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Bank Accounts

Joint accounts and sole accounts work completely differently. Here's what to expect for each.

What you'll need

Joint accounts

If the deceased held a bank account jointly with a surviving spouse or other person, the account typically transfers to the surviving owner automatically — without probate. Bring the death certificate to the bank. They will remove the deceased's name from the account and update it to the surviving owner. This is usually the most straightforward situation.

Accounts with a payable-on-death (POD) designation

Many accounts have a POD beneficiary named — the person who receives the funds upon the account holder's death. If this exists, the process bypasses probate entirely. The beneficiary brings the death certificate and their own ID to the bank and receives the funds directly. This is often faster and simpler than people expect.

Sole accounts (no joint owner, no POD)

This is the more complicated situation. If an account was held solely by the deceased with no beneficiary designation, the funds become part of the estate and go through probate. The bank will freeze the account until the executor (with letters testamentary) or court-appointed administrator (with letters of administration) presents the proper documentation.

The exception: many states have a small estate affidavit process for estates below a certain threshold (typically $10,000–$150,000 depending on the state). This allows the heir to claim the funds with a sworn affidavit rather than full probate. Ask the bank if this applies in your state.

What to expect at the bank

Go in person. Call ahead if you'd like to confirm what documentation they need. Explain the situation clearly at the front desk; they deal with this regularly and will direct you to the right person.

Expect the process to take 30–60 minutes. Bring everything listed above. The bank will likely make copies of the death certificate. Some banks have bereavement specialists; if the branch isn't sure of the process, ask to speak with a manager.

If the estate is going through probate, the bank may not release funds until the probate process is complete. This can take months. It is frustrating. It is also the law.

Specific bank instructions

Major banks have their own bereavement processes. While the general process is the same, the specific forms and procedures vary:

Not time-sensitive beyond preventing fraud. The bank accounts are on the first-month list, not the first-48-hours list. Notify the bank early to freeze accounts against unauthorized access. Formal closure comes later, with documentation.

There is something particular about going to the bank. You have stood in this line before, for ordinary reasons. Now you are here for this. The teller will hand you a form. You will fill in their name. You will say the words again.

Bring someone with you if you can. Not because you need help with the paperwork, but because it helps to have someone next to you when you walk out.