Overview
M&T Bank is a major regional bank serving customers primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify M&T Bank to secure the accounts and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers M&T Bank's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. M&T Bank operates in 12 states and Washington D.C., so state-specific probate requirements will significantly affect your process.
M&T Bank allows notification via phone, email, fax, or mail, and assigns a personal representative to guide you through the settlement process once notified.
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 M&T Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify M&T Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting M&T Bank, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, mortgage, loans)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Contact the Estate Services Department
You can notify M&T Bank through several channels. The fastest method is typically by phone or visiting a branch.
- Phone: 1-800-724-2440 (General Customer Service — available 24/7)
- Email: EstateServices@mtb.com
- Fax: 716-274-1087
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
- Assign a personal representative to your case
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
M&T Bank accepts documents via email, fax, or mail. Always include the case reference number if one was provided.
Email: EstateServices@mtb.com
Fax: 716-274-1087
Mail to:
M&T Bank Estate Services
PO Box 1850
Buffalo, NY 14240
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After M&T Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 5–10 business days
- Follow-up: Your assigned representative will contact you if additional information is needed
- Account closure/transfer: Once approved, funds are distributed according to your instructions
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Deposit Accounts: Funds are typically issued via cashier's check payable to the estate or beneficiary.
- Loans/Mortgages: The estate is responsible for outstanding balances. M&T will work with you on assumption or payoff options.
Required Documents
Documents M&T 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 | Legible copy with visible seal |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Proof of relationship | Birth/marriage certificate (if required for specific claims) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — appointing the executor |
| Copy of the will | Often required for mortgage or complex asset transfers |
| 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 to claim assets without full probate |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by M&T Bank representative |
| Beneficiary's ID | Driver's license or passport |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust agreement | Copy of the trust document showing successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How M&T 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 throughout the process.
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. M&T will issue a check or transfer funds to the beneficiary.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides the trust agreement and death certificate. The account ownership is updated to the successor trustee.
Timeline: 7–15 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
Mortgages and Loans
The estate is responsible for payments. M&T Bank allows for assumption of the mortgage by an heir (successor in interest) in many cases. You must submit proof of death and proof of your interest in the property (deed/will).
Timeline: Varies significantly based on assumption process
Credit Cards
Credit card debt is an estate obligation. The account will be closed, and the balance should be paid from estate assets. Family members are generally not personally liable unless they were a joint account holder.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the M&T Bank Process
M&T Bank operates primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Probate is governed by state law, which determines the documents you need.
M&T Bank Footprint: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $50,000 | No | "Voluntary Administration" for small estates |
| Pennsylvania | $50,000 | No | Probate tax (inheritance tax) applies |
| Maryland | $50,000 ($100k for spouse) | No | Simplified probate for small estates |
| New Jersey | $50,000 (spouse) / $20,000 (others) | No | Surrogate's Court handles probate |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long M&T 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 verification + death cert |
| Trust account | 7–15 business days | Trust review process |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Document review time |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuing Letters |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Mortgage Assumption | 30–60+ days | Requires application and review |
M&T Bank's review of estate documents typically takes 5–10 business days once everything is received.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying M&T Bank
Withdrawing funds via ATM or online banking after the death can be considered fraud or theft from the estate. Always follow the formal process.
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.
Keep the Case Number Handy
When you first notify M&T, you will likely be assigned a case number or a specific representative. Keep this information for all future calls to avoid starting over.
Mortgage Payments Must Continue
Death does not stop the mortgage payment requirement. The estate should continue making payments to avoid late fees or foreclosure while the assumption or sale is processed.
Automatic Payments
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online/mobile banking will be disabled
Notify utility companies and other billers immediately to make alternative payment arrangements.