A Certificate of Deposit, also commonly referred to as a CD, is like a savings account in that it accumulates interest over time. Unlike a savings account, a CD is held for a specific time period, which can be as long as five to 10 years. A lot can happen in the course of a few years, which can lead to a person losing their CD.
MyBankTracker points out that the bank may have changed hands, the original owner of the CD may have passed away or one may have simply forgotten about the account. Should any of these happen, there are a few ways you can find your lost CD.
Start With the Bank
When asking, "How to find a CD in my name," you'll want to begin with the financial institution that issued you the Certificate of Deposit. It's best to call and set up an appointment with the correct representative, as well as ask what information will be needed to conduct your search. Typically, you'll need to present your personal information, as well as the date you opened the account, the account terms and how much money you opened the CD with.
You can also go straight to the bank if you are searching for a lost CD in the name of your ill or deceased loved one. For this type of search, you will need the proper court documents to prove that you either have power of attorney for the individual or you are the court-appointed executor of the deceased individual's estate. In the latter case, you'll also need to provide a copy of the death certificate.
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Move on to the FDIC
The Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) keeps records of unclaimed property from failed banks. You can visit their Unclaimed Funds search tool and enter the following information:
- Your name
- Check number
- Failed bank name
- Failed bank city
- State
If you locate your lost CD, you'll have the option of filing a claim online or by mail. With the online option, simply follow the prompts. With the mail option, you'll need to download and print the FDIC Claimant Verification form to claim the funds.
Once you fill out the form, you must mail it to FDIC Attn: Claims Department – Unclaimed Funds, 600 North Pearl Street Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75201. The FDIC Reference number from the online search results must be listed somewhere on the form and you must use a pen to fill it out.
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Finish With NAUPA
Another way to find unclaimed CD accounts is to check with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). From the homepage, click the "Find and Claim" tab. Choose "Search for Your Unclaimed Property" from the drop-down menu. Click on your state from the map that pops up. Use the "Search for Unclaimed Property" link on your state's website and follow the prompts to locate your missing CD. The instructions for each state are slightly different, but shouldn't be too hard to navigate.
After you locate your lost CD, you'll need to take additional steps to actually claim the money. There should be a "Continue to File Claim" or similar button on your search results page. Just like with the FDIC, you'll need to provide your reference number and personal information. Depending on your particular state, you may be able to do this online or you may have to download, print and mail a paper form.
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