What You'll Need Before You Walk Into the Bank
An estate checking account requires the bank to see proof that you have legal authority to manage the deceased person's money. That means you need the death certificate, a document showing you're the executor or administrator (usually the will or court order), and your own ID. Some banks also want to see the tax ID for the estate itself. You cannot open this account with just a regular ID and a story — the bank needs paper that shows a court or the deceased's own documents put you in charge.
The exact list varies by bank and by whether the estate went through probate court. A bank that handled the deceased's personal account may have a faster process than one that did not. Call ahead and ask what your specific bank needs; do not assume two banks want the same documents.
Key Takeaways
- You need an original or certified copy of the death certificate, which you can get from the county vital records office or the funeral home.
- Bring proof of your authority — either the will, letters testamentary from probate court, or a small estate affidavit, depending on how the estate is being handled.
- The bank will ask for your government-issued ID and the estate's tax ID number (EIN), which you obtain from the IRS.
- Some banks require a copy of the deceased's Social Security card or final tax return to verify the estate's identity.
- If the estate went through probate, bring the court order naming you as executor or administrator.
The Death Certificate: Original or Certified Copy
You need an original or certified copy of the death certificate, not a photocopy of a photocopy. Banks will not accept an uncertified copy because they cannot verify it came from the official source. The funeral home usually orders these for you, but if they did not, you get them from the county vital records office in the county where the death occurred.
Order more than one copy — you will need them for the bank, the IRS, insurance companies, and possibly the court. Most counties charge $15 to $30 per certified copy. You can order by mail, phone, or in person; some counties now offer online ordering. Ask the vital records office how long delivery takes — it ranges from same-day pickup to two weeks by mail.
Proof of Your Authority to Manage the Estate
The bank needs to see that a court or the deceased's will put you in charge. What document you bring depends on how the estate is being handled. If the estate went through probate court, bring letters testamentary (if you are the executor named in the will) or letters of administration (if there was no will or you were appointed by the court). These are official court documents that say you have the power to act on behalf of the estate.
If the estate is small enough to skip probate, you may have a small estate affidavit instead — a sworn statement that lets you handle the estate without going to court. Some states call this a small estate declaration or succession affidavit. If the deceased left a will but you have not filed it with the court yet, bring the original will and ask the bank what else they need; some banks will open an account with just the will and your ID, though this is less common.
If you are still waiting for the court to issue letters, call the bank and ask whether they will hold the account open while you get them, or whether you need to wait. Some banks will not open the account until you have the court document in hand.
Your Own Government-Issued ID
Bring a current government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs to verify who you are before they hand you control of someone else's money. This is standard for any account opening and is not specific to estates.
If your name has changed since the death certificate or court documents were issued, bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) so the bank can match all your names together. This prevents the bank from thinking you are a different person.
The Estate's Tax ID Number (EIN)
Once the estate is opened, it needs its own tax ID number, called an EIN (Employer Identification Number), from the IRS. You apply for this on the IRS website or by mail using Form SS-4. The process is free and takes about 15 minutes online; the IRS gives you the number immediately if you apply electronically.
Some banks will let you open the account without the EIN and add it later. Others want it before they open the account. Ask your bank which they prefer. If you do not have the EIN yet, you can apply for it the same day you open the account — the IRS will email or mail it to you, and you can give it to the bank once you have it.
Additional Documents Some Banks May Request
Depending on the bank and the size of the estate, you may be asked for a copy of the deceased's final tax return, the Social Security card, or a recent bank statement from the deceased's personal account. These help the bank verify the estate's identity and confirm that the money you are depositing actually belonged to the deceased.
If the estate is large or the bank suspects fraud, they may ask for more — a copy of the will itself, proof of your relationship to the deceased, or documentation of any debts the estate owes. This is rare, but it happens. If the bank asks for something unusual, ask them to explain why they need it and whether there is an alternative document that would work.
What Happens at the Bank
Bring all your documents to the bank in person. The banker will review them, make copies, and ask you to sign signature cards and account agreements. They will explain the account rules — usually, an estate checking account has no minimum balance and no monthly fee, but you cannot write checks until the account is fully open, which takes one to three business days.
The banker will also ask you to provide the estate's address (usually your own address or the address of the deceased's home) and may ask whether you expect large deposits or frequent transactions. Be honest about this; it helps the bank set up the account correctly and avoid fraud alerts that could freeze your deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an estate account if the will has not been filed with the court yet?
Some banks will open an account with just the original will and your ID, but most prefer to see court documents like letters testamentary. Call your bank first and ask what they will accept. If they want court documents, you may need to file the will with probate court before opening the account, which takes a few weeks.
What if I do not have a certified copy of the death certificate yet?
Contact the county vital records office or the funeral home and order one. Most banks will not open the account without it. If you are in a hurry, ask the vital records office whether they offer expedited service or same-day pickup. In the meantime, you can gather your other documents and your ID.
Do I need the estate's EIN before I open the account?
Most banks will let you open the account without it and add the EIN later. However, some require it upfront. Call your bank and ask. If they require it, you can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website and receive it immediately, then provide it to the bank the same day.
What if the deceased had multiple banks — do I need a separate estate account at each one?
No. You open one estate checking account, usually at the bank where you plan to deposit the bulk of the estate's money. You then transfer funds from the deceased's other accounts into this one estate account. This keeps everything in one place and makes it easier to track what you owe and what you have paid out.
Can someone else open the estate account on my behalf?
No. The person with legal authority (the executor or administrator) must be present in person with their ID. The bank needs to verify your identity and have you sign the account agreements. A power of attorney or letter from you will not work for this.