To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The letters cite reasons for closure such as relocating, no longer needing the account, job changes, and death of an account holder.Bank accounts that are solely in your name can be held up temporarily upon your death. The first and foremost thing you must do to close a bank account upon the death of a loved one is to inform the bank of this death. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. 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. Can a bank freeze the account of the deceased? Such property may include life insurance policies, retirement accounts, joint bank accounts, and annuities. To prevent unauthorised activity banks usually place a stop on accounts held individually in the name of the deceased, see below for more information.