How to Close Bank Accounts After a Death

Closing bank accounts after a death is one of the first financial tasks most families face. It can be straightforward — or frustrating — depending on the type of account, whether there’s a will, and how the bank handles things. Here’s exactly what to expect.

What You’ll Need

A certified copy of the death certificate (not a photocopy)
Your photo ID
Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (from probate court)
The account number(s), if you have them
Small Estate Affidavit (for small accounts in some states, no probate needed)

Joint Accounts vs. Individual Accounts

Joint accounts are usually the simplest. If the account has a surviving joint owner, the bank will remove the deceased person’s name and the surviving owner retains full access. You’ll typically just need a death certificate.

Individual accounts require more documentation. The bank will freeze the account until they receive proper authorization — usually Letters Testamentary from the executor or administrator of the estate.

Payable-on-death (POD) accounts pass directly to the named beneficiary. The beneficiary just needs a death certificate and their ID to claim the funds — no probate required.

Step-by-Step Process

Call the bank first. Ask for their bereavement or estate department. They’ll tell you exactly what documents they need and whether you need to visit in person.

Visit a branch with your documents. Bring originals — most banks won’t accept copies of the death certificate or court documents.

Request a final statement. Ask for account balances as of the date of death. You’ll need this for tax purposes and estate settlement.

Stop automatic payments. Before closing the account, make a list of any automatic debits or deposits and redirect them.

Close or transfer the account. Funds can be transferred to an estate account, distributed to beneficiaries, or issued as a check to the estate.

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

Missing documents: The #1 cause of delays. Always call ahead and bring every document the bank requests.

Probate hasn’t been filed: For individual accounts, banks can’t release funds without court authorization. Start probate as soon as possible.

Multiple banks: If the deceased had accounts at several banks, each has its own process. Budget time for each one.

Safety deposit boxes: These require separate authorization and sometimes a bank officer present when opened.

The average family deals with 3–5 different financial institutions after a death. Each has its own forms, its own process, and its own timeline. It adds up fast.

Don’t want to handle this yourself?

Koda Vault handles all of this for you — every phone call, every form, every follow-up. We move at your pace, and we treat your loved one’s affairs with the same care you would.

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