To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.).The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. Closing Deceased Accounts. A bank usually cannot close a deceased account until the person's estate has been settled and closed, typically through probate. You'll just need the death certificate and your ID. The bank should close the account and make checks payable to the beneficiary. Money orders, certified bank checks, or business checks made payable to: "Orange County Register of Deeds. Closing a bank account following the death of a direct payments customer. I would bring the death certificate to the bank so they know that the family member in question has died. Banking Reimagined® at Capital One.