Unblocking a KBC account after a death in Belgium

KBC is one of the largest banks in Belgium. On a death, KBC follows a fixed procedure to freeze and later unfreeze accounts. This guide goes step by step through what you must do, which documents are needed and where KBC's specific points lie.

Step 1: Notify KBC

KBC expects you to report the death as soon as possible. Three options:

• By phone via KBC-Live on 016 432 000 (local rate). Monday to Friday 8 to 22, Saturday 9 to 17.
• In a KBC branch with a paper copy of the death certificate.
• Via KBC Mobile or KBC Touch: menu "Report a death" since 2024 also digital for clients of the deceased or legal representatives.

KBC confirms the freeze within 24 to 48 hours. From then, all card payments, transfers and direct debits are blocked, except the legally allowed ongoing payments for gas, water, electricity, telecom and rent of the family home.

Step 2: Gather documents

For unfreezing, KBC requests:

1. Death certificate (municipality, free to a few euros per copy);
2. Certificate or deed of inheritance (FPS Finance free, or notary 250 to 500 euros);
3. ID cards of all heirs;
4. List of accounts, safes and securities the deceased or partner held at KBC.

KBC has its own death form (OL01) signed by all heirs. Available on kbc.be under "Report a death" or in any branch.

Step 3: Request the tax certificate

KBC automatically sends a tax certificate to VLABEL (Flanders) or FPS Finance (Brussels/Wallonia). This certificate contains:

• balances of all accounts on the date of death;
• overview of movements over the 3 years preceding death;
• securities portfolios with value on the date of death;
• contents of any safe (at opening with witness).

Important: request a copy of this certificate from KBC. You need it for the inheritance declaration and your own file. Free for heirs.

Step 4: Unfreeze the accounts

After receiving the certificate or deed, KBC unfreezes the accounts within 5 to 10 business days. Usual procedure:

1. Book an appointment in a KBC branch or send the full dossier by post to KBC Successions, Brusselsesteenweg 100, 3000 Leuven.
2. KBC checks the documents and opens a succession channel: funds are pooled pending distribution.
3. Heirs decide, by joint instruction, to pay out, split or reinvest.

Step 5: Urgent payments

For funeral costs or open invoices up to 5,000 euros, the surviving partner can request a release, not exceeding half of the balance. KBC then requires:

• invoice or proof of expense;
• signed form OL05 (release urgent costs);
• ID card of the applicant.

Release happens within 2 to 3 business days after receipt.

KBC-specific points

• KBC Brussels, CBC (Wallonia) and KBC Bank are separate legal entities within the KBC group. Accounts in several? Separate notification and unfreezing per entity.
• KBC offers since 2024 a succession coach: a single point of contact for the whole file, free for clients with balance over 25,000 euros.
• Securities accounts are not sold automatically. You decide to keep, sell or transfer. During the freeze, dividends and prices keep running.
• KBC Insurance (life policies) follows a separate procedure. Beneficiaries receive the capital directly, outside the inheritance declaration (under tax conditions).

Closing

KBC has a smoothly organised death procedure, especially if you actively follow the file. The combination of phone (016 432 000) plus digital form OL01 means most simple estates are settled in 6 to 8 weeks. For general rules on bank freeze see unfreezing a bank account. For the certificate of inheritance see certificate or deed.