The Bank Refused To Help Me Close My Late Dad’s Account. When I Sent Them One Document, They Called Me Back Within Minutes

At first, they treated me like a scammer. “We can’t help you,” the banker said, eyes cold, voice final. I left the building in shock, still mourning my dad, now blindsided by red tape. But later that night, I opened one of his old folders—and there it was. The one thing they said I’d never find. I sent it over the next morning. Minutes later, the bank called me in a panic…

I arrived before opening with Dad’s death certificate, my ID, and the appointment printout. At nine sharp, the guard waved me in, and I walked to the service counter. I carried a tabbed folder for identification, death records, and account notes. I checked in on the tablet and waited while printers clicked and phones murmured. When my number flashed, I stepped forward and set the folder neatly on the counter.

Sarah introduced herself and asked for the account number and all paperwork. I slid a notecard with the number across and opened the folder. She took my ID, the death certificate, and the appointment printout, lining them up. I kept a pen ready and added a sticky note with my phone number. She typed quickly and said she would bring in a manager for the closure request.

When she finished intake, I requested to close the account immediately and properly under policy. I said I needed a final statement, a transfer form, and written confirmation of closure. Sarah checked her screen and asked me to place the folder on the side desk. I set everything down in order and kept copies in a second envelope. She told me to wait while she brought her manager to review the file.

Sarah returned with Richard Owens, the branch manager, who invited us to his desk. He examined my ID, the death certificate, and the account profile on his monitor. Richard asked about the receiving estate account, and I pointed to the transfer page. He scrolled a policy screen while Sarah took notes beside him. After a long pause, he said he needed to confirm something before proceeding.

Richard declined help, saying I needed additional forms he claimed were missing. I asked for exact titles and where to get them; he said “probate letters,” nothing more. I requested a printed checklist or policy citation to verify the requirement. He said their system couldn’t print it and suggested I come back later. I logged the time on my printout, packed the folder, and headed out to gather documents.

I drove to Mom’s house and spread unopened mail across the dining table beside Dad’s file box. Mom unlocked the cabinet where he kept tax records and banking folders. We pulled statements, insurance letters, and policy notices from the stacks. I labeled piles by account and set aside anything with routing or signature details. Before dinner, I filled a tote with documents and cleared a workspace for morning.

Linda came after work and sorted envelopes by sender while I photographed statement headers. We built a detailed checklist using a notepad and a copy of the bank’s policy. I grouped items for identification, death records, account verification, and transfer details. Linda cross-checked account numbers and flagged missing months with bright tabs. Near midnight, we stacked everything neatly and clipped the checklist to the folder.

I called the bank’s hotline early and asked a supervisor to confirm every requirement in writing. After a short hold, she joined and listened while I read our checklist aloud. I asked her to add any extra forms the branch might request, with examples. She agreed and promised an email listing policy numbers and acceptable documents. I verified the case number, spelled my address twice, and waited for her message.