Overview
First Citizens Bank is a top 20 U.S. financial institution headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving customers across the country with over $200 billion in assets. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify First Citizens Bank and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers First Citizens Bank's estate services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. First Citizens Bank operates in over 20 states, so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
First Citizens Bank also offers professional estate settlement services where they can act as an executor or trustee; however, this guide focuses on the process for family members and independent executors handling an existing customer's 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 First Citizens Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify First Citizens Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting First Citizens Bank, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, loans, wealth management)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Customer Service or Visit a Branch
First Citizens Bank handles death notifications through their general customer service line or at local branches.
- Phone: 1-888-323-4732 (1-888-FC DIRECT)
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 9 PM ET; Sat–Sun, 8 AM – 8 PM ET
When you call, select the option for "Customer Service" or "Other Inquiries." Inform the representative that you are calling to report the death of an account holder. They will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
- Direct you to the nearest branch or provide specific mailing instructions for your situation
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
Note: Visiting a local branch is often the fastest way to initiate the process, as a banker can verify your documents in person and make copies immediately.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you cannot visit a branch, you may be instructed to mail documents to their operations center.
Mail to:
First Citizens Bank
Attn: Estate Services / Operations
PO Box 27131
Raleigh, NC 27611-7131
Always include a cover letter with your contact information and the case reference number if one was provided.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After First Citizens Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Initial review: 3–5 business days
- Document verification: 1–2 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Joint accounts are updated to the surviving owner's name.
- Beneficiary accounts are paid out via check or transferred to a new account.
- Estate accounts are opened for probate assets (requires a new EIN).
Required Documents
Documents First Citizens 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 (not a photocopy) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account (Executor/Beneficiary) |
| First Citizens estate forms | Provided by the banker or mailed to you |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| 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 used when assets are below a certain value (e.g., $20,000–$100,000 depending on state) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary's ID | Driver's license or passport |
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 First Citizens 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 throughout the process.
Timeline: 1–5 business days (immediate if done in-branch)
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by presenting a death certificate and ID. No probate is required. The bank will issue a check or transfer funds to a new account in the beneficiary's name.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee takes control of the account by providing the trust agreement (or certification of trust) and death certificate. The account number may change depending on the trust terms.
Timeline: 7–15 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation are frozen until the court appoints an executor or administrator. You will need Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate court speed)
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete an IRA Beneficiary Claim Form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options (lump sum, inherited IRA, 10-year rule) depend on the relationship to the deceased and SECURE Act rules.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Outstanding balances on credit cards are generally the responsibility of the estate. First Citizens Bank will file a claim against the estate if necessary. Joint account holders may still be liable for the debt.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the First Citizens Bank Process
First Citizens Bank operates in over 20 states (including NC, SC, VA, FL, CA, TX, AZ, CO, WI), and 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 community property states (like CA, TX, AZ, WI), spouses may have rights to accounts even if not named
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors have to file claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $20,000 ($30,000 for spouse) | No | "Collection by Affidavit" available for small estates |
| South Carolina | $25,000 | No | Simplified probate for small estates |
| California | $184,500 | Yes | Higher threshold; 40-day waiting period for affidavits |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Muniment of Title is a unique option |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long First Citizens Bank 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 | Depends on beneficiary completing forms |
| Trust account | 7–15 business days | Review of trust documents by legal team |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Legal review of affidavit required |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuing Letters |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 10–20 business days | Processing of tax-advantaged transfer |
Note: Timelines may be longer if documents are mailed rather than presented at a branch.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying the Bank
Withdrawing funds from an individual account after death (via ATM or online) can be considered theft from the estate, even if you are an heir. Always notify the bank first.
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, as they will be automatically reversed.
FDIC Coverage Changes
For joint bank accounts, FDIC coverage drops from $500,000 to $250,000 six months after the death of a joint owner.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Save the case reference number
- Send mailed documents via certified mail with return receipt
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Visit a Branch if Possible
First Citizens Bank has a strong branch network. Visiting in person allows a banker to verify your ID and documents immediately, avoiding the risk of lost mail and speeding up the review process.