Overview
Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Bank of America's Estate Servicing Operations team to secure the assets and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers Bank of America's dedicated estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Bank of America operates in all 50 states, so state-specific probate requirements will significantly affect your process for individual accounts.
Bank of America offers a dedicated Estate Services online portal where you can upload documents and track the status of your case, which can speed up the process compared to traditional mail.
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 Bank of America and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Bank of America of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Bank of America, 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
- A certified copy of the death certificate (or a legible photocopy for initial notification)
Step 2: Notify the Bank
You have three options to notify Bank of America:
Option A: Online (Recommended)
Visit the Bank of America Estate Services page and select "Notify us."
- Existing customers: Log in to Online Banking to submit the notification.
- Non-customers: Use the "Third-Party Case Manager" tool to create a guest account.
Option B: By Phone
Call the Estate Servicing Operations team:
- Phone: (888) 689-4466
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 8 PM ET
Option C: In Person
Visit a local financial center. A personal banker can scan your documents and open the case for you.
Step 3: Account Review & Case Number
Once notified, Bank of America will:
- Verify the decedent's identity.
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments, direct deposits, and online access.
- Assign a Case Number — write this down, as you will need it for all future correspondence.
- Explain which documents are needed based on the account types.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
If you did not upload documents during the online notification, you must submit them via:
- Online: Upload through the Estate Services portal (fastest method).
- Fax: (866) 694-9046
- Mail:
Bank of America Estate Servicing Operations
PO Box 31655
Tampa, FL 33631-1655
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved, Bank of America will disburse funds according to the account type (e.g., check to beneficiary, transfer to estate account).
Required Documents
Documents Bank of America Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Certificate | Certified copy preferred; legible photocopy often accepted for initial review |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account (Driver's License, Passport) |
| Bank of America Forms | Specific forms like "Beneficiary Letter of Instruction" provided by the bank after notification |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — appointing the Executor |
| 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 — appointing the Administrator |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | State-specific form. Bank of America may provide a template if you request it, or you can use one compliant with state law. |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Certificate | Certified copy or photocopy |
| Notarized Beneficiary Letter of Instruction | Form provided by Bank of America instructing where to send funds |
| Beneficiary's ID | Government-issued photo ID |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification or Abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID |
| Death Certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Bank of America Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically needs only a death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. The survivor usually retains full access to the funds, but a "Signature Card" update may be required.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by providing a death certificate, ID, and a Notarized Beneficiary Letter of Instruction (provided by the bank). No probate is required.
Timeline: 3–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a Trust Certification, death certificate, and ID. The bank verifies the trustee's authority before granting access.
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. Funds are issued to the "Estate of [Decedent]."
Timeline: 3–12+ months (depending on probate court speed)
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Named beneficiaries must complete a Beneficiary Distribution Request form. Spouses have different rollover options than non-spouse beneficiaries under the SECURE Act.
Timeline: 5–15 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Bank of America will freeze credit cards upon notification. Outstanding balances are generally an obligation of the estate, not family members (unless they were a joint account holder). Authorized users will lose access to the card.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Bank of America Process
Bank of America 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 states like CA, TX, AZ, WA, etc.
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors have to file claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $208,850 | Yes | 40-day waiting period for small estate affidavit |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | "Muniment of Title" is a unique simplified probate option |
| 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 Bank of America Takes to Release Funds
Bank of America generally begins processing requests as soon as they receive all necessary documents.
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Just need death certificate & signature card update |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 3–10 business days | Beneficiary Letter of Instruction + death cert |
| Trust account | 5–15 business days | Trust review by bank's legal team |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Bank legal review of affidavit compliance |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuing Letters Testamentary |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 5–15 business days | Named beneficiary required |
Note: Timelines start once the bank receives the correct documents.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying the Bank
Withdrawing funds via ATM or online transfer after the death but before notification can be flagged as fraud and create legal liability for the estate.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after the date of death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds; the bank will automatically return them.
Online Access Will Be Blocked
Once the "deceased flag" is placed, online banking credentials are disabled immediately. Download statements and tax documents before notifying the bank if you have authorized access, or wait to request them from the Estate Services team.
Use the Online Portal
Bank of America's Estate Services portal is significantly faster than mailing documents. It allows you to upload files directly and see real-time status updates.
Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates
Order at least 5–10 certified copies — you'll need them for other banks, insurance, the DMV, and the court.
Automatic Payments
All automatic bill payments (utilities, subscriptions) will stop once the account is frozen. You must make alternative arrangements to pay essential bills.