Overview
Fifth Third Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States, serving millions of customers across the Midwest and Southeast. In February 2026, Fifth Third completed its merger with Comerica, significantly expanding its footprint into Texas, California, and Arizona. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Fifth Third and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers Fifth Third's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Fifth Third operates in over 15 states, so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
Note on Comerica Accounts: Following the February 2026 merger, Comerica accounts are now serviced by Fifth Third Bank. While systems are being integrated, you should contact Fifth Third's main estate line for assistance with both legacy Fifth Third and Comerica accounts.
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 Fifth Third Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Fifth Third Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Fifth Third Bank, 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
Step 2: Call the Estate Services Department
Contact Fifth Third Bank's estate services team:
- Phone: (866) 488-0017
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM ET; Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM ET
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
- Provide a case number or reference number — write this down
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Provide the specific mailing address for your region (if different from the headquarters)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the following to Fifth Third Bank's estate processing center. Always include your case number on all correspondence.
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
Mail to:
Fifth Third Bank
Attn: Estate Services
38 Fountain Square Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45263
Note: The agent may provide a specific PO Box based on your region or account type (e.g., mortgage vs. checking). Use the address provided during your call if different.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Fifth Third Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment letter: 7–10 business days
- Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Check: Mailed to the estate representative or beneficiary
- Transfer: Funds moved to a new or existing Fifth Third account
Required Documents
Documents Fifth Third 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 | 1 certified copy recommended |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Fifth Third estate claim form | Provided by the agent after notification |
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 (as requested) |
| 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 — check our state probate guides |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by Fifth Third Bank |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 or equivalent |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification or abstract | Specify which Fifth Third accepts |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Fifth Third 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 throughout.
Timeline: 1–5 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. No probate required.
Timeline: 3–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. No probate required.
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 complete an inherited IRA form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options depend on SECURE Act rules.
Timeline: 5–15 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Credit card debt is an estate obligation, not inherited by family. Fifth Third will freeze the card and send a final statement to the estate.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Fifth Third Bank Process
Fifth Third Bank operates in over 15 states (including Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, California, and Arizona), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $35,000 ($100,000 for spouse) | No | "Release from Administration" available |
| Michigan | $27,000 (indexed) | No | Simplified probate for small estates |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Summary Administration available |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Muniment of Title is a unique option |
| California | $184,500 | Yes | High threshold for small estate affidavit |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Fifth Third Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 3–10 business days | Beneficiary 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: Timelines may be slightly longer during the integration of Comerica systems.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying Fifth Third Bank
Withdrawing funds before notification can create legal and tax complications.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after death will be reclaimed by the government.
FDIC Coverage Changes
For joint bank accounts, FDIC coverage drops from $500,000 to $250,000 when a joint owner dies. There is a 6-month grace period.
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
Notify billers and payers separately.