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Emergency

The account in the event of death: access for relatives and heirs

After a death, the question quickly arises of who may access the deceased's account in order to pay for the burial and ongoing costs. Whether this can be done quickly depends above all on whether a power of attorney beyond death exists.

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Your chances of getting your money back

With an account or bank power of attorney that applies beyond death, the authorized person can continue to dispose of the account. Without a power of attorney, the heirs must prove their entitlement, for instance through a certificate of inheritance or a will with an opening record.
Ongoing direct debits and standing orders often continue at first. Burial costs and urgent invoices can generally be settled from the deceased's account.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the power of attorney

    Clarify whether a power of attorney beyond death exists.

  2. 2

    2. Inform the bank

    Report the death to the bank and present the death certificate.

  3. 3

    3. Prove entitlement

    As an heir, prove your position through a certificate of inheritance or a will.

  4. 4

    4. Order the payments

    Clarify ongoing direct debits, standing orders, and outstanding invoices.

How to spot the scam

  • Without a power of attorney, money is withdrawn prematurely.
  • The position as heir is not proven.
  • Important ongoing payments are overlooked or stopped without authorization.

Frequently asked questions

Who may access the account after death?

A person authorized beyond death can continue to dispose. Without a power of attorney, only the heirs may dispose of the account and must prove their entitlement, for instance through a certificate of inheritance or an opened will. The bank also requires the death certificate.

Can I pay for the burial from the account?

Generally yes. Banks often settle burial costs and urgent invoices directly from the deceased's account upon presentation of the invoices, even before the certificate of inheritance is available. Clarify the procedure with the bank.

Do standing orders and direct debits continue?

At first often yes. They usually continue until the account is changed or dissolved. Check which payments make sense, and stop only what is justified; the account now belongs to the estate and thus to the heirs.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.