Overview
Frost Bank is one of the largest Texas-based banking organizations, serving customers throughout the state with banking, investment, and insurance services. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Frost Bank immediately to secure the accounts and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers Frost Bank's estate services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Since Frost Bank operates primarily in Texas, state-specific probate laws (such as community property rules) often play a significant role in the process.
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 Frost Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Frost Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Frost 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 Customer Support or Visit a Branch
Frost Bank handles death notifications through their general customer support line or at local financial centers.
- Phone: (800) 513-7678
- Hours: 24/7
When you speak with a representative, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
- Advise you on the specific documents needed based on the account type
- Direct you to the nearest branch or provide the mailing address for documents
Note: For complex estates or trust accounts, you may be referred to the Trust & Estate Services team for specialized assistance.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You can submit documents in person at any Frost Bank financial center or mail them to their operations center.
Mail to:
Frost Bank
P.O. Box 1600
San Antonio, TX 78296
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Frost Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 5–10 business days
- Account closure/transfer: 2–4 weeks (varies by account type)
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Joint accounts are updated to remove the decedent's name.
- Beneficiary accounts are paid out via check or deposit to an existing Frost account.
- Estate accounts receive funds via check made payable to the estate.
Required Documents
Documents Frost 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 |
| Frost Bank affidavit/claim form | Provided by the bank upon notification |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the Texas probate court — must be certified |
| 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 | Texas-specific form for estates under $75,000 (excluding homestead) |
| Order Approving Small Estate Affidavit | Signed by a judge |
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 Agreement or Certification | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
Account Types
How Frost Bank Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
In Texas, most joint accounts come with "Rights of Survivorship." 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 and ID. No probate is required. Frost Bank will issue a check or deposit funds into the beneficiary's account.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides the trust agreement (or abstract) and death certificate. The account ownership is updated to the successor trustee.
Timeline: 10–20 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 a Texas probate court.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on court process)
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete a claim form. Spouses have the option to treat the IRA as their own, while non-spouse beneficiaries generally must open an Inherited IRA.
Timeline: 10–15 business days
State Considerations
How Texas Law Affects the Frost Bank Process
Frost Bank is headquartered in Texas, and most of its accounts are governed by Texas law.
- Community Property: Texas is a community property state. Assets acquired during marriage are generally considered owned 50/50 by spouses, which can complicate account transfers if "Rights of Survivorship" were not explicitly signed.
- Small Estate Affidavit: Texas allows a simplified process for estates valued under $75,000 (excluding the homestead and exempt property) if there is no will.
- Muniment of Title: A unique Texas probate procedure where a will is validated to transfer property without appointing an executor. Frost Bank may accept an order admitting a will as Muniment of Title for certain transfers.
Key Texas Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | "Muniment of Title" is a unique alternative to full administration |
For detailed probate requirements, see our Texas probate guide.
Timelines
How Long Frost Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Beneficiary ID + death cert |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Trust review by legal dept |
| Small estate affidavit | 4–8 weeks | Court approval required first |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–12+ months | Disputes or tax issues |
Frost Bank generally processes standard beneficiary claims quickly, but accounts requiring legal review (like trusts or corporate accounts) may take longer.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying Frost Bank
Withdrawing funds from a deceased person's individual account (even with a Power of Attorney, which expires at death) is illegal and can lead to liability.
Community Property "Right of Survivorship"
In Texas, joint accounts do not automatically have rights of survivorship unless a specific agreement was signed. If this agreement is missing, the decedent's 50% share of the account may be frozen until probate, even if there is a surviving spouse.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security and VA benefits deposited after the date of death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call Frost Bank, ask for a reference or case number to track your request.
Automatic Payments
Once the "deceased flag" is placed, all automatic bill payments will stop. Ensure you make alternative arrangements for utilities, mortgages, and insurance.