Overview
Synovus Bank is a leading financial institution in the Southeast, serving customers primarily in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Following its merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners in early 2026, Synovus continues to operate under its own brand while integrating services. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Synovus and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers Synovus Bank's estate services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Synovus operates primarily in the Southeast, so state-specific probate requirements in GA, FL, AL, SC, and TN will significantly affect your process.
Note on Merger: As of January 2026, Synovus is a division of Pinnacle Bank. While you may see Pinnacle branding on some official documents, you should continue to use Synovus contact channels for legacy Synovus accounts unless instructed otherwise.
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 Synovus Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Synovus Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Synovus, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, loans, or trust accounts)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call the Customer Support / Estate Team
Synovus handles death notifications through their general customer care line, which will route you to the appropriate survivor support specialist or branch representative.
- Phone: (888) 796-6887 (1-888-SYNOVUS)
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM ET
Tip: When you call, state clearly that you are calling to "report a customer death" or "notify the bank of a passing." You may be asked to visit a local branch if one is accessible to you, as this is often the fastest way to verify identity and documents.
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
- Advise on whether you need to visit a branch or mail documents
- Provide a reference number for your case
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you cannot visit a branch, you will likely be instructed to mail documents to their general correspondence center or a specific processing unit identified during your call.
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
General Mailing Address:
Synovus Bank
Attn: Estate Services / General Correspondence
PO Box 120
Columbus, GA 31902
Note: Always include a cover letter with your contact information and the case reference number.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Synovus receives your documents, expect:
- Initial review: 3–5 business days
- Account maintenance/closure: 2–4 weeks depending on complexity
- Follow-up: You may receive a letter confirming the account status or requesting additional forms.
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Joint accounts are updated to the surviving owner.
- Beneficiary accounts are paid out via check or deposit to an existing Synovus account.
- Estate accounts are opened if funds must pass through probate (requires an EIN).
Required Documents
Documents Synovus 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 certified copy (not a photocopy) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account (Driver's License, Passport) |
| Synovus account numbers | Or debit card/checkbook to identify accounts |
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 administrator |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific form (e.g., Georgia Small Estate Affidavit) |
| Hold Harmless Agreement | Synovus may require their own indemnity form |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary's ID | To verify identity |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Agreement | Pages showing the successor trustee and powers |
| Trustee Affidavit | Confirming the trust is still in force |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Synovus 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 account usually remains open, and funds are fully accessible to the survivor.
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. Synovus will issue a check or transfer funds to the beneficiary's account. No probate is required.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee must provide the trust agreement (or abstract) and death certificate. The account ownership is updated to the new trustee.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. The funds are transferred to an "Estate of [Decedent]" account.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate court)
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete a Beneficiary Distribution Request form. Spouses have different rollover options than non-spouse beneficiaries.
Timeline: 10–15 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Outstanding balances on credit cards or personal loans are generally paid from the estate's assets. Synovus will freeze credit lines upon notification.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Synovus Process
Synovus operates primarily in the Southeast, and probate laws vary significantly by state.
- Georgia: Probate is handled by the Probate Court in the county of residence. Georgia has a "Petition for Order Declaring No Administration Necessary" for certain amicable estates.
- Florida: Requires an attorney for most probate cases. "Summary Administration" is available for estates under $75,000.
- Alabama: Small estate summary distribution is available for estates under roughly $30,000 (adjusted for inflation).
- South Carolina: Offers a simplified probate process for estates under $25,000.
- Tennessee: Small estate affidavit process available for estates under $50,000.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | No fixed $ limit (conditions apply) | No | "No Administration Necessary" option available |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Attorney almost always required |
| Alabama | ~$34,611 (indexed) | No | Summary distribution available |
| Tennessee | $50,000 | No | Small estate affidavit widely used |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Synovus 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 verifying identity |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Legal review of trust documents required |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Legal review of affidavit required |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuing Letters |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–12+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 10–15 business days | Processing of distribution forms |
Note: Visiting a local Synovus branch can significantly speed up the verification and document submission process compared to mailing documents.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Visit a Branch if Possible
Because Synovus is a regional bank with a strong branch network, visiting in person is often the most efficient way to handle estate matters. Branch managers can verify documents on the spot, avoiding mail delays.
Do Not Use the Debit Card
Stop using the decedent's debit card immediately. Continued use after death—even for legitimate expenses—can be flagged as fraud and complicate the estate process.
Automatic Payments
Once the "deceased flag" is placed, all automatic drafts (utilities, subscriptions) will be rejected. Ensure you make alternative payment arrangements for essential bills like electricity or mortgage.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call (888) 796-6887, ask for a case reference number. Use this number on all correspondence and checks sent to the bank.
Federal Benefit Reclamations
Social Security payments made for the month of death (or later) are often reclaimed by the Treasury. Do not spend these funds, as Synovus will be required to return them automatically.