Overview
Flagstar Bank, N.A. (formerly New York Community Bank or NYCB) is a leading regional bank operating primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, while also serving as a major national mortgage servicer. Following the merger with NYCB and the acquisition of Signature Bank assets, most retail branches now operate under the Flagstar brand.
When an account holder passes away, the notification process depends on whether the deceased held deposit accounts (checking, savings, CDs) or loans (mortgages). Flagstar maintains separate departments for these services.
This guide covers the specific steps for both retail banking and mortgage/loan accounts, including the correct phone numbers and mailing addresses for each.
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 Flagstar Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Flagstar Bank of a Death
Step 1: Determine the Account Type
Flagstar handles Retail Banking (deposits) and Loans/Mortgages separately. Check the deceased's statements to confirm which services they used.
- Retail Banking: Checking, Savings, Money Market, CDs, Safe Deposit Boxes
- Loans: Mortgages, Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC), Personal Loans
Step 2: Call the Appropriate Department
For Retail Banking (Deposits):
Call Customer Service to report the death and freeze the accounts.
- Phone: (888) 248-6423
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM ET; Sat–Sun, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
For Mortgages & Loans:
Call the specific "Notification of Deceased Customer" line.
- Phone: (833) 755-2085
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM CT
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You will need to mail documents to the correct processing center.
For Retail Banking (Deposits):
Mail a letter of instruction (requesting account closure or transfer) along with the death certificate and estate documents to:
Flagstar Bank
Attn: Bank by Mail
102 Duffy Ave
Hicksville, NY 11801
For Mortgages & Loans:
Mail the death certificate and assumption/successor documents to:
Flagstar Bank
PO Box 612488
Dallas, TX 75261
Or Fax to: (214) 222-6053
Or Email: [email protected]
Step 4: Wait for Processing
- Banking: Once documents are received, Flagstar typically closes the account and issues a check for the remaining balance within 2–4 weeks.
- Mortgages: The "Successor in Interest" review process can take 30 days or more. You must continue making payments during this time to avoid default.
Required Documents
Documents Flagstar Bank Requires
For Retail Banking (Deposits)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | Original or certified copy |
| Letter of Instruction | Signed request to close account and remit funds |
| Government-Issued ID | Copy of the executor's or claimant's ID |
| Estate Documents | Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (for probate estates) |
| Small Estate Affidavit | If applicable under state law (for smaller balances) |
For Mortgages & Loans
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | Required to update borrower status |
| Evidence of Family Relationship | Birth certificate, marriage certificate (if claiming as heir) |
| Will / Probate Orders | Letters Testamentary or Executor appointment documents |
| Deed | To validate current ownership of the property |
| Successor in Interest Form | Provided by Flagstar upon initial contact |
Account Types
How Flagstar Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
For joint checking or savings accounts, the surviving owner generally retains full access. You should still provide a death certificate to remove the decedent's name.
- Timeline: Immediate access; name removal takes 5–10 business days.
Payable on Death (POD) / Beneficiary Accounts
Accounts with a named beneficiary do not go through probate. The beneficiary must submit a death certificate and ID to claim the funds.
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks for check issuance.
Individual Accounts (Sole Owner)
If the account has no beneficiary and is in the decedent's sole name, it becomes part of the estate. Flagstar requires Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration to release funds to the estate representative.
- Timeline: 3–6+ months (dependent on probate court).
Mortgages
The mortgage does not disappear upon death. A "Successor in Interest" (usually the heir who inherits the house) must be established.
- Process: Submit death certificate and deed.
- Assumption: The successor may be able to "assume" the loan under the original terms.
- Payments: Must continue to be paid during the review process.
Safe Deposit Boxes
Access is restricted immediately upon notification. State laws vary, but typically an executor with court orders or a joint renter is required to open the box.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Flagstar Process
Flagstar Bank (and the former NYCB) has a strong retail presence in New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona, but operates as a national mortgage servicer.
- New York: Strict probate rules apply. For small estates (under $50,000), a "Voluntary Administration" (small estate affidavit) is often accepted.
- Michigan: Flagstar's original headquarters. Specific forms may be available at local branches.
- Community Property States: If the deceased lived in AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, or WI, spousal rights to accounts may supersede beneficiary designations.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Probate Court |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $50,000 | Surrogate's Court |
| Michigan | ~$27,000 (indexed) | Probate Court |
| Florida | $75,000 | Circuit Court |
| California | $184,500 | Superior Court |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Flagstar Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Accounts | Immediate | Survivor has continuous access |
| Beneficiary (POD) | 2–4 weeks | After submitting death cert & ID |
| Estate Accounts | 3–6 weeks | After submitting court documents |
| Mortgage Assumption | 30–60 days | Requires "Successor in Interest" approval |
| Small Estate | 2–4 weeks | Varies by state affidavit rules |
Note: Mortgage reviews often take longer than deposit account closures. Ensure mortgage payments are maintained to prevent late fees or foreclosure notices.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Distinguish Between "Bank" and "Mortgage"
Flagstar has distinct departments for deposits and loans. Sending banking documents to the Dallas mortgage center (or vice versa) will cause significant delays.
Do Not Stop Mortgage Payments
The most common error is stopping mortgage payments while the estate is being settled. The loan remains active, and missed payments will damage the credit of the estate/heirs and incur fees.
Check for "Legacy" Accounts
Since Flagstar merged with NYCB and acquired Signature Bank assets, the deceased may have paperwork with these older logos. All are now handled by Flagstar, but routing numbers may differ (Legacy NYCB: 226071004 vs. Legacy Signature: 026013576).
Keep the Case Number
When you call the Mortgage/Loan department (833-755-2085), you will be assigned a reference number. Keep this handy for all future calls.
FDIC Insurance Limits
If a joint owner dies, the FDIC insurance coverage on the account may decrease after a 6-month grace period. Review account balances if they exceed $250,000.