How to close a bank account after death
Closing the bank account of a deceased relative is one of the tasks that follows most quickly after a funeral – and one of the most confusing. Rules differ between banks and countries, but the underlying process is similar across Europe. This guide explains what to send, what to expect and how to protect yourself against fraud.
Notify the bank as soon as possible
As soon as you have the death certificate, contact each bank where the deceased held an account: personal current accounts, savings, brokerage and safe-deposit boxes. Most banks accept notification by post, secure message inside online banking, or in branch. Send a certified copy of the death certificate together with a short cover letter naming the deceased, the account numbers and your relationship. Keep the original – you will need it many more times.
What happens to the account balance
Once notified, the bank freezes the account. Direct debits and standing orders are usually stopped; incoming payments (final salary, pension) may still arrive. Most banks allow a limited set of payments to continue: funeral costs, notary fees, ongoing rent or utility bills, provided receipts are sent. A joint account with a surviving spouse is treated differently in each country – in Belgium and France the surviving partner may draw up to a legal maximum (typically €5,000) for urgent expenses. The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) keeps a log of every payment released.
Documents the bank will ask for
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Certificate of inheritance (Erbschein / acte de notoriété / attestation d'hérédité)
- The will, if any
- ID of every heir
- Tax identification numbers of the heirs (for reporting of interest and capital gains)
- Bank forms signed by all heirs authorising release of funds
Dividing the balance between heirs
Banks will only pay out to heirs once the certificate of inheritance is presented. The balance is divided according to the will or the statutory rules. All heirs usually have to sign a joint payment instruction – this is a common source of delay, so gather everyone early. If one heir is unreachable or refuses to sign, the notary can propose a solution or the funds remain blocked until the estate is settled.
Safe-deposit boxes and investments
A safe-deposit box must be opened in the presence of all heirs (and in some countries a notary or tax official) so that the contents can be listed. Investment accounts (shares, funds, bonds) can be transferred to the heirs' own custody accounts rather than sold – this avoids triggering capital gains at a bad moment. Ask for a statement as of the date of death; that is the value used for the inheritance tax return.
Watch out for fraud and old subscriptions
Fraudsters read obituaries and target grieving families. Never share bank details by phone, and be cautious of unsolicited invoices for cemetery care or genealogy research. Review the last 12 months of statements for recurring charges: streaming, gym, cloud storage, dating sites. Cancel them one by one. The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) includes a template cancellation letter you can adapt in seconds. Find the full checklist at wegbegleiterapp.com.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to close a bank account?
- From a few weeks to several months, depending on the country and whether all heirs cooperate.
- Can I still pay the funeral bill from the account?
- Yes. Most banks release funds directly to the funeral director on presentation of the invoice.
- Is the surviving spouse's joint account frozen too?
- Usually the deceased's share is frozen; the survivor keeps access to their half, subject to local rules.
- Are the accounts reported to the tax office?
- Yes. Banks report balances at the date of death to the tax authorities for inheritance tax.
Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments
The Wegbegleiter app (wegbegleiterapp.com) guides you step by step: checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.