When we die, we leave lots of things behind. A bank account could be one of them. If you ever die with a Bank of America account open, the executor of your estate will be in charge of closing your account. And if they don’t know what they’re doing, we hope they find this page.
Here are directions on how to close a deceased person’s Bank of America account.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- How to Close a Deceased Loved One’s Bank of America Account
- How to Close Your Own Bank of America Account
Tip: If you are a loved one's estate executor, 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 Bank of America Account
We’re about to go over, step-by-step, exactly what to do if your deceased loved one had an account with Bank of America. To get it straight from the source, look under the “Life Services” tab on Bank of America’s website.
Step 1: Contact Bank of America
The Bank will make sure to cease all activity on the account unless there is a joint owner. This reduces the likelihood of fraudulent activity. On the other hand, any government benefits, such as social security, will also cease. Funds already deposited may be returned depending upon the date of the death.
Step 2: Contact your legal advisor
Bank of America’s website suggests that you first contact your legal advisor before making an appointment with the bank regarding the closing of the account. You may find this step unnecessary, depending on the size and complexity of the deceased’s estate.
Step 3: Make an appointment with a Bank of America representative
Your next step is to make an appointment at the Bank of America most conveniently located to you. Currently, Bank of America is located in 37 states plus Washington, D.C.
One benefit of calling to make an appointment is that you can ask the bank representative what documents you need to close the account. The types of documents you need to close the account or disburse the funds to another account may vary by state, account ownership, and your specific situation.
Calling ahead of time (or discussing the situation with an estate attorney) may make the appointment go smoothly and may keep you from having to return with additional documentation.
Step 4: Gather the documents and information
When you arrive at the appointment, make sure you have the deceased’s full legal name and social security number. Bring the death certificate with you. It is not clear if a copy of the death certificate would be accepted instead of an original document. Clarify this before arriving at your appointment.
You may also need to bring a small estate affidavit. This document may be obtained from your estate lawyer, and it is used to disburse money from an account when the estate doesn’t go through formal probate.
If the estate is going through formal probate, you may need Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to close the account. These can be obtained from your legal advisor.
You may also need to bring personal identification. Ask what forms of ID are acceptable for your situation.
Step 5: Fill out the additional required paperwork
At the appointment, your account specialist will review the documents you provide and may ask you to fill out other forms, such as a change of address form.
If you require a new account to be opened, such as an account for the estate, the account specialist will assist you with the process at that time.
Step 6: Contact the Estate Servicing Department if you have additional questions
Call Estate Servicing at 888-689-4466, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, ET.
How to Close Your Own Bank of America Account
Got too many accounts? Staring at the Bank of America app on your phone, thinking it’s time to prepare for your digital afterlife? Whatever your reasons, here are the steps for closing a Bank of America account of your own.
Step 1: Call Bank of America
Of course, Bank of America doesn’t want to lose your business. They request that you call their customer service line before you close your account to see if they can help solve any problems you may have regarding their service. The number is 800-432-1000.
Step 2: Cancel automatic deductions or deposits
Make sure that you inform any companies or organizations that have automatic access to your account. You don’t want to miss a deposit from your employer or a withdrawal from your account for Netflix.
Step 3: Make sure any outstanding transactions have cleared
Did you write any checks out of the account? Did you make a credit card purchase that hasn’t yet gone through? Wait for these transactions to clear before closing your account.
Step 4: Contact Bank of America to close the account
You have several options of ways to close a Bank of America checking account:
- Visit the closest Bank of America location. No appointment is necessary to close your account.
- Call Bank of America at 800-432-1000.
- Submit your request in writing to Bank of America.
The address is:
Bank of America FL1-300-01-29
PO Box 25118
Tampa, FL 33622-5118
In your correspondence, make sure all the account holders sign the letter. Also, include some information on how you would like to receive the balance on your account.
There’s a Lot to Do After a Loved One Dies
There may be a lot of accounts to close after your loved one dies. Besides closing your loved one’s bank account, you also need to cancel their credit cards, decide what to do with their mortgage or apartment lease, and make sure the last hospital and funeral bills are paid before distributing the assets.
Understanding what accounts your loved one has may also be tricky. Look for clues in their wallet, file cabinet, or computer password manager.
Not taking care of these details may cause fraudulent activity on your loved one’s account, which may take more time and money to sort out after the fact. Now that you know how it’s done, go get in front of it.
Sources
- “Account Information and Access FAQ.” Bank of America. www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/account-information-and-access-faqs/
- “Resources and Information to Help You Manage the Banking Relationship After a Loss.” Bank of America. www.bankofamerica.com/content/documents/BA2959_Empathy_FAQ_v13.pdf