Closing someone’s bank account after death seems like a trivial component of the grieving process, but it’s a necessary step to finalize all affairs. Requirements to close a bank account may vary according to the individual bank, but a death certificate is almost always required. From there, individuals may need to submit additional documentation to transfer the funds to the estate or probate process. Always confirm the necessary information to close the account with the bank representative.

To help facilitate this process, let’s look at closing a bank account after someone dies, according to the most popular banks in the United States.

What You’ll Need to Notify the Bank When Someone Passes Away

Before notifying financial institutions about a loved one's passing, it’s crucial to gather a comprehensive list of all their financial accounts. This should include all assets, cash flow, and liabilities. To keep track of your progress, consider starting a spreadsheet to record all your communications and contacts. When speaking to a representative over the phone, always ask for their name, employee number, and position within the company.

Requesting several copies of the death certificate from the funeral director is always advisable. These individual copies will be needed for estate planning amendments, legal accounts, and financial institutions. If the deceased had a will or trust, it's best to consult the executor for further guidance on the next steps.

What Happens to a Bank Account When Someone Passes Away?

The executor of a will must notify the bank as soon as possible by providing proof of death. The bank account will temporarily freeze all accounts until the will is evaluated during the probate process. The bank may use funds in the account to cover immediate expenses like funeral arrangements or bills.

The bank account will permanently close, and the money will be transferred to the estate. Uninsured debts will be paid off from any money in the estate. Once debts are paid, the remaining funds will be distributed to beneficiaries.

What Happens if Someone Doesn’t Have a Will?

When someone doesn’t have a will, interstate laws will take precedence. Unfortunately, interstate laws are convoluted, meaning those who are not immediate family won’t receive any money from the bank account unless legal paperwork proves otherwise.

The account will enter the probate process, freezing any assets until finalized. All funds can cover immediate expenses like funeral costs and then be transferred into the estate. Any debts will be paid from the estate, and any remaining surplus will be distributed to the immediate family.

What Happens to a Joint Bank Account When Someone Passes Away?

Commonly, joint bank account holders receive the right of survivorship, which gives the surviving account holder ownership of the entire account balance. The surviving individual will keep ownership regardless of who contributed money. Joint bank accounts do not go through the probate process.

When Should You Notify a Bank After Someone Dies?

The executor should notify all banks and financial institutions of a death as soon as possible. If the account is jointly shared, access to funds will not change. Otherwise, individuals must supply documentation to prove right to the account. This might include the death certificate, last will and testament, court order, or other verification.

How to Close a J.P Morgan Chase Bank Account

To close a J.P. Morgan account, call the customer service line at 1-800-392-5749 or visit a local branch. You’ll need to bring a copy of the death certificate, investment or bank account numbers, the decedent's full legal name, and complete social security number. To further facilitate the process, always bring valid identification when closing the account.

How to Close a Bank of America Bank Account

Individuals can contact the Bank of America through the local financial institution or by connecting with the Estate Servicing Operations.  Bank of America will require the deceased customer’s full name and social security number to confirm the account. They’ll also need information to determine your role within the estate, update the file to your contact information, and give all individuals a case reference number.

The Bank of America will require a photocopy of the death certificate to close an account. Additionally, you may need to submit copies of the last will and testament, formal trust documentation, marriage or birth certificates, and proof of legal name change. Additional documentation may vary according to state law.

How to Close a Citibank Bank Account

Citibank encourages individuals to contact a Survivor Support Specialist at 1-800-881-3938. To update the account with a specialist, you’ll need the name, address, date of birth, address, last four digits of the deceased’s Social Security Number, and date of death.

Some situations may require additional documentation. These records may include the trust or will, birth certificate, insurance documentation, court appointment of executor, and current bank statements. The specialist will confirm any additional documents they require to close the account. After contact, users should submit a copy of the death certificate to:

Citi Benefits Center
PO Box 785004
Orlando, FL
32878-5004

How to Close a Wells Fargo Bank Account

Wells Fargo offers several ways for individuals to notify the bank. You can contact the bank online by submitting the online form, submitting the documents through mail, or visiting a local branch in person. All account closures will require a copy of the death certificate, although a few accounts require additional information.

If no beneficiary details are listed on the account, you’ll need probate documentation, a court order, or certification of the Trustee naming a successor. For joint accounts, automatic rights of survivorship will remain, but the death certificate will be required to remove the deceased customer from the account.

How to Close a US Bank Bank Account

To close a bank account with US Bank, you must set up an appointment with the local branch. The representative will require the original or a certified copy of the death certificate, account information (letters or past statements), valid identification, and documentation that shows authority over the financial affairs.

Documentation of authority may include the executor paperwork, letters of testimony, last will and testament, probate documentation, or similar.

Final Thoughts

During the grieving process, small tasks can seem like impossible feats. While closing bank accounts can seem complicated, breaking it down into actionable steps is the easiest way to accomplish your goal. Most banks will require a copy of the death certificate and personal information to verify the account holder before permanently closing the account. As every financial institution’s requirements may vary, you’ll need to contact each establishment for the specific list of documentation.

While closing accounts is tedious and confusing, Elayne takes the guesswork out of finalizing your digital estate paperwork. We help employees just like you navigate the complexities of estates, accounts, and paperwork. Elayne helps you manage a heartbreaking death and navigate the digital estate paperwork so you can focus on grieving your loss.

Contact us today to learn how to bring Elayne to your organization.