How to Find ‘Missing’ Bank Accounts in Your Name (Fast & Safely)

Misplaced an old bank account? You’re not alone.

Millions of Americans have unclaimed money sitting in forgotten checking or savings accounts, often after moving, changing banks, or when financial institutions merge.

Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets

According to NAUPA, states return billions in unclaimed funds every year — meaning you may have cash waiting to be claimed.

Here’s a simple, scam-safe guide to help you find old accounts and reclaim your money.

How Bank Accounts Go Missing

Common reasons an account slips through the cracks:

• Address changes or moves

• Bonus accounts opened for promotions, then abandoned

• Inherited accounts relatives never knew existed

• Bank mergers or closures that redirected your funds

Unclaimed accounts eventually get sent to the state through a process called escheatment. The good news? States hold your money forever until you claim it.

How to Find Old Bank Accounts

1. Search the FDIC (Best for closed or merged banks)

Use the FDIC BankFind Suite to see what happened to a bank you once used.

Then search the FDIC’s Unclaimed Funds tool to locate money from closed banks.
 

2. Check Your State’s Unclaimed Property Database

Every state has its own official search portal.

Start at Unclaimed.org (NAUPA) to:

• Search your current state

• Search any state you previously lived, worked, or studied in

Most people find missing accounts here.
 

3. Contact the Bank Directly

If you remember the bank name, call customer service.

Have ready:

• SSN

• Old addresses

• Account number (if known)

If the bank already sent the money to the state, they’ll tell you where to file a claim.

How to Avoid Scams While Searching

Unclaimed money searches attract scammers. Protect yourself by following these rules:

• Only use .gov or .org sites

• Searching and claiming your money is always free

• Don’t give personal data to unsolicited callers or emails

If anyone asks for payment to “find your money,” it’s a scam.

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