POA Pilot
Information only, not legal or financial advice. More

This guide summarizes what institutions and California law publish. Rules change and every family is different. Talk to a California-licensed attorney before signing or relying on a power of attorney.

Institutions › Bank of America

Bank of America: using a power of attorney

Bank Last verified 2026-10-17

Do they accept a POA?

  • Verified Under certain circumstances Bank of America adds agents to the principal's accounts, and may limit the types and sizes of transactions an agent may perform. There is no fee to add an agent. official source ↗
  • Verified In most states, customers may set up a free limited power of attorney for banking transactions that covers only Bank of America deposit accounts and safe deposit boxes (one form per account; principal must come in). official source ↗

Forms & documents

  • Verified Bring a fully executed, notarized POA document, a list of the account numbers the agent should access, and valid unexpired IDs for the agent (one must be a government-issued photo ID). official source ↗
  • Verified Additional documents may be required, e.g. a doctor's letter if the POA only becomes effective on incapacity, or a doctor's note about the principal's capacity. official source ↗

How to submit

  • Verified In person: schedule a financial center appointment. The bank recommends that the principal accompany the agent. Merrill Lynch and Private Bank clients contact their Advisor instead. official source ↗

Turnaround

  • Not published Not published. Bank of America says multiple reviews may be required and the process may take more than one visit.

If they refuse or stall

  • Not published Bank of America does not publish an escalation path for a refused POA. In California, see Probate Code § 4406 on the Start Here page.