Close a deceased person's bank account – step by step
As soon as a bank learns of the death of its client, the account is normally frozen. This guide shows the documents you'll need, typical timelines, and the exceptions that apply to standing orders and joint accounts.
Notify the bank
Inform every bank in writing and attach an original death certificate. Individual accounts are frozen; funeral costs and household bills can usually still be paid – confirm this explicitly.
Documents you'll need
- Original death certificate
- Certificate of inheritance (Erbschein DE / Erbbescheinigung CH / Einantwortung AT)
- ID of every heir
- Probated will if applicable
- IBAN for the payout
Powers of attorney and joint accounts
A power of attorney beyond death stays valid; the attorney is accountable to the heirs. On a joint 'or' account, the surviving co-holder can keep transacting; the deceased's share still enters the estate.
Payout and closure
Once inheritance is proven, the bank transfers the balance to an account named by the heirs and closes the account. With multiple heirs, all sign. The Wegbegleiter App lists every document and provides letter templates.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take?
- From a few days to several weeks depending on documents.
- Can I still pay bills?
- Yes, funeral and household costs are usually released even from a frozen account.
- Joint account?
- The surviving 'or' holder can transact; the deceased's share becomes part of the estate.
- Credit cards?
- They are blocked; charges prior to death remain owed by the estate.
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.