When someone dies, can you access their bank account?

Asked by: Genevieve Stroman  |  Last update: November 2, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (37 votes)

A deceased person's bank account is inaccessible unless you're a joint owner, a beneficiary of the account or the estate executor. Because joint ownership and beneficiaries can make a difference in how your bank account funds are distributed, planning is key.

Can I withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account?

An executor/administrator of an estate can only withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account if the account does not have a designated beneficiary or joint owner and is not being disposed of by the deceased person's trust.

Who has access to bank accounts when someone dies?

After someone dies, a sole-owned bank account may go to a named beneficiary or be handled by the executor of the estate. Joint accounts typically have automatic rights of survivorship, but it's still important to check with your bank to ensure smooth access to funds.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on a bank account?

No Beneficiary on Bank Account

If there is no beneficiary listed on the bank account, the account typically goes through probate, and the funds will be distributed according to the deceased's will or state laws if there is no will.

How do I access the bank of a deceased person?

If you're wondering how to claim money from the bank after a death, you will need to provide a death certificate for the deceased, and possibly a letter of administration if required. If you don't have the death certificate, some banks may accept a combination of the below as proof of death: Solicitor or coroner letter.

What Happens to Bank Accounts After Death? - Knowledge from a Probate Attorney

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Can you access a deceased person's bank account without probate?

Some banks or building societies will allow the executors or administrators to access the account of someone who has died without a Grant of Probate.

Are banks automatically notified when someone dies?

Family members or next of kin generally notify the bank when a client passes. It can also be someone who was appointed by a court to handle the deceased's financial affairs. There are also times when the bank learns of a client's passing through probate.

Why shouldn't you always tell your bank when someone dies?

If you contact the bank before consulting an attorney, you risk account freezes, which could severely delay auto-payments and direct deposits and most importantly mortgage payments. You should call Social Security right away to tell them about the death of your loved one.

Can you use a deceased person's bank account to pay their bills?

A deceased person's bank account is inaccessible unless you're a joint owner, a beneficiary of the account or the estate executor.

How soon after death should the bank be notified?

The bank needs to be notified of the accountholder's passing as soon as possible, as any bank accounts of the deceased remain active until the bank is notified of the death. This typically entails providing the original Death Certificate for verification purposes and the Will, if one is available.

What not to do immediately after someone dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  • Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  • 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  • 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  • 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  • 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

Who can withdraw money from bank after death?

To withdraw money, the legal heirs must first be identified. This often requires a legal heir certificate or succession certificate. The bank might also request additional legal documents to ensure the funds are transferred to the rightful heirs. This process tends to be lengthier and involves more legal formalities.

Can I use my mom's debit card after she dies?

In conclusion, it's a crime to use a dead relative's payment cards, even if they're no longer able to use them. Anyone convicted of using a card to make fraudulent purchases will face years of imprisonment for deceit, not to mention an identity theft offense will appear on their criminal record.

Does a bank account get frozen when someone dies?

Banks freeze access to deceased accounts, such as savings or checking accounts, pending direction from an authorized court. Banks generally cannot close a deceased account until after the person's estate has gone through probate or has otherwise settled.

Does a will override a beneficiary on a bank account?

Regardless of what your will says, whoever is named as the designated beneficiary on each account will receive that asset.

How long does it take for a bank to release funds after death?

Generally, collecting straightforward estate assets like bank account money will take between 3 to 6 weeks. However, there can be more complexities involved with shareholdings, property and some other assets, which can increase the amount time it takes before any inheritance is received.

Can you use a deceased person's bank account?

Can someone take money out of a deceased's bank account? It's illegal to take money from a bank account belonging to someone who has died. This is the case even if you hold power of attorney for them and had been able to access the accounts when they were alive. The power of attorney comes to an end when a person dies.

Is it illegal to withdraw money from a deceased person's account?

Legally, only the owner has legal access to the funds, even after death. A court must grant someone else the power to withdraw money and close the account.

Can funeral expenses be paid from a deceased bank account?

It's so that you know what to count on when it comes time to pay for one. Yes, you can use a deceased person's bank account to pay for their funeral. Some humans might no longer choose a distinct family member to take their money. They may also decide upon to maintain it in case they need it later.

How to access a deceased bank account?

If you are the executor or administrator of a deceased person's estate and you need to access their bank account, you may need to provide the bank with: The death certificate of the account holder. A copy of the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Your government-issued identification.

What not to do when someone is dying?

Almost always, being present for the dying person involves refraining from our habitual ways of caring:
  1. Do not insist on feeding the person. ...
  2. Do not give the person a drink. ...
  3. Do not resist pain medications. ...
  4. Do not talk about the person as if they did not hear you. ...
  5. Do not argue with the person.

Is it illegal to keep utilities in a deceased person's name?

Yes, that is fraud. Someone should file a probate case on the deceased person.

How long do bank accounts stay open after death?

Rule: (a) Upon the death of an accountholder, the FDIC will insure the deceased owner's accounts as if he or she were still alive for six months after his or her death.

Who gets the tax refund of a deceased person?

If you file a return and claim a refund for a deceased taxpayer, you must be: A surviving spouse/RDP. A surviving relative. The sole beneficiary.

Can you keep the Social Security check for the month someone dies?

The SSA cannot pay benefits for the month of a recipient's death. That means if the person died in July, the check or direct deposit received in August (which is payment for July) must be returned.