Payableondeath bank accounts allow a bank to release funds to a named beneficiary on the account holder's death without the beneficiary having to go to court. The last step of the process will be to open up your probate bank account.You can do so at a local bank or credit union. To get started, complete our Deceased Account Checklist below. We provide an easy-to-use online solution for creating your will and planning your estate. Always have the important items handy. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. To collect the funds, the beneficiary only needs to show the financial institution a form of photo ID and the deceased's death certificate. The completed form gives the bank authorization to convert the account to a POD. The deceased stated to the executor and myself that he wanted me to have the account.