Unclaimed Bank Account Money
Billions of dollars in dormant checking, savings, and CD accounts are held by state governments across the US. If you had an old bank account you forgot about, that money may still be waiting for you.
What Are Unclaimed Bank Accounts?
A bank account becomes "dormant" when there has been no owner-initiated activity — no deposits, withdrawals, or contact with the bank — for a period of 3 to 5 years (the exact period varies by state). Once dormant, federal and state laws require banks to transfer those funds to the state government through a process called escheatment.
The average dormant bank account contains approximately $892. Common reasons people lose track of bank accounts include moving to a new address and forgetting about an old account, inheriting an account from a relative, or simply losing track of accounts opened long ago.
The good news: the state holds this money indefinitely on your behalf. There is no deadline to claim it, and searching is always free through official state government websites.
How to Find an Unclaimed Bank Account
- 1
Search your current state
Visit your state's official unclaimed property website (links below) and enter your full legal name. Try variations — including maiden names and middle names.
- 2
Search all previous states
Search every state where you have previously lived or opened a bank account. Accounts are held by the state where the bank was located, not where you currently live.
- 3
Use MissingMoney.com
MissingMoney.com is a free multi-state search tool endorsed by NAUPA (the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators). It searches many states at once.
- 4
Check for deceased relatives
Search using the names of parents, grandparents, or other relatives who may have had accounts in your state. As an heir, you can claim this property.
States with the Most Unclaimed Bank Funds
Larger states with more financial activity naturally hold more unclaimed bank account funds. These states are worth checking even if you only lived there briefly:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a bank account is considered abandoned?
Most states consider a bank account abandoned after 3 to 5 years of inactivity, with no deposits, withdrawals, or owner-initiated contact. Once deemed dormant, the bank is required by state escheatment laws to transfer the funds to the state unclaimed property program.
What happens to money in abandoned bank accounts?
When a bank account is abandoned, the bank must turn the funds over to the state government through a process called escheatment. The state holds the money indefinitely on behalf of the owner. The money is safe and can be claimed at any time — there is no deadline.
How do I find an old bank account?
Search your state's official unclaimed property database using your full legal name. Also search states where you previously lived or banked. You can use MissingMoney.com to search multiple states at once. Have your Social Security number ready, as some databases allow SSN searches for more accurate results.
Can I claim a deceased parent's bank account?
Yes. You can claim unclaimed bank account funds belonging to a deceased parent or relative. You will typically need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased (such as a birth certificate), and documentation of your legal right to the funds (such as a will or letters of administration from probate court).
Do unclaimed bank accounts earn interest?
Generally, unclaimed bank accounts do not earn interest once transferred to the state. The state holds the exact dollar amount that was transferred from the bank. Some states may add interest in limited circumstances, but most return only the original principal amount.