Accounts owned solely by the deceased
All accounts held solely by the deceased will be stopped to debit transactions, preventing any unauthorised access. This includes transactional and savings accounts, credit cards and loans of any type. Direct access to the deceased’s accounts will not be provided to any party.
To promptly secure the deceased’s accounts, any debit cards linked to accounts will be stopped. Any direct debits from the deceased’s accounts and other recurring payment between NAB accounts will also be cancelled. This means, any recurring payments from the deceased’s NAB transaction accounts into a NAB savings account(s) will also be cancelled. This may impact bonus interest earned on savings account(s).
If there is any unsecured debt (such as credits cards or personal loans), we'll use available deposit funds to clear/reduce this debt. For any remaining debt or accounts with negative balances, the estate will remain legally responsible for these. We’ll discuss the details with the Legal Personal Representative.
Accounts owned jointly by the deceased
What happens to a joint account depends on the balance and type of account.
Accounts with a credit (positive) balance
Where a joint account has a credit balance, no action will be taken and the surviving account holder(s) continue to have access to the account as normal.
Once we have received proof of death, we’ll remove the deceased’s name from the account.
Accounts with a debit (negative) balance, including loan accounts
Where a joint account has a debit balance, the account will be stopped to further debit transactions. This includes the removal of any redraw facility on loans and suspension of previously agreed credit limits.
For transactional accounts, the restriction on debits can only be removed once the account has been returned to a credit balance position.
For loan accounts and other formal borrowing arrangements, the restriction can only be removed once the facility has been reassessed to remove the deceased’s estate from liability.
We may be able to provide access to up to $20,000 of available funds depending on the relationship of the borrower(s) to the deceased customer, ownership of the property security and approved credit limits. You’ll need to call us on 1300 911 451, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm to discuss.
If you're overseas, call +61 3 8903 9992.
In most cases, the estate will remain jointly liable for any debit balances alongside any surviving co-borrowers. We’ll discuss the details with the Legal Personal Representative.
Credit cards
All credit cards will be cancelled and will no longer work. This means any recurring payments set up to debit the card account will also be cancelled along with any additional cards previously authorised by the deceased.
If you’re an additional cardholder on the account, your card will no longer work. You may wish to apply for a credit card in your own name. The easiest way is to apply online or you can visit us in a branch for assistance.
If you use your credit card to access your transaction account and don’t have a Visa Debit card, you’ll need to order one to continue accessing your funds. You can apply online for a NAB Visa Debit card or visit us in a branch.
Home loans
Home loan repayments that have previously been deducted from a NAB account in the deceased customer’s sole name will no longer be processed. Home loan repayments that have previously been deducted from a joint account will continue as usual, so long as that account has a credit balance.
If you’re a joint account holder, you can amend the repayment amount or which account the repayments are being deducted from by calling our home lending team on 13 78 79, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 7:00pm (AEST/AEDT), Saturday to Sunday, 9:00am to 6:00pm (AEST/AEDT)
To remove the deceased from any home loans (both jointly held or solely held), you’ll need to apply for a new loan. You can book a Home Loan appointment to discuss further.
We'll close the deceased’s accounts and release any funds held
We’ll close the deceased’s accounts and release any funds, where applicable, if the following are complete:
- Verification of death.
- Confirmation of your authority to act on behalf of the estate.
- Verification of identity of all Legal Personal Representatives acting on behalf of the estate. This can change though the course of managing the estate, depending on who is named in a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
- Completed and signed (by all Legal Personal Representatives of the estate) Closing NAB accounts and releasing funds for a Finalising a Deceased Estate Form (PDF, 92KB), opens in new window.
- We may also need to understand your plans in respect of any loan facilities, debit balance accounts or other liabilities of the estate.
Once we have instructions and acceptable documents and information from all confirmed Legal Personal Representative(s), we’ll act on those instructions to finalise accounts within 14 business days.
If we’re missing required information or documents and you’ve provided your phone number, we’ll try to contact you by phone to discuss. We’ll then follow up in writing detailing what we need.
Need help making repayments?
If you’re having difficulty making repayments on behalf of the estate or are concerned about your ability to do so on an ongoing basis, please contact the Customer Support Hub on 1800 701 599, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm (AEST/AEDT), Saturday, 9:00am to 1:00pm (AEST/AEDT).
Notify us of a deceased customer
Take the first step in finalising a deceased estate by notifying us when a loved one passes.
After you’ve notified us of a deceased customer
Find out what happens in the second step of finalising a deceased estate, after you’ve notified us of a customer passing
Losing a loved one
Life can be tough after losing a loved one. We’re here to help with practical advice on managing finances.
Get in touch
NAB Bereavement Services
Visit a NAB branch
Visit your nearest NAB branch to speak to us in person.
Important information
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The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.