Bank account after a death – steps and rights
As soon as the bank is notified of the death, the account changes status. Here is what happens and how heirs regain control without disrupting vital payments.
What the bank does
Cards and online banking are disabled. Existing direct debits and standing orders generally continue until an heir cancels them — important for rent, utilities and insurance. Incoming pension or salary payments are usually rejected after the date of death.
Power of attorney after death
A power of attorney explicitly valid « beyond death » (Switzerland, Germany) remains in force and lets the agent operate the account. In the UK, a Lasting Power of Attorney ends at death — the executor takes over via the grant of probate.
Certificate of inheritance / grant of probate
- Switzerland: certificate of inheritance from the district court or notary.
- Germany: Erbschein from the probate court (or notarised will).
- Austria: Einantwortungsbeschluss after the Verlassenschaft.
- UK: grant of probate (with a will) or letters of administration.
Processing takes 4–8 weeks in DE, 2–4 weeks in CH, several months in AT and the UK.
Joint accounts
Most jurisdictions let the surviving joint holder continue to use the account. The deceased's share still belongs to the estate and may be challenged by other heirs.
Practical steps
- Send the death certificate to the bank
- Request a list of accounts, direct debits and subscriptions
- Obtain the inheritance certificate / grant of probate
- Cancel or transfer contracts
- Distribute the balance and close the account
Safe deposit box
Opened only in the presence of a notary or executors, with a written inventory — never on your own.
Wegbegleiter
the Wegbegleiter app provides model letters for banks in EN/DE/FR/IT and a checklist of required documents.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the account frozen instantly?
- Cards and online access are blocked, but standing orders usually continue until cancelled.
- Can the bank pay the funeral?
- Yes, most banks pay the funeral invoice directly from the deceased's account on presentation of the original invoice and death certificate.
- What does probate cost?
- UK: £273 application fee + solicitor fees. DE: depends on estate value (e.g. €273 for €100,000). CH: cantonal fees.
- What about debts?
- They pass to the estate. Heirs can renounce within statutory deadlines to avoid personal liability.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.