To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. 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.The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. Online: Use our online form to notify us about a customer's death. We'll need a photocopy of the death certificate to verify the identity and legal residence of your loved one as well as confirm date of death. KeyBank guides you through the process of settling a loved one's financial accounts after they die. After someone dies, notify the government programs and businesses they used. Cancel benefits payments and close or transfer accounts. Joint deposit accounts may be retitled to remove the deceased customer. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds.