To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. A bank closure letter may be needed if you want to close a bank account without having to go to your bank's physical location.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 first and foremost thing you must do to close a bank account upon the death of a loved one is to inform the bank of this death. You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. After someone dies, notify the government programs and businesses they used. Cancel benefits payments and close or transfer accounts. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). You have to write an application to the bank.