Bank power of attorney

Bankingab 13 J.

A written authorisation allowing another person to access your bank account. Important for couples, parents and as an emergency precaution.

A bank power of attorney (Bankvollmacht) allows a trusted person to carry out banking transactions in your name: transfers, withdrawals, account information.

When does it make sense?

• Couples: your partner should be able to access the account in an emergency
• Parents: access to elderly parents' account in case they are no longer able
• Emergency: after an accident or illness, someone needs to be able to pay bills

Important: the bank power of attorney is valid beyond death ("transmortal power of attorney"). WITHOUT a power of attorney, the account is frozen after death – the heirs only get access once the certificate of inheritance arrives (often takes weeks).

How to set it up? At the bank branch or with the bank's form. Both people must show ID.

Did you know? Without a bank power of attorney, not even your spouse can access your account. Banks usually only accept a power of attorney given on their own form.

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📅 Stand: 17. Juli 2026✔️ Redaktionell geprüftÜber SaveFoxy FAQ Fehler melden? Im Lexikon mitmachen