Report a death

The loss of a loved one is a challenging time. We would like to help and, as such, are providing you with information on what you need to do to manage a deceased person’s bank account.

First step

In order to provide specific support, we need a copy of the death certificate. Please send it to us as quickly as possible by post or e-mail.

Postal address:

PostFinance Ltd
Scan Center
3002 Bern

You can contact our Estate Competence Center from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. by calling +41 58 667 98 65.

Forms and powers of attorney

In order to access the assets or close the account, the community of heirs requires certain documents.

Inheritance power of attorney regulations form

  • Enables one or more people to access the account
  • Required documents: heir’s certificate, copies of the ID documents of all heirs and authorized representatives

Account closure

  • For the final closure of the account
  • Please ensure all required documents are present

Reply form

To change the correspondence address or request new account documents.

What happens to PostFinance accounts?

The process depends on the type of account, assets and power of attorney status. Generally, the following rules apply:

  • Right to information: only legitimate heirs or authorized persons receive information. An official document is required for this.
  • PostFinance Card and e-finance: the deceased person’s accesses are automatically cancelled.
  • Account closure: the accounts must be closed within 12 months of reporting the death. It is not possible for an authorized representative or other people to take on the account. Please note that costs will otherwise arise for the estate management.
  • Power of attorney in the event of death: existing powers of attorney continue to apply following the death, though access can be restricted to protect the heirs.

Fees and deadlines in the estate

Free services

  • Account management within the first 12 months
  • Exemption from withdrawal conditions for savings accounts
  • Ordering account balance on the date of death with accrued gross interest

Services for which fees apply

  • Estate management: CHF 30 per quarter (if the account is not closed within 12 months)
  • Estate processing: CHF 30 per 15 minutes of time required (e.g. manual payment processing)
  • Estate clarification: CHF 30 per 15 minutes of time required (e.g. reviewing invalid legitimation documents)