Can I withdraw money from my deceased parent's bank account?

No, unless you are a joint owner, the payable-on-death beneficiary, or the person with legal authority over the estate. A power of attorney stops working at death.

What happens to a joint bank account when one person dies?

Usually the surviving owner gets it, because most joint accounts have rights of survivorship. If the account was held as tenants in common, the share of the person who died goes to their heirs instead.

Do bank accounts with a beneficiary go through probate?

No. An account with a named beneficiary can usually be transferred to that person without probate. The bank will ask for a death certificate and identification.

Is the money still FDIC insured after the owner dies?

Yes, for a while. The FDIC insures a deceased owner's accounts as if the person were still alive for six months after the death. After that, coverage is based on who owns the money now.

What happens to a Social Security payment deposited after death?

It has to go back. Social Security does not pay benefits for the month a person dies, so ask the bank to return that payment and any later ones.

What happens to…

What happens to a bank account when someone dies?

It depends on how the account was set up. A joint account with survivorship rights usually passes to the surviving owner. An account with a payable-on-death beneficiary goes to that person. An account in the person's name alone, with no beneficiary, becomes part of the estate. The bank releases it to the executor or through your state's small estate process.

Last checked October 14, 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state.

How was the account set up?

Choose one to see what usually happens.

Quick facts

Most joint bank accounts are held with rights of survivorship, so the money passes to the surviving owner (CFPB, as of 2026).
A power of attorney ends when the person dies (CFPB, as of 2026).
The FDIC insures a deceased owner's accounts as if the person were still alive for six months after the death (FDIC, as of 2026).
California makes heirs wait 40 days after the death before they can use a small estate affidavit (California Courts, as of 2026).

Your next step

Who gets the money in a joint bank account?

Usually the surviving owner. The CFPB says most joint accounts at banks and credit unions are held with rights of survivorship. When one owner dies, the money passes to the other owner, or equally to the remaining owners if there are several.

Some joint accounts are held as tenants in common instead. Then the share of the person who died goes to their heirs under the will or state law, not to the other owner. The account agreement says which kind you have, and the bank can tell you.

What happens to a bank account when someone dies without a beneficiary?

It becomes part of the estate. Nobody can take the money just by being next of kin. The bank pays it out to the person with legal authority over the estate, usually the executor named in the will or an administrator appointed by the court.

If the whole estate is small, many states let heirs collect it with a sworn statement, called a small estate affidavit, instead of a full probate case. Each state sets its own dollar limit and waiting period. California, for example, makes heirs wait 40 days after the death before they can use one.

ProbateUS lists the limits and waiting periods for each state.

Can I use my parent's debit card or power of attorney after they die?

No. A power of attorney ends when the person dies. The CFPB's guide for agents says that even if you could easily pay some of their bills, you no longer have the authority to do so.

The same goes for their debit card or online banking login. Don't use them to move money. Tell the bank about the death instead, and ask what it needs from the joint owner, the beneficiary or the executor before it releases the money.

What should I do first about their bank accounts?

Make a list of every bank and credit union the person used. Statements, checkbooks and tax forms help.
Call each bank and ask for the team that handles accounts of customers who have died. Ask how each account is titled and whether it has a payable-on-death beneficiary.
Have a certified copy of the death certificate ready. Banks usually need one to close or transfer an account.
If Social Security or other benefits were paid by direct deposit, ask the bank to return the payment for the month of death and any later payments. USAGov says those have to go back.
If the account goes through the estate, wait until the executor or administrator has the court paperwork, or until your state's small estate waiting period has passed.

Questions people ask

Can I withdraw money from my deceased parent's bank account?: No, unless you are a joint owner, the payable-on-death beneficiary, or the person with legal authority over the estate. A power of attorney stops working at death.
What happens to a joint bank account when one person dies?: Usually the surviving owner gets it, because most joint accounts have rights of survivorship. If the account was held as tenants in common, the share of the person who died goes to their heirs instead.
Do bank accounts with a beneficiary go through probate?: No. An account with a named beneficiary can usually be transferred to that person without probate. The bank will ask for a death certificate and identification.