How to Close a Bank Account When Someone Dies November 26, 2011

When you lose a loved one, there’s more often than not a bit of unfinished business to take care of, including closing all of the various accounts — savings, checking, even email — a person may have had. When closing a bank account on behalf of a deceased loved one, here’s what you need to know:

• If it’s a joint account, the other person listed on the account can close it
• If it’s an account only in the deceased’s name, the account can be closed by the executor of the will
• The closest relative(s) can close the account, be it a spouse, child or parent. That person must be able to provide proof of relation, though. Bring with you the death certificate as well as proof of ties — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. And be sure to bring your proof of identification as well.