Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts.The beneficiary or beneficiaries must provide notarized letters of instruction in addition to the death certificate. Both joint account with right of. One thing for sure is that the bank will want to know the specific reasons for the removal request as the next-to-kin. Customer: I got a letter in the mail from Bank of America stating that my mother was dead. Who can apply for a death certificate? I called Bank of America to inquire why they would send a letter saying my mother was dead and they needed her death certificate if she is not dead. A payable on death (POD) designation means your bank account automatically transfers to a beneficiary upon the death of all account owners and co-owners.