Banking transactions often require formal authorization from account holders.
Whether you need to grant permission to someone else to handle transactions on your behalf or provide verification to your bank, a well-crafted authorization letter is essential.
In this article, we’ll provide 15 sample letters of authorization for various common banking situations.
Use these as templates or starting points when you need to give someone written permission related to your bank accounts.
Sample Letters of Authorization of Bank Transactions
Before diving into the sample letters, remember that authorization letters for banking transactions should generally include:
- Your full name and account details
- The name of the person or entity you are authorizing
- A clear description of the permitted transactions or powers being granted
- The period the authorization is valid for
- Your signature
With those key elements in mind, let’s look at the sample authorization letters.
1. Authorization to Access Bank Account Information
Subject: Authorization to Access Bank Account Information
To whom it may concern,
I, [Your Name], holder of account number [Account Number] at [Bank Name], hereby authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], [Relationship], to access information about my above-mentioned bank account. This includes receiving account balances, statements, and transaction history.
This authorization is valid [Period]. Please provide [Authorized Person’s Name] with the requested information upon presentation of valid identification.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
2. Authorization for Withdrawals
Subject: Authorization for Withdrawals from Bank Account
Dear [Bank Name],
I am writing to authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], who is my [Relationship], to make withdrawals from my bank account [Account Number] on my behalf. This authority allows them to withdraw up to [Amount] in a single transaction, with a monthly maximum of [Amount].
This authorization will remain in effect until [End Date] unless I revoke it in writing before then. If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact me at [Your Contact Details].
Thank you,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
3. Authorization for Deposits
Subject: Authorization to Make Deposits into Bank Account
To [Bank Name],
This letter serves to notify you that I, [Your Name], the holder of the account [Account Number], give my permission to [Authorized Person’s Name], [Relationship], to make deposits into the specified account on my behalf.
There are no restrictions on the amount or frequency of deposits. This authority will remain in force from [Start Date] to [End Date]. If you require any additional information, please contact me at [Your Contact Details].
Regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
4. Authorization for Signing Checks
Subject: Check Signing Authority for Bank Account
Dear [Bank Name],
I am [Your Name], the holder of checking account [Account Number] at your bank. With this letter, I authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], who is my [Relationship], to sign checks drawn on the mentioned account.
This authority applies to checks up to a maximum amount of [Amount] per check and is valid from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Please honor the checks signed by [Authorized Person] that meet these conditions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
5. Authorization to Update Contact Information
Subject: Authorizing Changes to Bank Account Contact Information
To: [Bank Name]
I, [Your Name], currently maintain the bank account [Account Number] with your institution. The purpose of this letter is to authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], my [Relationship], to update the contact information associated with this account on my behalf.
The authorization includes changing the mailing address, email address, and phone numbers linked to the account. It is valid from [Start Date] until I provide notice of revocation in writing. Please let me know if you need anything further.
Best regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
6. Authorization for Bank Statement Mailing
Subject: Mailing of Bank Statements Authorization
Dear [Bank Name],
This is a formal authorization letter regarding the mailing of statements for my bank account, [Account Number]. Starting [Start Date], please mail the monthly account statements to:
[Authorized Person’s Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP]
This authorization overrides any previous statement mailing instructions and will remain effective until [End Date] or until I notify you in writing of any changes. Your assistance in implementing this request is greatly appreciated.
Warm regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
7. Authorization to Pick Up Checkbook
Subject: Checkbook Pick-up Authorization
Hello [Bank Name],
As the holder of the checking account [Account Number], I am writing to authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], [Relationship], to collect my new checkbook from your branch on my behalf. Please provide [him/her] with the checkbook after verifying [his/her] identity. This one-time authorization is only valid for picking up the checkbook ordered on [Date].
You can reach me at [Your Contact Number] if you have any questions. I appreciate your help in this matter.
Thanks,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
8. Authorization to Close Bank Account
Subject: Bank Account Closure Authorization
To: [Bank Name]
I, [Your Name], the owner of account number [Account Number], am writing to authorize the closure of this account. Please remit the remaining account balance by cashier’s check to:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP]
If there are any issues with this process, you can contact me at [Your Contact Number] or [Your Email]. Thank you for your prompt assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
9. Authorization to Open Bank Account
Subject: Authorization to Open Bank Account
Dear [Bank Name],
I, [Your Name], hereby authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], my [Relationship], to open a [Type of Account] in my name at your institution. [Authorized Person] has my full permission to complete the necessary application forms, provide initial funding, and receive the account documents on my behalf.
Please accept [his/her] signature below as verification of this authorization. I can be reached at [Your Contact Details] if you need to discuss anything further.
[Authorized Person’s Signature] [Authorized Person’s Printed Name]
Regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
10. Authorization to Transfer Funds Between Accounts
Subject: Inter-account Funds Transfer Authorization
To: [Bank Name]
As the holder of accounts [Account Number 1] and [Account Number 2] at [Bank Name], I am writing to grant [Authorized Person’s Name], my [Relationship], the authority to transfer funds between these two accounts on my behalf.
There are no limits on the frequency or amount of these transfers. The authorization will take effect on [Start Date] and will remain valid through [End Date], unless revoked by me in writing before then.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
11. Authorization to Wire Transfer Funds
Subject: Wire Transfer Authorization
To: [Bank Name]
I, [Your Name], authorize [Authorized Person’s Name] to initiate a one-time wire transfer from my account [Account Number] in the amount of [Amount] to the following recipient:
[Recipient Name] [Recipient Bank Name] [Recipient Bank Address] [Recipient Account Details] [Additional Routing Info]
This authorization applies only to the above-specified transfer and is valid until [Expiration Date]. If you have any questions about this authorization, you can contact me at [Your Contact Number] or [Your Email].
Thank you,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
12. Authorization for Requesting a Stop Payment
Subject: Stop Payment Request Authorization
Dear [Bank Name],
I, the undersigned, [Your Name], holder of checking account [Account Number], authorize [Authorized Person’s Name] to request a stop payment on the following check:
Check Number: [Check Number] Amount: [Check Amount] Payee: [Payee Name] Date of Check: [Date on Check] Reason for Stop Payment: [Reason]
Please place a stop payment on this check immediately. You can contact me at [Your Contact Number] if you need further information. This authorization is valid for this single transaction only.
Regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
13. Authorization to Dispute a Transaction
Subject: Authorization to Dispute Transaction
To: [Bank Name]
I am writing to authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], who is my [Relationship], to initiate a dispute on my behalf regarding a transaction on my [Credit Card/Debit Card] ending in [Last 4 Digits of Card Number]. The transaction in question is:
Merchant Name: [Merchant Name] Transaction Amount: [Amount]
Transaction Date: [Date]
[Authorized Person] has my full permission to communicate with [Bank Name] to provide any necessary information and to resolve this dispute. You can reach [him/her] at [Authorized Person’s Contact Details].
Thank you,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
14. Authorization to Reorder Debit Card
Subject: Debit Card Reorder Authorization
Dear [Bank Name],
I, [Your Name], authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], [Relationship], to request a replacement debit card linked to my checking account [Account Number] on my behalf. Please issue the new card with the same permissions and limits as my current one and send it to the address on file for this account.
This authorization allows [Authorized Person] to activate the card and set up the PIN once it arrives. You can contact [him/her] at [Authorized Person’s Contact Details] if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Date]
15. Authorization to Endorse Checks
Subject: Check Endorsement Authorization
To Whom It May Concern:
As the payee of checks made out to [Your Name], I hereby authorize [Authorized Person’s Name], [Relationship], to endorse such checks on my behalf. This authorization specifically allows the named party to sign, cash, and deposit checks into [Bank Name], Account Number [Account Number].
This authority is granted from [Start Date] through [End Date]. If you need to verify this approval, please contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
Wrapping Up Sample Letters of Authorization
Authorization letters play a key role in banking by allowing account holders to designate permissions to others.
For many common financial situations, like the ones covered in these 15 samples, having a clear, formal authorization letter can save time and prevent misunderstandings.
Remember, when you’re drafting your authorization letter, be specific about the powers you’re granting, include key info like names and account numbers, and clearly state the period for which the authorization is valid.
With a well-crafted letter, you can confidently delegate financial tasks while keeping your accounts secure.