Money and accounts
What happens to their bank account when they die?
Short answer
Joint accounts transfer to the surviving account holder. POD accounts transfer to the named beneficiary. Accounts with no joint holder or beneficiary go through the estate — meaning probate, or California's small estate process if the personal property is under $208,850 for deaths on or after April 1, 2025 ($184,500 applied earlier).
What this usually means
Joint accounts transfer to the surviving account holder. POD accounts transfer to the named beneficiary. Accounts with no joint holder or beneficiary go through the estate — meaning probate, or California's small estate process if the personal property is under $208,850 for deaths on or after April 1, 2025 ($184,500 applied earlier).
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.