issues. If this happens, you have options. You can try a different bank—credit unions and smaller regional banks are sometimes more flexible than large national chains. You can also ask the probate court whether there is a procedure to compel the bank to accept the Letters, though this is rare and usually not worth the legal cost.
Another option is to open a regular business checking account in the estate's name instead of an estate account. This works for most purposes, though it may not be ideal because the bank will not know it is probate money. Ask the bank whether they will accept the Letters as proof of authority for a business account if they will not open an estate account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the deceased person's existing checking account instead of opening a new one?
No. Most banks freeze the account when they learn of the death, and you cannot unfreeze it without a court order. Opening a new estate account is faster and cleaner. The old account will eventually close as part of probate settlement.
What if I do not have the deceased person's Social Security number?
You can find it on their tax returns, W-2s, Social Security card, or Medicare card. If none of those are available, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and explain that you are the executor. They can sometimes provide it. The bank may also accept a copy of the death certificate alone if you cannot locate the number.
Do I need the estate tax ID before I open the account?
Not always. Many banks will open the account without it, though some prefer to have it. Getting the tax ID takes about 15 minutes by phone, so it is worth doing before your bank visit to avoid a second trip.
Can I open an estate account online or by mail?
Most banks require you to visit in person because they need to see the original Letters and death certificate. Some banks may allow you to mail documents after an initial visit, but the first appointment is almost always in-person.
What if the estate has very little money—do I still need a separate account?
If the estate is small enough to use simplified probate, you may not need a separate account at all. Ask your probate court clerk what the threshold is in your state and whether you can settle the estate without opening a bank account. For most estates, even small ones, a separate account is the safest way to keep records clear.