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Will Your Bank Close Your Accounts If You Go to Prison?

Bank of America and Merrill Lynch froze my accounts after I surrendered. Nobody at home could act for me. Handle this before you report. Part 3 of 30.

Justin Paperny

Founder White Collar Advice · Recently Published

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It can happen. Banks and brokerages may close accounts after they learn about a conviction. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch froze mine after I surrendered, and nobody at home had the authority to act for me.

Fifteen-minute phone calls from Taft

Shortly after I surrendered, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch froze my accounts.

I hadn't given anyone power of attorney. My family couldn't respond for me, and I was in Taft trying to sort it out on 15-minute phone calls.

Banks and brokerages may close accounts once they learn about a conviction. Pick one person at home to handle your money and give them the authority to act before you walk in.

That's step two on our self-surrender checklist. A few others:

Budget for commissary, phone, and email. Most people need $300 to $500 a month. I spent about $600 because I was writing books and blogs.

Bring copies of your medical summary and prescriptions. Intake is slow.

Write your first entry before you surrender. Daniel did.

Read the full Top 10 Self-Surrender Checklist

Related: The checklist covers logistics. What you build with your time, and who sees it, is what our team helps with. Schedule a free call.

Questions people ask

Should I give someone power of attorney before prison?

Many people do, so someone at home can handle banking and bills. Ask a lawyer which document fits your state.

How much money will I need in prison?

Most people need $300 to $500 a month for commissary, phone, and email. I spent about $600 because I was writing.

Read next: Part 4: Got a Longer Federal Sentence Than You Expected? Now What?

Written by

Justin Paperny

Founder White Collar Advice