According to New York State law, the Executor, or Administrator, must open the account physically at a bank or brokerage within the state of New York. To open an estate bank account, the voluntary administrator must obtain an "EIN Employer Identification Number" from the IRS.Ask the bank how much this estate account will cost, as well as what they need you to submit: a Will, a death certificate, etc. Under New York state law, you can add a POD designation to checking accounts, savings accounts, savings bonds, and certificates of deposit. A person gains access to a joint account even before they probate a will in New York. The primary thing needed in these instances is a death certificate. How do I open an estate account? Just make an appointment at your local financial center and an associate will be happy to assist you. The assets of the decedent's estate must be collected and the debts and obligations of the decedent must be paid if there are sufficient funds in the estate. If submitting online, you must provide your Social Security number for verification.