What You Need to Open a Checking Account for an Estate

The documents and steps to open an estate checking account

An estate checking account is a separate bank account opened in the name of the estate itself, not in your name as the executor or administrator. Banks require specific paperwork before they will open one, and the exact documents depend on whether the estate has gone through probate court yet.

The core requirement is a document that proves you have legal authority to manage the estate's money. If the estate went through probate, this is the Letters Testamentary (if there was a will) or Letters of Administration (if there was no will). If the estate is small enough to skip probate, you may use an Affidavit of Small Estate or a Succession Affidavit, depending on your state. Without one of these, no bank will open the account.

Beyond that, banks also want to see the death certificate, your government-issued ID, and the federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) assigned to the estate by the IRS. Some banks ask for a copy of the will itself, though this is less common. A few banks may ask for the trust document if the deceased person had a revocable living trust.

Key Takeaways

You must bring a court-issued document proving your authority — either Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a Small Estate Affidavit — before any bank will open an estate account.
The death certificate, your ID, and the estate's EIN are required at nearly every bank; some also ask for a copy of the will.
If the estate went through probate court, you already have the authority document; if it did not, you will need to file an affidavit with the court first.
Different banks have different secondary requirements, so calling ahead to ask what they need saves a trip with incomplete paperwork.
The account name should be "[Deceased Person's Name], Deceased Estate" or similar — the bank will tell you their exact format.

Getting the authority document from probate court

If the estate went through probate court, the court issued your authority document when it appointed you. You should have received it in the mail or picked it up from the probate clerk's office. This document — the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration — is what you bring to the bank. If you cannot find it, the probate clerk can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $5 and $25.

If the estate did not go through probate because it was too small, you will need to file a Small Estate Affidavit (or Succession Affidavit in some states) with the court first. This is a form you fill out swearing that you are may have access to to manage the estate. The court does not hold a hearing; you file the form, pay a filing fee, and the clerk issues you an affidavit. This usually takes a few days to a week. The requirements for using this route vary by state — some states set a dollar limit on the estate, others look at what type of assets are involved — so check your state's probate court website or call the clerk's office to confirm you can use it.

Obtaining the EIN for the estate

The IRS assigns a nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) to every estate that has income or holds assets for more than a few months. You explore for one using IRS Form SS-4, which you can file online, by phone, or by mail. The online process is fastest — you can get an EIN the same day you explore.

You do not need to wait for probate to be finished to get an EIN. In fact, it is often easier to get one early and use it when you open the estate account. When you file Form SS-4, you will need the deceased person's Social Security number, the date of death, and your own information. The form asks what type of entity you are explore for; select "Estate of a Decedent."

If you explore by phone, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. If you explore by mail, send Form SS-4 to the address listed in the form's instructions — it varies by state. Mail takes two to four weeks.

What the bank will ask for at the appointment

Bring the original or certified copy of the authority document (Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or Small Estate Affidavit). Bring the original death certificate or a certified copy — one copy is usually enough, though some banks ask for two. Bring your government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Bring the EIN notice the IRS sent you, or write down the EIN number if you received it by phone.

Some banks also ask for a copy of the will or trust document, though this is optional at most institutions. A few banks ask for a recent bank statement from one of the deceased person's accounts, to confirm the account existed. Call the bank before you go in and ask what they specifically need; different branches of the same bank sometimes have different requirements, and asking ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Bring a blank check or deposit slip if you have one from the deceased person's old account — it can help the bank locate any remaining funds. If you do not have one, the bank can look up the account using the person's name and Social Security number.

How the account will be set up and what it costs

The bank will open the account in the name of the estate, usually formatted as "[Deceased Person's Name], Deceased Estate" or "Estate of [Deceased Person's Name]." The account will be linked to the EIN, not to your Social Security number. You will be the authorized signer, but the account itself belongs to the estate.

Most banks offer estate checking accounts with no monthly fee, though some charge a small fee if the balance falls below a certain amount. Ask about fees when you call ahead. You will receive a debit card and checks in the estate's name. Some banks limit how many checks you can order for free, so ask about that too.

The bank will give you online access so you can view the account, transfer money, and pay bills electronically. This is useful for tracking expenses and income as you settle the estate. Keep records of every deposit and withdrawal — you will need them later if the estate goes through probate or if anyone questions how you managed the money.

If the bank asks for documents you do not have

Some banks ask for documents that are hard to get or that you may not have. If a bank asks for something unusual, ask them why they need it and whether there is an alternative. For example, if they ask for the original will and you only have a copy, ask if a certified copy from the probate court works instead. If they ask for two death certificates and you only have one, ask if they will accept a certified copy.

If a bank's requirements are too strict or too expensive, you can open the account at a different bank. There is no rule that says you must use the bank where the deceased person had accounts. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks have simpler requirements than large national banks, so it is worth calling a few places if the first one turns you down.

If you cannot get the authority document because the estate is too small for probate and your state does not have a small estate affidavit process, ask the probate court clerk what your options are. Some states allow you to petition the court for a limited authority document even when probate is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own checking account instead of opening an estate account?

No. Mixing estate money with your personal money creates legal and tax problems. If the estate is audited or if someone challenges how you managed it, you will have a hard time proving which money was yours and which belonged to the estate. An estate account keeps everything separate and shows you handled the money properly.

What if the deceased person's bank will not let me open an estate account?

Some banks have strict policies and will not open estate accounts, even with proper documentation. If this happens, open the account at a different bank. You do not have to use the bank where the deceased person had accounts. Many credit unions and smaller banks are more flexible.

Do I need an EIN if the estate is very small?

It depends on the size and how long the estate will exist. If the estate has no income and will be closed within a few months, you may not need one. But most banks ask for an EIN anyway, and getting one is free and takes minutes online. It is easier to get one upfront than to explain why you do not have one.

How long does it take to open an estate checking account?

If you have all the documents, the bank can open the account the same day or within a few business days. The longest part is usually getting the authority document from the court or getting the EIN from the IRS. If the estate went through probate, you already have the authority document, so the process is faster.

What happens to the estate account after the estate is settled?

Once you have distributed all the money and closed out the estate, you close the account. The bank will ask you to sign a form confirming the account is closed. Keep the final statement for your records.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.