Good to know, I didn’t know that! 😳

When a loved one disappears, families often have to organize funerals very quickly. However, these ceremonies represent a significant cost, and many people wonder if it is possible to use the money from the deceased’s bank account to pay for the funeral.

Good news: the French law does indeed provide a solution to avoid the relatives to advance all expenses. Here’s what you need to know to act in accordance with the rules.

The blocking of the account after a death: an automatic rule

As soon as a bank is officially informed of the death of a customer — usually through the transfer of the death certificate — it immediately blocks its accounts.

This measure is intended to protect the succession. It prevents any withdrawal or movement of money so that the property of the deceased can be distributed correctly between the heirs.

However, this rule has an important exception: some urgent expenses can be paid directly from the accounts of the deceased.

And funeral expenses are part of it.

Can you pay for the funeral with the deceased’s money?

Yes. Yes. The law allows banks to release an amount to pay for funeral expenses.

This mechanism allows families to avoid making full expenditure themselves, especially when the succession is not yet open at the notary.

In concrete terms, the bank can use the funds available in the deceased’s accounts to pay the funeral home company’s bill.

This rule usually applies:

• the current account
• savings accounts such as Booklet A
• other accounts containing cash

However, the bank can only use the money actually available on the accounts.

If the balance is insufficient, the relatives will have to pay the difference.

What is the maximum amount allowed?

The law sets a ceiling for this release.

The maximum amount currently allowed is 5 910 euros for funeral expenses.

This ceiling, fixed by a decree of May 7, 2015, corresponds to the majority of situations since funerals in France generally cost between 4 000 and 5 000 euros.

If the invoice exceeds this amount:

• The bank will not be able to pay the full
• A heir will have to move the rest forward
• This amount may be repaid later during the settlement of the estate

The steps to be taken with the bank

To use this procedure, some steps are necessary.

The first is to inform the bank of the death by transmitting a copy of the death certificate.

Then, two solutions are possible:

1. Direct payment by the bank

The funeral home company sends its invoice to the bank, which directly settles the authorized amount.

2. Reimbursement of a loved one

If a family member has already paid the funeral, he can request the refund from the bank by providing the invoice paid.

In most cases, the bank unblocks the funds within 48 hours in order to meet the legal deadlines for burial or cremation.

Other urgent expenses can also be paid

The ceiling of 5 910 euros for funeral expenses can also cover other urgent costs related to the deceased.

For example :

• Some recent medical bills
• The last taxes due
• other expenses directly related to the end of life

But be careful: all these expenses are counted in the same overall ceiling.

Beware of illegal withdrawals

An important point must be stressed.

Some people use the deceased’s credit card to withdraw money before the bank blocks the account.

Although this may seem practical, this practice is strictly prohibited.

The law considers these withdrawals as a concealment of estate property. The consequences can be heavy:

• Financial sanctions
• Conflicts with the heirs
• loss of part of the rights in the estate

It is always better to follow the legal procedure.

Bank charges regulated since 2025

Banks also charge fees for managing an estate file.

These fees cover in particular:

• the closure of the accounts
• Administrative procedures
• Transfers to the heirs

They often range between 200 and 500 euros.

However, since the law of May 13, 2025, these fees are more regulated in order to avoid abuse.

Banks must now respect ceilings and justify their tariffs.

In a moment as delicate as a death, knowing these rules allows to organize the funeral serenely while respecting the law and the rights of each.