Short answer
Schedule a Bank of America financial center appointment and bring a fully signed, notarized POA, a list of the account numbers you need, and valid IDs. The bank recommends your parent come with you. There is no fee to add an agent.
Bank of America says it may limit the types and sizes of transactions an agent can do, that multiple reviews may be needed, and that it may take more than one visit.
Step by step
- Check the POA with our California POA checklist. Bank of America asks for a notarized POA.
- Make a list of your parent's account numbers you need access to.
- Gather valid, unexpired IDs for yourself. One must be a government-issued photo ID.
- If the POA only starts when your parent is incapacitated, get a doctor's letter. Bank of America may also ask for a doctor's note about your parent's capacity.
- Schedule a financial center appointment. Merrill and Private Bank clients contact their Advisor instead.
- Bring your parent if you can; the bank recommends it.
- If your parent can still sign, ask about the bank's free limited POA for banking. It covers only Bank of America deposit accounts and safe deposit boxes, one form per account, and your parent must come in.
Quick questions
Does Bank of America charge to add a power of attorney?
No. Bank of America says there is no fee to add an agent.
How long does Bank of America take to approve a POA?
Bank of America does not publish a time. It says multiple reviews may be required and the process may take more than one visit.