Overview
America First Credit Union (AFCU) is one of the largest credit unions in the United States, primarily serving members in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and New Mexico. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify AFCU to secure the accounts and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers America First Credit Union's estate services, the notification steps, required documents (such as the death certificate and Affidavit of Heirship), and what to expect regarding timelines. Because AFCU is headquartered in Utah, many of its procedures align with Utah probate law, though they comply with regulations in all states where they operate.
Note: America First Credit Union has a specific "10-day rule" mentioned in their membership agreement, where they may continue to honor checks and pre-authorized payments for 10 days after the date of death unless ordered otherwise.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with America First Credit Union and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify America First Credit Union of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting AFCU, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Member account number (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Member Services
America First Credit Union handles initial death notifications through their main member services line or at a local branch.
- Phone: (800) 999-3961
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM MT; Sat, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM MT
Tip: If the decedent had a Trust account, you may also contact Members Trust Company (AFCU's trust partner) at (888) 727-9191 for specific guidance on trust assets.
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s)
- Advise on the specific documents needed based on the total account value and beneficiary designations
- Provide instructions for mailing documents or visiting a branch
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You can submit documents in person at any AFCU branch or by mail.
Mail to:
America First Credit Union
Attn: Estate Services
P.O. Box 9199
Ogden, UT 84409
Overnight/Courier Address:
America First Credit Union
1344 W 4675 S
Riverdale, UT 84405
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After AFCU receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 5–10 business days
- Account closure/transfer: Once approved, funds are typically released via cashier's check or transferred to a surviving member's account.
Step 5: Receive Funds
- Joint accounts: Transferred to the surviving owner.
- Beneficiaries: Paid out directly to named beneficiaries (POD).
- Estate accounts: Funds issued to the "Estate of [Decedent]" once court papers are received.
Required Documents
Documents America First Credit Union Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original or certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| AFCU Membership Application | If the claimant is opening a new account to receive funds |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court naming the Executor |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate (required to open an Estate Account) |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court naming the Administrator |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | For estates below the state threshold (e.g., $100,000 in Utah). Must be notarized. |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary Claim Form | Provided by AFCU (sometimes Form #211 is referenced for POD designation) |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID |
Account Types
How America First Credit Union Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically needs only a certified death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. The account usually continues in the survivor's name.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by presenting a death certificate and ID. AFCU will verify the beneficiary designation on file (often established via Form #211).
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
Trust assets are handled by the successor trustee. If the account is held with Members Trust Company (AFCU's partner), contact them directly at (888) 727-9191.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts without a beneficiary or joint owner become part of the estate. You will need Letters Testamentary or a Small Estate Affidavit to claim these funds.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on court process)
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Beneficiaries must complete an IRA beneficiary claim form. Spouses may have the option to treat the IRA as their own.
Timeline: 10–15 business days
Loans and Credit Cards
Outstanding loan balances (mortgages, auto loans, credit cards) are generally the responsibility of the estate. AFCU has the right of offset, meaning they may use funds in the decedent's deposit accounts to pay off delinquent loans held at the credit union.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the AFCU Process
America First Credit Union is headquartered in Utah, but operates in Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and New Mexico. Probate laws vary by state.
Utah Probate Rules (AFCU Headquarters)
- Small Estate Threshold: $100,000 (for personal property).
- Waiting Period: You must typically wait 30 days after death to use a Small Estate Affidavit.
- Probate Court: District Court in the county where the decedent lived.
Other State Thresholds (Common AFCU Footprint)
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $25,000 (for affidavit) / $100,000 (set aside) | 40 days |
| Arizona | $75,000 (personal property) | 30 days |
| Idaho | $100,000 | 30 days |
| New Mexico | $50,000 | 30 days |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long America First Credit Union Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Immediate access for survivor usually maintained |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Verification of beneficiary ID |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Review of trust documents |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Document review time |
| Probate (Estate account) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuance of Letters |
Note: Timelines may be extended if original documents are missing or if there are disputes among beneficiaries.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
The "10-Day Rule"
AFCU's membership agreement states they may honor checks and pre-authorized payments for 10 days after the date of death. If you need to stop payments immediately, you must explicitly order a stop payment or freeze the account.
Right of Offset
As a credit union, AFCU often has a "statutory lien" on shares. This means they can automatically take money from the deceased member's savings or checking accounts to pay off their AFCU loans (car loans, credit cards) before releasing funds to heirs.
Federal Benefit Reclamations
Do not spend Social Security funds deposited after the date of death. The Treasury Department will reclaim these funds, often causing an overdraft if the account has been drained.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call (800) 999-3961, ask for a reference or case number for the estate file. This helps speed up future calls.
Visit a Branch if Possible
If you are near an AFCU branch in UT, NV, AZ, ID, or NM, visiting in person is often faster than mailing documents to Ogden.