Overview
Global Credit Union (formerly Alaska USA Federal Credit Union) is a member-owned financial cooperative serving over 750,000 members, primarily in Alaska, Washington, Arizona, California, and Idaho. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Global Credit Union's Operations Support department to secure the accounts and initiate the settlement process.
This guide covers Global Credit Union's estate services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Since Global Credit Union operates across multiple states, state-specific probate requirements (especially for Alaska and Washington) may affect your process.
Global Credit Union provides a dedicated "Account Settlement Guide" to assist survivors.
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 Global Credit Union and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Global Credit Union of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Global Credit Union, 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 Operations Support Department
Contact Global Credit Union's estate specialists (Operations Support):
- Phone: (800) 525-9094
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM AKST (9 AM – 7 PM PT)
- Email: LegacySupport@globalcu.org
You can also visit a local branch to notify them in person. 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 (unless there is a joint owner)
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Provide the mailing address for documents
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the required documents (typically an original or certified death certificate is required first) to Global Credit Union's processing center.
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
Mail to:
Global Credit Union
Operations Support
PO Box 196613
Anchorage, AK 99519
Overnight/Courier Address:
Global Credit Union
Attn: Operations Support
4000 Credit Union Drive
Anchorage, AK 99503
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Global Credit Union receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 1–2 weeks
- Follow-up: They will contact you if additional forms (like an estate affidavit) are needed.
- Return of documents: Global Credit Union typically makes a photocopy of the death certificate and returns the certified copy to you.
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Joint accounts: Surviving owners retain access.
- Beneficiaries: Funds are disbursed via check or transferred to a new account.
- Estate accounts: Funds are transferred to an estate account opened by the Personal Representative.
Required Documents
Documents Global Credit Union 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 or certified copy required (Global will copy and return it) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Global Credit Union forms | Provided by the specialist after notification |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court appointing the Personal Representative |
| 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 | Original affidavit specific to the state where the decedent resided |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by Global Credit Union |
| Beneficiary's ID | Government-issued photo ID |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Agreement / Certification | Copy of trust documents showing successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Global Credit Union 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. The joint owner may continue to use the account, debit card, and checks.
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 forms. Global will attempt to contact beneficiaries if contact info is on file.
Timeline: 3–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. Global's Operations Support team must review the trust agreement before access is granted.
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, HSA)
Named beneficiaries will receive forms by mail to select disbursement options and tax withholding.
Timeline: 5–15 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
- Credit Cards: Closed if the decedent was the primary cardholder. Co-applicants may keep the account open pending review. Authorized users must stop using the card immediately.
- Loans: If covered by Payment Protection, a claim is filed. Collateral loans (auto/home) can be paid off, refinanced, or the collateral surrendered. Unsecured loans become an estate liability.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Global Credit Union Process
Global Credit Union operates in multiple states (AK, WA, AZ, CA, ID), 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 — AZ, CA, ID, WA, and WI are community property states
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors have to file claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $50,000 (personal property) + $100,000 (vehicles) | No (Opt-in) | Affidavit wait time: 30 days |
| Washington | $100,000 | Yes | Affidavit wait time: 40 days |
| Arizona | $75,000 (personal property) | Yes | Affidavit wait time: 30 days |
| California | $184,500 | Yes | Affidavit wait time: 40 days |
| Idaho | $100,000 | Yes | Affidavit wait time: 30 days |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Global Credit Union Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Immediate access usually maintained |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 3–10 business days | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | 5–15 business days | Trust document review required |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–8 weeks | Waiting period varies by state (30-40 days) |
| 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 |
Global Credit Union generally reviews submitted documents within 1–2 weeks of receipt.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying Global Credit Union
Withdrawing funds before notification can create legal and tax complications. However, joint owners generally retain the right to access funds.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after death will be reclaimed by the government. Global Credit Union is required to return these funds.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Global Credit Union cannot accept a decedent's PFD direct deposit. The Successor or Personal Representative must contact the Alaska PFD division directly to collect these funds.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number or reference 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. Global Credit Union will return your certified copy, but having extras speeds up the process elsewhere.
Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined (unless on a joint account)
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online/mobile banking will be disabled for individual accounts
Notify billers and payers separately.