Overview
City National Bank (CNB) is the largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles, serving clients through private banking, wealth management, and commercial services. A subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), CNB manages approximately $98 billion in assets (as of 2025). When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify City National Bank's Trust & Estate Services department to secure assets and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers City National Bank's estate services, the notification process, required documents, and timelines. Because CNB specializes in high-net-worth and complex estates, you may work closely with a dedicated Trust Advisor.
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 City National Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify City National Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting City National Bank, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, trust, or investment accounts)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call the Trust & Estate Services Department
Contact City National Bank's specialized team for estate matters:
- Trust & Estate Services: (800) 708-8881
- General Client Solutions: (800) 773-7100
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
Note: If the decedent had a dedicated Relationship Manager or Private Banker, contacting them directly is often the most efficient first step.
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
- Assign a case number or refer you to a Trust Officer
- Explain which documents are needed based on the specific account types (e.g., Trust vs. Individual)
- Confirm the specific mailing address for your case
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the required documents to the address provided by the representative. If no specific case address is given, use the general operations address:
Mail to:
City National Bank
Attn: Estate Services
P.O. Box 54830
Los Angeles, CA 90054
Note: Always send documents via certified mail with return receipt requested.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After City National Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Initial review: 5–10 business days
- Document verification: 2–4 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Bank Accounts: Funds are typically issued via cashier's check payable to the estate or beneficiaries.
- Investment/Trust Accounts: Assets may be transferred in-kind to a new account or liquidated and distributed, depending on instructions.
Required Documents
Documents City National Bank 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 certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account (Executor/Administrator) |
| City National Bank Affidavit of Domicile | Often required for investment accounts |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| Copy of the will | Certified or regular copy, depending on asset size |
| 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 (e.g., California Probate Code § 13100 affidavit) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by City National Bank |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 form |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification or abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How City National Bank 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. Funds remain accessible to the survivor.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate, ID, and beneficiary claim form. These assets bypass probate.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Trust Accounts
Since City National Bank specializes in trust services, the successor trustee will work with a Trust Officer to validate the trust certification and death certificate.
Timeline: 3–6 weeks (can vary based on trust complexity)
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 court speed
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Named beneficiaries complete an inherited IRA form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options depend on SECURE Act rules.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Credit Cards and Loans
Outstanding balances on credit cards are generally paid from the estate. Authorized users may be removed, and the account closed.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the City National Bank Process
City National Bank is headquartered in California but operates in several states including New York, Nevada, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Probate laws vary significantly by state.
- California: Small estate threshold is $208,850 (adjusted periodically). Simplified procedures exist for spousal property.
- New York: Small estate threshold is $50,000.
- Nevada: Small estate threshold varies by estate value (e.g., under $25,000, under $100,000).
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $208,850 | Yes | 40-day waiting period for small estate affidavit |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Voluntary Administration for small estates |
| Nevada | $25,000 (set aside) | Yes | Tiered summary administration levels |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long City National Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 5–10 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 2–4 weeks | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | 3–6 weeks | Trust review by legal dept |
| Small estate affidavit | 4–8 weeks | Statutory waiting periods apply |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 2–4 weeks | Named beneficiary required |
Note: City National Bank's wealth management accounts may require additional compliance reviews compared to standard consumer accounts.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying City National Bank
Withdrawing funds after a death (even via ATM) can be flagged as fraud and create legal liability for the estate.
Contact the Relationship Manager First
If the decedent was a private banking client, they likely had a dedicated Relationship Manager. Contacting this person directly can significantly speed up the process compared to calling the general 800 number.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security and VA benefits deposited after the date of death must be returned. City National Bank will automatically return these funds to the Treasury.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number provided by the Trust & Estate team
- Send documents via certified mail
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates
Order at least 10 certified copies — you'll need them for City National Bank, other financial institutions, insurance companies, and the county recorder.