To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Give application to the bank or treasury as the case may be informing passing away of the Pensioner.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. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). A bank usually cannot close a deceased account until the person's estate has been settled and closed, typically through probate. When you've registered the death, you will be issued with a death certificate. This will act as formal notification for the bank to begin closing the account. Banking Reimagined® at Capital One.