To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.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. To access a deceased parent's joint checking account, you'll need to show proof that you're entitled to receive the funds. Although not always required, our experienced probate attorneys at Kreig LLC are here to help if your bank demands letters testamentary. You'll just need the death certificate and your ID. The bank should close the account and make checks payable to the beneficiary. You can request copies of bank statements, mortgage documents, and other financial information from the deceased person's bank or financial institution. Gather necessary documents: The bank will want to make sure they are giving the right person the money.