Notify ASB of a death

ASB Bereavement Team
0800 803 804 — main ASB NZ line (24/7), ask for the bereavement team.

ASB also offers a secure online notification form at asb.co.nz/help-support → bereavement. The form triggers a callback within 1–2 business days. The phone route is usually faster if you have everything ready.

If the deceased had an ASB KiwiSaver or ASB Investments account, the bereavement team will refer you to ASB Investments separately (or call 0800 272 738 directly). KiwiSaver claims sit outside the retail bank process.

Once notified, ASB will:

• Freeze sole accounts in the deceased's name to prevent fraud. Direct debits and automatic payments stop.
• Cancel credit cards in the deceased's sole name. Outstanding balances become debts of the estate.
• Leave joint accounts open for the surviving holder. They'll update the account name when convenient.
• Disable FastNet and the mobile app for the deceased's profile.
• Refer KiwiSaver and investments to ASB Investments' separate bereavement process.
• Send you the estate paperwork — documents for releasing funds, closing accounts, and (where needed) probate requirements.

If you held an ASB account jointly with the deceased, funds remain accessible to you. You don't need to wait for probate.

ASB will update the account into your sole name once you've sent them a death certificate. You can keep the same account number, or close it and move the balance to a new sole account.

If you want to keep the joint account open temporarily to honour automatic payments, say so — ASB will leave it as-is until you ask.

For sole accounts, ASB will usually release a modest amount before probate to cover funeral costs and immediate estate expenses. The discretionary threshold is typically up to $15,000–$20,000 — but this is at ASB's discretion and can vary.

To request a pre-probate release, you'll need:

• Death certificate
• The funeral invoice or other estate expense documentation
• A copy of the will, if one exists
• A statutory declaration from the executor (ASB provides the form)

For balances above the threshold, you'll need a grant of probate (where there's a will) or letters of administration (where there isn't). See wills, probate & legal.

ASB KiwiSaver is managed by ASB Investments (not the retail bank), so it's handled through a separate bereavement process even though both sit under ASB.

The balance is paid to the estate — not directly to a spouse, partner, or next of kin. The executor or administrator claims it on the estate's behalf, then distributes per the will (or per intestacy rules if there's no will).

What you'll need:

• Death certificate
• Grant of probate (or letters of administration) — usually required above ~$15,000
• Member number, if known
• Estate bank account for the payout

Call ASB Investments directly on 0800 272 738, or ask the retail bereavement team to refer you across.