Writing a Simple Bank Account Authorization Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample bank account authorization letter as a template for your formal bank account authorization letter.
If you are unable to go to your bank personally, you may need to draft a bank authorization letter to authorize someone else to help. This letter will allow you to authorize a person to do banking, on your behalf, during times of illness or other issues.
This person can make deposits, withdraw funds and make other decisions regarding the account with your written authorization. It is not hard to write this kind of letter, as it doesn’t need to be long and drawn out.
Formal Document
This is a formal document, so it should be typed and never hand written. The bank probably wouldn’t accept a handwritten letter of this kind. The letter should have a proper tone and be geared with a business feel.
This person can make deposits, withdraw funds and make other decisions regarding the account with your written authorization. It is not hard to write this kind of letter, as it doesn’t need to be long and drawn out.
Formal Document
This is a formal document, so it should be typed and never hand written. The bank probably wouldn’t accept a handwritten letter of this kind. The letter should have a proper tone and be geared with a business feel.
Remember when writing business letters, always be polite and professional. Since this is considered to be business correspondence, it should have proper format, spelling and grammar. Remember it doesn’t need to be long and drawn out, just short and to the point.
Basic Business Letter Format
Start with the basic business letter format and put your name and address, date and the recipients address on the left hand side of the page. While the generic term “To Whom It May Concern” can certainly be used, it is best to get a personal banker’s name or someone who handles things of this nature. If you have the person’s name, always address them as Ms. or Mr. and never a first name.
Basic Business Letter Format
Start with the basic business letter format and put your name and address, date and the recipients address on the left hand side of the page. While the generic term “To Whom It May Concern” can certainly be used, it is best to get a personal banker’s name or someone who handles things of this nature. If you have the person’s name, always address them as Ms. or Mr. and never a first name.
The letter should be single spaced and should be full of information. The bank will need to know your account information and the full name of the party you wish to act on your behalf. You may also want to include their address as well. If you just need this assistance for a specific period of time, make sure to put a beginning and ending date. It is also good to state why you need this help, like surgery etc.
Be Clear
What do you want this representative to do for you? If you only want to give authorization to deposit funds, say so. You need to spell out exactly what this person can and cannot do for you and with your accounts. Do want them to do banking transactions but not have access to your safety deposit box, state it in the letter. The bank needs to be clear on what can and cannot be done by this individual.
Banks take letters like this very seriously because it is dealing with someone else’s money. They will likely want the letter in person and may even want their notary to witness you signing it.
This letter is similar to a power of attorney letter and it gives a lot of authority to an individual. A copy should go to the bank, one in your file and one given to the individual who has the authority to use the account.
End the letter with a closing statement, followed by contact information and a name. It is also important to find out the banks policies on this sort of thing, as they may require more paperwork to be filled out.
Be Clear
What do you want this representative to do for you? If you only want to give authorization to deposit funds, say so. You need to spell out exactly what this person can and cannot do for you and with your accounts. Do want them to do banking transactions but not have access to your safety deposit box, state it in the letter. The bank needs to be clear on what can and cannot be done by this individual.
Banks take letters like this very seriously because it is dealing with someone else’s money. They will likely want the letter in person and may even want their notary to witness you signing it.
This letter is similar to a power of attorney letter and it gives a lot of authority to an individual. A copy should go to the bank, one in your file and one given to the individual who has the authority to use the account.
End the letter with a closing statement, followed by contact information and a name. It is also important to find out the banks policies on this sort of thing, as they may require more paperwork to be filled out.
Sample Bank Account Authorization Letter
Robert Smith
130 Stewart Rd.
Jackson, Ohio 45640
August 19, 20xx
Oak Hill Banks
12567 St. Rt. 327
Wellston, Ohio 45692
Dear Ms. Jones;
I am writing regarding my account number 305610 that I have with your institution. I have had this account for several years and have enjoyed being a member of this fine bank. I am having some health issues and will have to undergo a major medical procedure. I need to ask that Lisa Smith, my daughter, be appointed representative over my account during my medical down time.
Please allow Lisa to make deposits, withdraw cash, purchase money orders or cashier’s checks and to have full access to my account. I also have 2 safety deposit boxes with your bank, but she doesn’t need access to those at this time.
Should I not make it through the surgical procedures, my will allows her access to these boxes. This authorization should be granted from today, August 19, 20xx until December 1st, 20xx unless otherwise notified.
I appoint Lisa Smith at 9090 David Ave. Jackson, Ohio 45640 to handle my banking. You can reach me on my cell phone at 555-890-7845 if you have any questions. I look forward to continuing my services with you banking institution.
Sincerely,
Robert Smith
By Andre Bradley
Robert Smith
130 Stewart Rd.
Jackson, Ohio 45640
August 19, 20xx
Oak Hill Banks
12567 St. Rt. 327
Wellston, Ohio 45692
Dear Ms. Jones;
I am writing regarding my account number 305610 that I have with your institution. I have had this account for several years and have enjoyed being a member of this fine bank. I am having some health issues and will have to undergo a major medical procedure. I need to ask that Lisa Smith, my daughter, be appointed representative over my account during my medical down time.
Please allow Lisa to make deposits, withdraw cash, purchase money orders or cashier’s checks and to have full access to my account. I also have 2 safety deposit boxes with your bank, but she doesn’t need access to those at this time.
Should I not make it through the surgical procedures, my will allows her access to these boxes. This authorization should be granted from today, August 19, 20xx until December 1st, 20xx unless otherwise notified.
I appoint Lisa Smith at 9090 David Ave. Jackson, Ohio 45640 to handle my banking. You can reach me on my cell phone at 555-890-7845 if you have any questions. I look forward to continuing my services with you banking institution.
Sincerely,
Robert Smith
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a bank account authorization letter?
Answer: A bank account authorization letter is a document written by an account holder to a bank, granting another individual the power to perform transactions on their account. This letter gives express permission to the bank to allow this access. The authorized individual could be anyone, such as a business partner or family member.
Q: How do I grant financial power of attorney for my bank account?
Answer: To grant financial power of attorney (FPOA), contact your bank for their specific form and procedures. FPOA can be durable, giving longer-term access, or limited, restricting access to specific actions. If you are unable to get a form from the bank, consult a lawyer to draft one. Once the form is completed, submit it to the bank, either in person or online.
Q: What are the differences between a convenience account and a joint account?
Answer: A convenience account allows a third party to perform transactions on your behalf, like paying bills, but they can't withdraw funds for themselves. In contrast, a joint account or co-ownership gives another person the same rights as the original account holder, essentially making it a shared account. This is more common for business accounts than personal ones. It's crucial to understand the risks involved before opting for either.
Q: What should be included in a bank authorization letter?
Answer: A bank authorization letter should include your identification information, the extent of access granted to the third party (such as withdrawal limits or restricted functions), and a clear start and end date for the authorization. This ensures that the bank knows the duration of the granted permissions.
Answer: A bank account authorization letter is a document written by an account holder to a bank, granting another individual the power to perform transactions on their account. This letter gives express permission to the bank to allow this access. The authorized individual could be anyone, such as a business partner or family member.
Q: How do I grant financial power of attorney for my bank account?
Answer: To grant financial power of attorney (FPOA), contact your bank for their specific form and procedures. FPOA can be durable, giving longer-term access, or limited, restricting access to specific actions. If you are unable to get a form from the bank, consult a lawyer to draft one. Once the form is completed, submit it to the bank, either in person or online.
Q: What are the differences between a convenience account and a joint account?
Answer: A convenience account allows a third party to perform transactions on your behalf, like paying bills, but they can't withdraw funds for themselves. In contrast, a joint account or co-ownership gives another person the same rights as the original account holder, essentially making it a shared account. This is more common for business accounts than personal ones. It's crucial to understand the risks involved before opting for either.
Q: What should be included in a bank authorization letter?
Answer: A bank authorization letter should include your identification information, the extent of access granted to the third party (such as withdrawal limits or restricted functions), and a clear start and end date for the authorization. This ensures that the bank knows the duration of the granted permissions.