How to Close a Bank Account
After Someone Dies

Can an executor access a bank account before probate is complete?

For sole-ownership accounts, no. Banks will not release funds without Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the probate court. You can notify the bank early to freeze the account, but access to funds requires completing probate first. Some banks will release a small amount for funeral expenses before probate is done. It is worth asking directly.

What happens to a bank account when there is no will?

The estate goes through intestate succession, which is the state's default rules for asset distribution. The probate court appoints an administrator and issues Letters of Administration instead of Letters Testamentary. The bank closure process is the same. You present Letters of Administration rather than Letters Testamentary.

Can I close a bank account after death without going through probate?

Sometimes. If the estate qualifies as a small estate under your state's threshold, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate. Most states require a 30 to 45 day waiting period after death before the affidavit can be used. Joint accounts and POD accounts also bypass probate entirely. They go directly to the surviving owner or named beneficiary.

How many certified copies of the death certificate do I need for bank accounts?

Plan on at least one certified copy per financial institution. Banks will not return them once submitted. For a typical estate with multiple accounts, you will use 3 to 5 on bank closures alone. Order 10 to 12 total from the funeral home or your county vital records office. Ordering in bulk is much faster and cheaper than waiting weeks for additional copies.

Can the bank refuse to close a deceased person's account?

Banks cannot permanently refuse, but they can slow things down if your documentation is incomplete. The most common causes are photocopies instead of certified death certificates, Letters Testamentary issued in a different state than where the bank operates, or a missing estate EIN. Call the estate services department before your branch visit and confirm every document they need.

What if I find more bank accounts after I thought I was done?

This is more common than most executors expect. The deceased's last 12 months of tax returns are the best starting point. Interest income on Form 1099-INT reveals every institution that paid interest. Old checkbooks, physical mail, email bank statements, and the deceased's credit report are also useful. When you find additional accounts, follow the same process: notify the bank, transfer funds to the estate account, and get written closure confirmation.