Overview
Ameriprise Financial is a leading diversified financial services company and bank holding company, serving millions of clients with wealth management, asset management, insurance, annuities, and estate planning services. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Ameriprise and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers Ameriprise's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Ameriprise operates nationally, so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process depending on where the decedent lived.
Ameriprise has a dedicated Estate Settlement team to assist with the transition of assets.
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 Ameriprise Financial and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Ameriprise Financial of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Ameriprise, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- Executor/Administrator information (if applicable)
- A certified copy of the death certificate (to reference dates)
Step 2: Call the Estate Settlement Department
Contact Ameriprise's estate services team directly:
- Phone: (800) 862-7919
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 6 PM CT
When prompted, say "Estate Settlements" to be connected to the correct team.
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access (except for joint owners)
- Provide a case number or reference number
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Send you the appropriate Estate Settlement Claim forms (often personalized)
Note: If you are working with an Ameriprise financial advisor, you can also notify them directly, and they can help initiate this process.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the completed claim forms and certified documents to Ameriprise's estate processing center.
Mail to:
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
70100 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis MN 55474
Tip: Include the decedent's name and Ameriprise client ID on all documents.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Ameriprise receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: Typically processed within several business days if in good order
- Follow-up: If documents are missing or incorrect, they will contact you
- Asset Transfer: Once approved, assets are typically transferred to a new account in the heir's name before being liquidated or moved elsewhere
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- New Account Opening: Ameriprise often requires opening a new account in the claimant's name to facilitate the transfer and tax reporting.
- Liquidation: Once the assets are in your name, you can choose to liquidate them or transfer them to another institution.
Required Documents
Documents Ameriprise Financial Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate. Ameriprise will typically provide personalized claim forms after you notify them.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Ameriprise Estate Settlement Claim Form | Specific to account type (e.g., Form 116189 for beneficiaries) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and bear an official court seal |
| Court Order | If required by state law to release assets |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate, if opening an estate account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific form — check our state probate guides |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only external document needed |
| Beneficiary Claim Form | Form 116189 or similar (provided by Ameriprise) |
| Beneficiary's ID | Copy of driver's license or passport |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification or Abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Ameriprise Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically retains ownership rights. The account usually does not need to be frozen, but the decedent's name must be removed.
Timeline: {1–5 business days}
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by submitting a death certificate and the Beneficiary Directed Estate Settlement Claim Form. No probate is required.
Timeline: {5–10 business days}
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee manages the assets. Ameriprise requires proof of the trustee's authority (Trust Certification) and the death certificate.
Timeline: {5–15 business days}
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court.
Timeline: {3–12+ months depending on probate}
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Named beneficiaries must complete an Inherited IRA/Plan claim form. Distribution options (lump sum, 10-year rule, etc.) depend on the SECURE Act and your relationship to the deceased.
Timeline: {5–15 business days}
Insurance and Annuities
These products often have their own specific claim forms (e.g., Form 140838). Contact the specific insurance subsidiary (RiverSource) if applicable, though the main number can usually route you.
Timeline: {10–20 business days}
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Ameriprise Process
Ameriprise operates nationally, but probate is governed by state law. Your state determines:
- Whether probate is required and how long it takes
- Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
- Community property rules — in the 9 community property states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors have to file claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $184,500 | Yes | 40-day waiting period for small estate affidavits |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Independent administration can speed up probate |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Summary administration available for small estates |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Voluntary Administration for small estates |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Ameriprise Takes to Release Funds
Ameriprise typically processes settlements within several business days once all documents are received in "good order."
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | {1–5 business days} | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | {5–10 business days} | Claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | {5–15 business days} | Trust certification + death cert |
| Small estate affidavit | {2–8 weeks} | Waiting period varies by state |
| Probate (simple estate) | {3–6 months} | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | {6–18+ months} | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | {5–15 business days} | Named beneficiary required |
Note: Missing signatures or incorrect forms are the most common cause of delays.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying Ameriprise
Withdrawing funds before notification can create legal and tax complications.
Market Fluctuation
Assets remain invested in the market until the settlement is fully processed. The value of the account may rise or fall during the review period.
New Account Requirement
Ameriprise often requires beneficiaries to open a new account (an "Inherited" or "Estate" account) to receive the assets before they can be liquidated or transferred out. This ensures proper tax reporting.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number from your initial call
- Send documents via certified mail with return receipt
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates
Order at least 5–10 certified copies — you'll need them for other institutions, the court, and government agencies.
Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online/mobile banking will be disabled (except for surviving joint owners)
Notify billers and payers separately.