Overview
First National Bank of Pennsylvania (FNB) is a diversified financial services company based in Pittsburgh, serving customers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify FNB to secure the accounts and begin the transfer process.
FNB offers a specialized Estate Management Account designed specifically for court-appointed representatives and executors to help manage estate finances, pay taxes, and cover expenses during the settlement process.
This guide covers the notification process, the requirements for opening an Estate Management Account, and what to expect regarding timelines.
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 National Bank of Pennsylvania and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify First National Bank of PA of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting FNB, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, loans, etc.)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Contact Customer Service or Visit a Branch
FNB primarily handles estate matters through their branch network or general customer service.
- Phone: 1-800-555-5455
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 9 PM ET; Sat–Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM ET
- Branch Locator: Find a Branch
Recommendation: For the smoothest experience, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment at a local branch. You can do this via the "Schedule Appointment" feature on their website or by calling the number above.
When you speak with a representative:
- Report the death to have a deceased flag placed on the account(s).
- This will freeze online access and stop automatic payments to prevent unauthorized activity.
- Ask for the specific requirements for your situation (e.g., if you need to open an Estate Management Account).
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you are visiting a branch, bring the original documents with you. If you are handling this by mail, send certified copies to the address provided by the representative.
General Correspondence Address:
First National Bank of Pennsylvania
4140 E. State Street
Hermitage, PA 16148
Note: Legal documents (such as subpoenas) have a separate address, but estate administration documents typically go to the branch or the general correspondence address.
Step 4: Open an Estate Management Account (If Applicable)
If you are a court-appointed executor or administrator, FNB offers an Estate Management Account with:
- No minimum opening balance
- No monthly service charge
- Unlimited check writing and deposits
To open this account, you will need to provide your Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration and the decedent's death certificate in person at a branch.
Required Documents
Documents First National Bank of PA Requires
The documents needed depend on the account type and whether you are opening an estate account.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy issued by the state or county |
| Government-issued photo ID | Driver's license, passport, or state ID of the person claiming the account |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court naming the Executor |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Required to open an Estate Management Account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court naming the Administrator |
| EIN | Required to open an Estate Management Account |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | State-specific form (e.g., PA Small Estate Affidavit) for estates below the probate threshold |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification / Abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee's ID | Government-issued photo ID |
Account Types
How First National Bank of PA Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
For accounts held jointly with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner typically needs to present a certified death certificate to remove the decedent's name. The funds remain accessible to the surviving owner.
Timeline: 1–5 business days (often immediate in-branch)
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Accounts
Named beneficiaries can claim funds by presenting a death certificate and valid photo ID. FNB will likely require a beneficiary claim form to be completed at the branch.
Timeline: 3–10 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts solely in the decedent's name without a beneficiary are frozen until an estate representative is appointed. You must provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to access funds or transfer them to an Estate Management Account.
Timeline: 3–12+ months (depending on probate court speed)
Estate Management Account
This specific FNB product allows executors to consolidate estate funds. It requires probate court appointment documents.
Timeline: Opened same-day with proper documentation in-branch
Safe Deposit Boxes
Access to a safe deposit box is strictly regulated by state law. In Pennsylvania, for example, you may need to inventory the box in the presence of a bank employee or state official before removing contents.
Timeline: Varies by state law
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Process
First National Bank of PA operates in PA, OH, MD, WV, NC, SC, DC, and VA. Probate laws vary significantly by state.
- Pennsylvania: PA has an inheritance tax that applies to many assets. Safe deposit boxes may be sealed upon death notification until an inventory is conducted.
- Small Estate Thresholds:
- Pennsylvania: $50,000 (excluding real estate)
- Ohio: $100,000 (for surviving spouse) / $35,000 (others)
- Maryland: $100,000 (spouse) / $50,000 (others)
- North Carolina: $30,000 ($50,000 if spouse is sole heir)
Check the specific laws for the state where the decedent resided.
Timelines
How Long First National Bank of PA Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | Immediate – 5 days | In-branch processing is fastest |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 3–10 business days | Depends on document verification |
| Estate Management Account | Same-day (In-branch) | Requires Letters Testamentary/Administration |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Legal review of affidavit required |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuance of Letters |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or complex assets |
Note: Timelines are estimates and can vary based on the complexity of the estate and the completeness of documents provided.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Schedule an Appointment
FNB strongly encourages scheduling an appointment for estate matters. Walking in without one may result in long wait times or the unavailability of a specialist who can open an Estate Management Account.
Do Not Use Online Banking
Do not log in to the decedent's online banking to pay bills after their death. This can be flagged as unauthorized access. Instead, notify the bank and open an estate account to handle bills legally.
Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
If the account was held in PA, be aware that the bank may be required to report the date-of-death balance to the PA Department of Revenue for inheritance tax purposes.
Keep the Case Number
If you call the contact center, ask for a reference or case number for your call. This helps if you need to follow up later.
Bring Original Documents
Photocopies of death certificates or court letters are generally not accepted. Bring certified originals.