Overview
Pinnacle Financial Partners (often referred to as Pinnacle Bank) is a leading regional financial services firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Following its merger with Synovus in early 2026, Pinnacle has expanded its footprint significantly across the Southeast, serving clients in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, and Maryland.
When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Pinnacle Financial Partners to secure the accounts and begin the transfer process. Unlike some national banks with a dedicated "Estate Unit" call center, Pinnacle primarily handles estate matters through its Client Service Center and local financial advisors.
This guide covers the notification process, required documents, and what to expect when settling accounts with Pinnacle.
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 Pinnacle Financial Partners and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Pinnacle Financial Partners of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting the 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 the Client Service Center
Pinnacle recommends starting the process by calling their Client Service Center or visiting a local office.
- Phone: (800) 264-3613
- Hours: 24/7
What to expect:
The representative will verify the decedent's information and place a "deceased flag" on the accounts. This immediately freezes the accounts to prevent unauthorized withdrawals and stops automatic payments. They will then provide you with a specific case reference and instructions on where to mail your documents, or direct you to a local financial advisor who can personally assist with the paperwork.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You can submit documents in person at a local branch or by mail. If mailing, use the address provided by the representative. The general correspondence address for operations is:
Mail to:
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Attn: Estate/Deposit Operations
P.O. Box 292487
Nashville, TN 37229-2487
Note: For loan-related matters, you may be directed to the Loan Operations center in Thomasville, NC.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Pinnacle receives your documents, the review process typically takes:
- Initial review: 3–5 business days
- Funds release: 7–14 business days (for simple beneficiary accounts)
- Estate settlement: Varies by state probate laws for complex estates
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once approved, funds are typically distributed via:
- Cashier's check mailed to the beneficiary or estate representative
- Transfer to an existing or new Pinnacle account
Required Documents
Documents Pinnacle Financial Partners Requires
The documents needed depend on how the account was titled and the value of the estate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy (not a photocopy) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Driver's license or passport of the person claiming funds |
| Pinnacle claim form | Provided by the associate or branch manager |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Court-issued document appointing the Executor |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Required to open an Estate Account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Court-issued document appointing the Administrator |
| EIN | Required to open an Estate Account |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | State-specific form for estates below a certain value (e.g., $50,000 in TN) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | The primary requirement |
| Beneficiary ID | Valid photo ID of the named beneficiary |
Account Types
How Pinnacle Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
For accounts with "Rights of Survivorship," the surviving owner automatically assumes full ownership.
- Process: Present a death certificate to remove the decedent's name.
- Access: Funds remain fully accessible to the survivor immediately.
- Timeline: 1–3 business days (often immediate in-branch).
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death)
Accounts with named beneficiaries bypass probate.
- Process: Beneficiaries must provide ID and a death certificate.
- Timeline: 5–10 business days after documentation is received.
Individual Accounts (Sole Owner)
Accounts with no joint owner or beneficiary are frozen until a court-appointed representative provides legal authority.
- Process: Requires Letters Testamentary or Small Estate Affidavit.
- Timeline: 3–6+ months (dependent on probate court).
Trust Accounts
- Process: The Successor Trustee must provide the Trust Agreement (or Abstract of Trust) and death certificate.
- Timeline: 7–14 business days for review by the legal department.
Loans and Mortgages
- Process: Notify the Loan Operations team immediately. The estate is responsible for the balance, but family members generally do not inherit the debt personally.
- Contact: Loan Operations at (615) 494-9657 or specializedloanteam@pnfp.com.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Pinnacle Process
Pinnacle Financial Partners operates across the Southeast. Probate laws vary significantly by state, affecting how you claim funds.
- Tennessee: Small estate threshold is $50,000.
- North Carolina: Small estate threshold is $20,000 (or $30,000 if surviving spouse).
- Georgia: No automatic small estate affidavit; "Petition for Order Declaring No Administration Necessary" may be used.
- Florida: Summary administration available for estates under $75,000.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Limit | Probate Court Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $50,000 | TN Courts |
| North Carolina | $20,000 / $30,000 | NC Courts |
| South Carolina | $25,000 | SC Courts |
| Virginia | $50,000 | VA Courts |
| Georgia | N/A (See Petition) | GA Courts |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Pinnacle Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | Immediate – 3 days | Survivor has immediate access |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Verification of beneficiary ID |
| Trust account | 7–14 business days | Legal review of trust docs |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Legal review of affidavit |
| Probate (Estate Account) | 3–6 months | Depends on court appointment |
Note: Timelines may be longer if documents are mailed rather than presented in-branch.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Stop Automatic Payments Immediately
Call the Client Service Center at (800) 264-3613 as soon as possible to place a deceased flag. This prevents overdrafts from automatic bill pays hitting a frozen account.
Do Not Use the Decedent's Debit Card
Even if you have the PIN, using a deceased person's card is illegal and can be considered fraud, even for legitimate estate expenses.
Keep the Case Number Handy
When you first call, write down the name of the associate and any reference number provided. Pinnacle's personalized service model means you may work with a specific advisor—keep their direct line.
Check for "Hidden" Accounts
Ask the representative to search for all relationships, including CDs, safe deposit boxes, and wealth management accounts that might not appear on the monthly checking statement.