You’ve probably noticed no quick Internet search will provide you with answers from HSBC Bank in the United States on how to close your account. That’s why we’ve researched; to help you close your account or that of a deceased loved one.
Jump ahead to these sections:
We’ve compiled all the information regarding necessary documents or account requirements. Whether you’re closing an account for yourself or for a loved one who recently passed away, follow along and we’ll show you how to do it step by step. We’ll even give you some details on managing your executor duties and tips on how to cancel credit cards after a death.
Tip: The other aspects of handling a loved one's unfinished business can be overwhelming without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.
How to Close a Deceased Loved One’s HSBC Account
Here is the fastest way to close a deceased loved one's credit card, checking, or savings account(s) with HSBC Bank.
Step 1: Gather account information
Before you contact customer service, assemble documentation of all accounts that your loved one held with HSBC Bank, such as:
- Banking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Credit cards
- Mortgages
- Car loans
If HSBC Bank understands the types of accounts that your loved one held, they can better assist you in compiling the necessary legal documentation to fulfill account closure.
Plus, you won’t spend unnecessary time waiting to be told to return with additional documentation.
Step 2: Contact customer service
Provide your full name, the last four digits of the decedent’s Social Security Number, and any account information you have at your disposal.
Step 3: Gather the following requested information and legal documentation
HSBC Bank will ask the point of contact to provide some documents to process the account closures under a good legal premise. Here are the documents you’ll need:
- A notarized written request to close the account from the appointed executor or administrator for the estate Although this is self-explanatory, HSBC Bank may have some required lingo, so go ahead and ask to make sure you’re not wasting time or money. Any further questions can be referred to your estate attorney.
- A death certificate or a certified copy: Order one death certificate (or more) from the funeral home at the time of death. You can also file a request for additional copies from the public Health Department from the county where your loved one resided.
- An original court document appointing an executor or administrator for the estate: HSBC may ask for something called a Short Certificate, which is a legal document with the decedent’s name and the name of the chosen Executor of the Estate. It’s a document giving you authority over the estate or trust. If you don’t have the original document on hand, a certified copy can be obtained through the county courthouse at the Office of the Register of Wills, if the deceased had a will. Otherwise, if there was no will, the family can choose to elect an Administrator of the Estate.
- Electing an Administrator requires Testamentary Letters or Letters of Administration. This process varies from state to state. When the Office of the Register of Wills acknowledges you as the legal executor of the state, you can then obtain a Short Certificate which will allow you to perform your executor duties.
- Picture identification of the Executor or Administrator of the Estate
- Acceptable forms of identification include a passport or a driver's license.
- An original and notarized Small Estate Affidavit from the state where the customer died
Not all estates are large enough to require court proceedings. These small estates can avoid probate court and attorney fees with a Small Estate Affidavit, which is a document signed under oath.
Rules for this documentation vary by state, so you will need to check with the state where your loved one died, which may differ from where they opened the original HSBC Bank account.
Step 4: Send HSBC the documents
Once you’ve gathered everything you need, send the documents to the following location:
ATTN: Legal Paper Processing
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
2929 Walden Ave Pole C84
Depew, NY 14043
The request will begin processing upon receipt of all required documentation. HSBC Bank offers that the typical turnaround time is approximately two weeks. HSBC Bank will send a certified letter to the executor or administrator if any additional documents are needed.
Right of Survivorship
HSBC Bank notes that “if the account is a joint account, only the joint account holder may request the remaining funds in the account.” That means that no other friends or family may close an account with the joint account holder’s name on it.
In other words, if you held a joint account with your deceased loved one, then all funds belong to the survivor on the account.
Step 5: Document your final transactions
The last step to closing an account for a deceased loved one is to obtain written verification of the account closure on HSBC Bank letterhead with dates and any additional pertinent information.
Common questions about closing an HSBC Bank account
What if there’s a mortgage or other personal loan?
In this case, your probate attorney will guide you through the process of settling financial affairs against the value of your loved one’s estate.
Who else do you need to contact after the death of a loved one?
Here’s a handy list of who to reach out to. If you hired a funeral home to help put your loved one to rest, they sometimes take care of contacting some of these organizations. Be sure to check with them if so.
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Probate attorney
- Deceased's employer
- Creditors/financial institutions
- Cancel additional credit cards
- Post office
- Certified Public Accountant
What is a digital afterlife?
A digital afterlife is the account information and documentation left in emails and mail. To avoid problems, cancel all postal mail to halt paper trails. Ask the bank and your attorney for more information on preventing mishaps or errors with the documentation.
How to Close Your Own HSBC Bank Account
Read on for the fastest way to close your credit card, checking, or savings account(s) with HSBC Bank.
Step 1: Find and open a new account at another bank.
The most responsible way to close an account with any bank, including HSBC Bank, is to research and open an account with a new bank beforehand.
Step 2: Set-up a new online bill-pay
If you’re a creature of habit like me, you like to have everything ready-set-go to manage your monthly financial obligations. That means before you close your HSBC Bank account, you’ll want to set up a new online bill-pay with your new account.
Step 3: Cancel all automatic withdrawals
Recurring payments, subscriptions, and annual fees are commonplace in today’s online market spheres, so you may inadvertently gloss over the $2.99/month fee you pay for extra email storage or any movie streaming subscription. Make sure to cancel these before they turn into interruptions in service or overdraft fees on your closed account.
Step 4: Contact HSBC Bank
HSBC offers four available options for you to contact HSBC Bank with account questions.
- For branch locations, click here.
- For personal banking customer service, dial 1-800-975-4722. If overseas, dial 1-716-841-7212. Help is available Monday–Sunday, 7:00 am–12:00 am ET.
- To chat live, open your account online and search for the “Need Help” button, or click here.
- To correspond with Customer Service, look for the mailing address provided on your Credit Card Billing statement, or send snail mail to:
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
P.O. Box 2013
Buffalo, NY 14240
Step 5: Receive ledger and pay applicable fees
HSBC bank agrees that you have the right to close your account at any time during regular business hours for any or no reason. That said, they will compile a ledger of transactions after the account has been closed, including a fee as per the Terms and Charges Disclosure.
Step 6: Obtain written verification
It’s smart to get a piece of HSBC Bank business letterhead detailing the manner of your transactions, especially if you’re closing an account.
Password Managers and Closing your HSBC Bank Account
If you set up a password manager to manage financial accounts now, your loved ones will be able to manage your affairs better after you’ve passed. It’s one small step you can take today to save some strife tomorrow.
Join Cake today, so you can learn how to find support for these questions and many more that may come up as you start your end-of-life planning.
Sources:
- HSBC Bank USA. (2020). Close HSBC Account - HSBC Help - HSBC Bank USA. Retrieved December 23, 2020, from https://www.us.hsbc.com/help/account/close-account/
- Nolo. (2014). Avoiding Probate: The Small Estate. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/avoid-probate-small-estate-29629.html