What to Do First Estate Checklist Centrelink & Government Banks & Accounts Super & Insurance Probate Guide Executor Guide
ℹ️ General information only — Nothing on Afterward is legal, financial, or professional advice. Do not make estate decisions based solely on this content. Always verify with the relevant government body and seek independent advice for your situation. See our full disclaimer →
Commonwealth Bank

How to notify Commonwealth Bank of a death

Complete guide to CBA's bereavement process — who to call, what documents you need, how long it takes, and what happens to joint accounts and direct debits.

📞 CBA: 13 2221 🏦 Bereavement Support Team 📅 Updated June 2026

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) is Australia's largest bank and has a dedicated Bereavement Support team. Acting promptly reduces the risk of unauthorised transactions and avoids direct debits eating into the estate.

💡
Source
All CBA information sourced from commbank.com.au/support/bereavement. Policies may change — verify directly with CBA.

Step 1 — Notify CBA immediately

  1. 1
    Call 13 2221 or visit a branch
    Call CBA's main line 13 2221 (available 24/7) and say you need to report a death. You'll be connected to the Bereavement Support team. Alternatively, visit any CommBank branch — no appointment needed. You can also start at commbank.com.au/support/bereavement.
  2. 2
    CBA freezes the account immediately
    Once notified, CBA places a hold on the sole accounts. Joint accounts remain accessible to the surviving account holder. Direct debits and recurring payments on frozen accounts should be reviewed — some may bounce and incur dishonour fees charged to the estate.
⚠️
Joint accounts
Joint accounts survive the account holder's death — the surviving holder continues to have full access. However, the funds may still form part of the estate for tax purposes. CBA will update the account to a single name.

Step 2 — Documents CBA needs

📄
Original or certified death certificate — from BDM in your state. CBA typically accepts certified copies.
🪪
Your identity documents — driver licence or Australian passport. Must be current.
📃
Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration — required if the estate is over ~$50,000 or contains real property. CBA will specify the threshold. Smaller estates may be released on a Statutory Declaration.
📋
The will (if applicable) — CBA may request a copy to confirm the executor's identity.

Step 3 — What happens to CBA accounts

Account typeWhat happens
Sole accountFrozen on notification. Released to executor after documents provided. Direct debits stopped.
Joint accountSurviving holder retains access. Account renamed to sole name. Half may form part of estate.
Term depositBroken without penalty on death. Interest accrued to date of death included in estate.
Credit cardCancelled. Outstanding balance becomes an estate debt. Secondary cardholders lose access.
Home loanContinue paying if mortgaged property in estate. CBA bereavement team can discuss options.

Step 4 — Timeline

  1. 1
    Day 1 — Notify CBA, account frozen
    Same day as notification. You receive a reference number and a list of documents needed.
  2. 2
    Week 1–2 — Submit documents
    Lodge death certificate and ID. CBA reviews within 5–10 business days for small estates.
  3. 3
    Week 4–8 — Probate estates
    Once probate is granted by the Supreme Court, lodge the sealed grant with CBA. Funds released typically within 10 business days.
Afterward
Track every bank, super fund and government agency in one place
Afterward's personalised estate checklist shows you what to do with CBA and every other institution — with reminders and status tracking.
Get started → All bank contacts
Frequently asked questions

Commonwealth Bank deceased estate FAQs

Call 13 2221 (24/7), visit any branch, or start online at commbank.com.au/support/bereavement. Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

CBA does not charge an estate administration fee. However, the estate may incur costs from solicitors or the probate process — not from CBA directly.

For small estates (typically under $50,000), CBA may release funds without probate on a Statutory Declaration. For larger estates, probate or letters of administration is required. Source: CBA bereavement policy.

CommSec shares are a separate estate asset. Notify CommSec (a CBA subsidiary) separately at 13 15 19 or commbank.com.au/commsec. The executor can arrange transfer or sale with probate.

Related guides
🏦 All banks & accounts ⚖️ Probate guide 📋 Executor duties ✅ Full estate checklist 💰 Centrelink bereavement