Transfer Bank Accounts After Death
Learn how to close or transfer bank accounts, investment accounts, and other financial assets after someone passes away. The process depends on how accounts were titled and whether beneficiaries were named.
Currently available for Florida, California, Texas, and Ohio. More states coming soon.
Types of Financial Accounts
Joint Accounts
Accounts with right of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner without probate.
POD / TOD Accounts
Payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts go directly to named beneficiaries.
Retirement Accounts
IRAs and 401(k)s transfer to designated beneficiaries outside of probate.
Individual Accounts
Accounts in the decedent's name alone may need to go through probate.
What You Will Need
- Certified death certificate (most banks require the original)
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if going through probate)
- Your government-issued ID
- Account statements or account numbers (if available)