Account holder died intestate....assuming spouse is "P.O.D." will the bank automatically freeze the account

Question

...upon receipt of the death certificate...it was NOT a joint account

Answer 1

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The bank will not freeze the funds but they might place a message stating the account holder has passed. This is just for security measures since there shouldnt be any activity on the account. Once you get a hold of the death certificate, go to bank with proper identification and speak to a financial representative. They will issue a cashiers check for the funds in the account.

BTW... Ive never heard of banks issuing cashiers check to funeral homes but I guess that depends on the bank.

Answer 2

The bank does not automatically freeze the account until they are made aware of the owner's passing. You will need to bring the death certificate in to get the funds . Most banks will issue a cashier's check to the funeral home for final expenses because they are aware that it does take 3-4 weeks before the death certificate is issued. Then, when the death certificate is provided, the account can be closed.

Please don't consider using the account and not informing the bank of your spouse's passing. This can cause a world of legal trouble for you.

Sorry for your loss.