MSN: “How to make sure your bank accounts don’t get frozen after you die”
MSN, July 14, 2026 — In today’s issue of MSN.com by Chris Adams, he explains that as reported by U.S. News & World Report, “A deceased person’s bank account is inaccessible unless you’re a joint owner, a beneficiary of the account or the estate executor.”
To make sure you’re prepared for what happens to your bank accounts after you die, GOBankingRates talked to some personal finance experts for their advice.
According to Marguerita Cheng, a certified financial planner (CFP) and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth: One key step to take to make sure your bank accounts don’t get frozen after you die is to designate payable-on-death beneficiaries for the accounts.
“You can complete a simple form with your bank, without the need for a lawyer,” she explains. “By taking this action, the funds will transfer directly without going through probate. Your loved ones can then access the cash quickly.”