Succession certificate
A civil court certificate that lets a person collect a deceased person's debts and securities.
A succession certificate is issued by a civil court and authorises a person to collect money and securities owed to someone who has died. Banks may ask for one for large claims where there’s no nominee, though RBI now lets them accept a legal heir certificate or an affidavit instead. Read claiming a parent’s money after they die.
Questions people ask
When does a bank need a succession certificate?
Under RBI's 2025 directions, only when there's no nominee or survivor and the claim is above the bank's threshold limit, at least 15 lakh rupees for most banks and 5 lakh for co-operative banks. Even then, the bank can instead accept a legal heir certificate or a sworn affidavit, and may ask for a surety.
Can a bank ask for a succession certificate if there is a nominee?
No. RBI's 2025 directions say a bank must not insist on a succession certificate, probate or an indemnity bond from a nominee or survivor, whatever the amount.
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