Overview
Synchrony Bank is one of the premier consumer financial services companies in the United States, widely known for issuing store credit cards for major retailers (such as Amazon, Lowe's, and TJX) as well as offering online banking products like high-yield savings accounts and CDs. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Synchrony to freeze credit lines and transfer or close bank accounts.
This guide covers Synchrony's dedicated estate services department, their streamlined online notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Because Synchrony operates primarily as an online bank and credit issuer, their digital tools for death notification are more robust than many traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
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 Synchrony Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Synchrony Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Synchrony, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (check for store credit cards as well as bank accounts)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A digital copy of the death certificate (PDF, JPG, or PNG) if using the online portal
Step 2: Use the Online Notification Portal (Recommended)
Synchrony offers a dedicated online form to report a death, which is often faster than calling.
- Go to the Synchrony Deceased Notification page.
- Enter the cardholder/account holder's details.
- Enter the executor/next of kin details.
- Upload the death certificate directly through the secure portal.
- Submit the form and save the Submission ID number.
Step 3: Call the Estate Services Department
If you prefer to report by phone or have questions about specific accounts:
- Phone: (844) 365-1994
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 8 PM ET; Sat, 8 AM – 5 PM ET
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity.
- Place a deceased flag on all associated accounts (credit cards and bank accounts).
- Freeze credit lines to prevent new charges.
- Explain any additional documents needed for asset transfer (especially for savings/CD accounts).
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
If you did not upload documents online, or if the account type requires original forms (like an Estate Distribution Form for bank balances), mail them to:
Mail to:
Synchrony Bank Estate Services
PO Box 669802
Dallas, TX 75266-0955
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After Synchrony receives your notification and documents:
- Credit Cards: Accounts are typically closed immediately. You will receive a final statement by mail.
- Bank Accounts: Funds are distributed according to beneficiary designations or estate instructions.
- Processing Time: Typically 2–4 weeks for standard requests.
Required Documents
Documents Synchrony 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 | Required for all account types (digital copy accepted for initial notification) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Synchrony Estate Distribution Form | Required for closing bank accounts and distributing funds |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| Copy of the will | Often requested for large balances |
| 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 | State-specific form used when total assets are below the probate limit |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by Synchrony after notification |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 form |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification | Verifies the trust's existence and the successor trustee's authority |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Synchrony Handles Different Account Types
Credit Cards (Store Cards & General)
Synchrony is a major issuer of store credit cards (e.g., Amazon, Lowe's, TJX). Upon notification:
- The account is permanently closed.
- Automatic payments are stopped.
- The estate is responsible for the balance, but authorized users are generally not liable unless they were joint account holders.
- Rewards points are typically forfeited upon death, though policies vary by specific card program.
Timeline: Immediate closure; final bill sent within 1 billing cycle.
Joint Bank Accounts (JTWROS)
For High Yield Savings or CD accounts held jointly:
- The surviving owner typically needs only a death certificate to remove the decedent's name.
- Full access to funds continues for the survivor.
Timeline: 5–10 business days.
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by providing a death certificate and ID.
- No probate is required.
- Funds are paid directly to the beneficiary via check or transfer.
Timeline: 10–15 business days.
Individual Bank Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary:
- Require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
- Funds are released to the Estate of the Decedent.
Timeline: 3–6+ weeks (after court documents are received).
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee takes control by providing a Trust Certification and death certificate.
- The account may need to be re-titled or closed depending on the trust terms.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Synchrony Process
Synchrony Bank operates nationally, 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 — in the 9 community property states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI), surviving spouses may have rights to accounts even without being named.
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors (including Synchrony for credit card debt) have to file claims against the estate.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $184,500 | Yes | Strict 40-day waiting period for small estate affidavits |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | "Muniment of Title" is a faster probate option for wills |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | "Summary Administration" available for small estates |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Voluntary Administration for small estates |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Synchrony Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Closure | Immediate | Account frozen upon notification |
| Joint Bank Account | 5–10 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD Beneficiary | 10–15 business days | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust Account | 2–4 weeks | Trust certification review |
| Small Estate Affidavit | 4–8 weeks | Legal review of affidavit required |
| Probate (Estate Account) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
Note: Synchrony's online notification system can speed up the initial intake process significantly compared to mailing documents.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Check for Multiple Store Cards
Synchrony issues cards for dozens of retailers (Amazon, Lowe's, Sam's Club, Gap, etc.). The decedent may have multiple accounts under the "Synchrony" umbrella. The estate services team can usually locate all accounts linked to the Social Security number.
Do Not Use Credit Cards After Death
Authorized users must stop using the card immediately. Any charges made after the date of death may be considered fraud or create liability for the user.
Rewards Points May Expire
For many store cards, rewards points or cash back are non-transferable and expire upon the account holder's death. Check the specific cardholder agreement.
Stop Automatic Payments
Once the deceased flag is placed, all automatic payments (Netflix, utilities, etc.) linked to the card or bank account will be declined. Update these with a new payment method immediately.
Keep the Submission ID
If you use the online notification portal, write down the Submission ID. You will need this if you call to check the status of the case.