Handling Bank Accounts After a Loss

A banker can help you close an account after a death.

We make it as easy as possible for you to close a bank account after a death, or to remove the deceased’s name from a joint account. Often, account settlement can be completed quickly and easily. Call us or visit a branch by appointment to get started.

What to expect when closing an account after a death

Although every situation is personal when dealing with someone’s financial affairs after their death, the general process is fairly standard. Here, you’ll find a high-level outline of what happens to a bank account when someone dies.

1

Establish your authority

Before we can disclose the deceased’s financial information to you, we need to validate your authority. To start, you’ll need to:

  • Provide an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
  • Provide additional documentation if required, depending on the types of bank accounts that were active when the person died.
2

Gather documents

The requirements for which documents you need to provide to close a bank account after a death and when they must be issued or executed, vary by state. Depending on your state’s rules, we can accept:

  • Affidavit prepared by a claimant.
  • Original or certified copy of appointment papers, such as Letters Testamentary or court orders from the Probate Court.
  • An original or certified copy of the trust documentation.
3

Settle the deceased’s accounts

The time it takes to settle an account can vary based on each client’s relationship with Key. These are the items we will look to take care of first:

  • Return government deposits received after date on the Death Certificate.
  • Return ACH payments.
  • Stop automatic bill pay deductions and automatic funds transfers.
  • Revoke any overdraft protections.

For many accounts, that will be all that account settlement includes. Certain relationships may involve additional tasks or review.

Frequently Asked Questions on Account Settlement

Banking products and trust services are offered by KeyBank National Association.

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