Complete guide to notifying banks after death in Australia

When someone dies in Australia, one of the first practical tasks is notifying their bank. This needs to happen quickly — to stop unauthorised transactions, prevent ongoing fees, and begin the process of closing or transferring accounts.

This guide covers every major Australian bank — what to do, what documents you need, and what to expect.

What happens to bank accounts when someone dies?

When a person dies, their bank accounts are frozen or placed under estate administration. The bank needs to be notified before any funds can be accessed, transferred or withdrawn by the executor.

Joint accounts work differently — they generally pass automatically to the surviving account holder. Sole accounts form part of the deceased estate and are distributed according to the will or intestacy laws.

Documents you will need

• Certified copy of the death certificate (obtain multiple copies — you will need several)
• Probate or letters of administration (required for larger estates — see below)
• Your identification — drivers licence or passport
• Proof of your authority as executor (a copy of the will naming you as executor)
• The deceased's account details — BSB, account number, full name on account

For smaller estates, most banks will process notifications with just a death certificate and proof of your identity. For accounts over approximately $50,000, most banks will require probate.

How to notify each major Australian bank

Commonwealth Bank (CBA)

CBA has a dedicated deceased estates team. You can notify them by:

• Email: commsecestatesmanagement@cba.com.au
• Phone: 1800 686 153
• In person at any CBA branch with documentation

CBA typically responds within 5 to 10 business days. They will freeze the account immediately and advise on next steps.

NAB

• Email: nabbereavementsupport@nab.com.au
• Phone: 1800 033 382
• In person at any NAB branch

NAB has a bereavement support team available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.

Westpac

• Email: estatesmanagement@westpac.com.au
• Phone: 1300 130 467

ANZ

• Phone: 1800 237 170
• In person at any ANZ branch

Bendigo Bank

• Email: DeceasedAccounts.mailbox@bendigoadelaide .com.au
• Phone: 1300 236 344

ING

• Phone: 133 464
• ING handles notifications primarily by phone as a digital-first bank

Macquarie Bank

• Phone: 1800 806 310

Suncorp

• Phone: 13 11 55

What to say when you contact the bank

Keep it straightforward. You are calling or writing to notify the bank of a death and request account closure. A simple script:

"I am calling to notify you of the death of [full name], who held accounts with you. I am the executor of the estate. I would like to understand your process for notifying you of a death and closing accounts. My name is [your name] and I can be reached at [phone/email]."

How long does it take?

Most Australian banks process bereavement notifications within 5 to 15 business days. Larger or more complex estates can take longer, particularly if probate is required.

After the account is frozen, you will receive confirmation and instructions for transferring remaining funds to the estate account.

Using the Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS)

The ADNS at deathnotificationservice.com.au allows you to notify multiple government agencies in one step — including the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare and DVA. Some banks also participate. It is worth checking which institutions are covered before making individual phone calls.

Making this easier

Notifying banks after a death involves writing formal letters, tracking who has responded, and following up if you hear nothing back. WithPassage automates all of this — generating personalised bereavement letters, sending them directly to banks, tracking responses, and sending you SMS updates when banks reply.