How to close a bank account after death
Closing a bank account after the death of an individual in India involves several legal and procedural steps. Here’s a complete guide to help you through the process smoothly.
Step-by-Step Process to Close a Bank Account After Death in India
Step 1: Inform the Bank
- Visit the home branch of the deceased’s account.
- Carry the original death certificate and inform the bank manager or customer service.
- They will mark the account as “deceased account” to freeze transactions.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
The documents may vary slightly between banks, but generally include:
📄 Documents Required:
Document | Who Provides It |
✅ Death certificate (original + copy) | Municipality / Registrar |
✅ Account holder’s ID proof (copy) | From personal records |
✅ Your ID proof & address proof | Legal heir / claimant |
✅ Relationship proof with deceased | Legal heir |
✅ Succession certificate / Legal heir certificate / Will (if no nominee) | Court or authority |
✅ Nominee declaration form (if applicable) | From bank |
✅ Account closure application | Written by claimant |
Step 3: Check for a Nominee or Joint Holder
- If a nominee is registered, the bank will transfer the balance to them after verifying documents.
- If joint account (Either or Survivor) – the surviving holder gets full access.
- If no nominee – legal heirs must produce a succession certificate or probate of will to claim.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Write a formal application to close the account, mentioning:
- Account holder’s name and account number
- Relationship with the deceased
- Reason for closure
- Request for fund release (transfer/cheque/DD)
Attach all supporting documents and submit to the branch.
Step 5: Bank Verification & Fund Release
- Bank will verify documents and may take 7–15 working days to process.
- Funds will be transferred via:
- Cheque / Demand Draft
- Transfer to the heir’s/nominee’s account
Important Notes
- If the amount in the account is large (e.g. >₹5 lakh) and there is no nominee, a succession certificate from the civil court is usually mandatory.
- For accounts with loan or overdraft, closure may not be possible until dues are cleared.
- For NRI accounts, legal process may take longer and need embassy attestation.
Sample Format: Bank Account Closure Letter (Death)
To,
The Branch Manager
[Bank Name] – [Branch Address]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Subject: Request for closure of bank account due to account holder’s death
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am [Your Full Name], [relation] of the deceased account holder, Mr./Mrs. [Deceased Name], who held account number [Account No.] at your branch.
He/She passed away on [Date of Death]. I request you to close the above-mentioned account and release the remaining funds to me, as I am the [nominee/legal heir]. Please find attached all necessary documents.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Contact No.]