Overview
Old National Bank is the largest financial services holding company headquartered in Indiana and a top 25 U.S. bank, serving customers across the Midwest with approximately $72 billion in assets. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Old National Bank and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers Old National Bank's estate services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Old National Bank operates primarily in the Midwest (Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Iowa), so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
Old National Bank typically handles estate matters through their Client Care center and local banking centers rather than a public-facing dedicated estate portal.
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 Old National Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Old National Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Old National Bank, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, CDs, loans)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Client Care or Visit a Branch
Old National Bank recommends notifying them as soon as possible. You can do this by phone or in person.
- Phone: (800) 731-2265
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 6 PM CT; Sat, 7 AM – 12 PM CT
- In Person: Visit any Old National Banking Center
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
- Provide a case number or reference for your request
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Provide the specific mailing address or fax number for documents if you are not at a branch
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you are not visiting a branch, mail the required documents to the address provided by the representative. Typically, this is their central correspondence unit:
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
Mail to:
Old National Bank
Attn: Client Care / Estate Processing
P.O. Box 718
Evansville, IN 47705-0718
Note: Always include a cover letter with your contact information and the case reference number.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Old National Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 5–10 business days
- Account closure/transfer: 2–4 weeks depending on complexity
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Joint accounts: Ownership is updated to the surviving owner.
- Beneficiary accounts: Funds are distributed via check or transferred to a new account.
- Estate accounts: Funds are issued to the "Estate of [Decedent]" once the estate account is established.
Required Documents
Documents Old National 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 or certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account (driver's license, passport) |
| Old National Bank affidavit | May be required for small estates or specific transfers (provided by bank) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| 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 Personal Representative |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | State-specific form (e.g., Indiana Small Estate Affidavit) — check our state probate guides |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary's ID | Valid government-issued photo ID |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification / Abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Old National 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 to the survivor throughout the process.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by presenting a death certificate and ID. No probate is required. The bank will issue a check or transfer funds to an account in the beneficiary's name.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee must provide the trust agreement (or certification of trust) and death certificate. The bank validates the successor's authority to act on the account.
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 the probate court. The executor must open an Estate Account to receive the funds.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate court)
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete an IRA Beneficiary Claim Form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options (lump sum, inherited IRA, 10-year rule) depend on the relationship to the deceased and IRS rules.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Outstanding balances on credit cards and personal loans are generally the responsibility of the estate. Old National Bank will file a claim against the estate for unpaid balances.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Old National Bank Process
Old National Bank operates primarily in the Midwest, where probate laws vary significantly by state. Your state determines:
- Small Estate Thresholds: The maximum value of an estate that can bypass formal probate.
- Probate Procedures: Whether you need "Letters Testamentary" or can use a simple affidavit.
Key State Variations (Old National Footprint)
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $100,000 | 45-day waiting period for Small Estate Affidavit |
| Illinois | $100,000 | Small Estate Affidavit available; attorney often recommended |
| Michigan | ~$27,000 (indexed) | Adjusts annually for inflation; check current year limit |
| Wisconsin | $50,000 | Transfer by Affidavit available for small estates |
| Minnesota | $75,000 | Affidavit of Collection of Personal Property available |
| Kentucky | $30,000 | Petition to Dispense with Administration available |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Old National Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Immediate access for survivor usually maintained |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Depends on beneficiary providing ID and forms |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Legal review of trust documents required |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Bank legal review of affidavit compliance |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuing Letters of Office |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 10–20 business days | Processing of beneficiary claim forms |
Note: Timelines start once Old National Bank receives all correct and completed documents.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying the Bank
Withdrawing funds from a deceased person's individual account (via ATM or online) after their death is illegal and can lead to personal liability.
Stop Automatic Payments Immediately
Once the "deceased flag" is placed, automatic payments will be declined. You must contact utility companies, subscription services, and lenders separately to update billing information.
Keep the Case Number Handy
When you first call Client Care, write down the case number or reference ID. You will need this for every follow-up call or email.
Visit a Branch for Faster Service
If you live near an Old National Bank branch, visiting in person can speed up the process significantly. A banker can verify your ID and documents on the spot, avoiding mail delays.
Federal Benefit Reclamations
Social Security and VA benefits deposited after the date of death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds, as the bank is required to return them.
FDIC Coverage Changes
For joint accounts, the FDIC coverage limit may change 6 months after the death. Ensure your total deposits remain within insured limits ($250,000 per depositor).