Overview
Zions Bancorporation is one of the premier financial services companies in the Western United States, operating under several local brands including Zions Bank, Amegy Bank, California Bank & Trust, National Bank of Arizona, Nevada State Bank, Vectra Bank Colorado, and The Commerce Bank of Washington. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify the specific bank division where the accounts are held to freeze assets and begin the transfer process.
This guide primarily details the process for Zions Bank, the flagship brand headquartered in Utah. If the deceased held accounts with one of the other Zions Bancorporation affiliates, the general process is similar, but you should contact that specific bank's customer service department.
Zions Bank does not have a dedicated public-facing "Estate Unit" phone number; instead, death notifications are initiated through their general customer service line or by visiting a local branch.
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 Zions Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Zions Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Zions 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 (if available)
Step 2: Call Customer Service or Visit a Branch
You can initiate the process by phone or in person. Visiting a branch is often faster for submitting documents.
- Phone: (888) 307-3411
- Hours: Mon–Sat, 6 AM – 9 PM MT
What to say: "I need to report the death of an account holder and speak with the deceased account processing team."
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 you on the specific documents required for your situation
- Provide a case reference number or specific mailing instructions
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you cannot visit a branch, you will likely need to mail certified copies of documents to their correspondence address.
Mail to:
Zions Bank
P.O. Box 30709
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Note: Always confirm the specific mailing address with the representative during your call, as it may vary based on the account type or department (e.g., Trust Department vs. Retail Banking).
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Zions Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 5–10 business days
- Account closure/transfer: 2–4 weeks (for simple estates)
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Beneficiary accounts: Funds are distributed via check or transferred to a new account.
- Estate accounts: Funds are transferred to an account in the name of the estate (requires an EIN).
Required Documents
Documents Zions 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) |
| Zions Bank Affidavit of Domicile | May be required for certain accounts (ask representative) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — appointing the Executor |
| 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., Utah Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property) |
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 Certification / Abstract | Proving the successor trustee's authority |
| Successor Trustee's ID | Government-issued photo ID |
Account Types
How Zions 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. The account remains active, and funds are fully accessible to the survivor.
Timeline: 1–5 business days (often immediate in-branch)
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by presenting a death certificate and valid ID. No probate is required. The bank will close the account and issue a check or transfer funds to the beneficiary.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee manages the account. They must provide the Trust Agreement (or Certification of Trust) and the death certificate. The account title may need to be updated.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation are frozen until a court-appointed representative (Executor/Administrator) presents Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate court)
Small Estates
If the total value of the estate is below the state's limit (e.g., $100,000 in Utah), heirs can use a Small Estate Affidavit to claim funds without full probate, after a mandatory waiting period (usually 30 days).
Timeline: 2–4 weeks (after waiting period)
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Zions Bank Process
Zions Bancorporation operates primarily in the Western U.S. (UT, ID, WY, AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, OR, TX, WA). Probate laws vary significantly by state.
- Utah (Headquarters): Small estate threshold is $100,000. Waiting period is 30 days.
- California: Small estate threshold is $208,850 (as of April 1, 2025; increases to $239,700 on April 1, 2026). Waiting period is 40 days.
- Texas: Small estate affidavit available for estates up to $75,000 (excluding homestead).
- Community Property: AZ, CA, ID, NV, NM, TX, and WA are community property states, which may affect spousal rights to accounts.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | $100,000 | 30 days |
| Idaho | $100,000 | 30 days |
| Arizona | $75,000 (Personal Property) | 30 days |
| Nevada | $25,000 (for affidavit) | 40 days |
| Colorado | $86,000 (adjusted annually) | 10 days |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Zions Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | Immediate – 5 days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Verification of beneficiary ID |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Review of trust documents |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | After state waiting period elapses |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court appointment |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–12+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple assets |
Note: Timelines are estimates and can be delayed if documents are missing or if the estate is contested.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Use the ATM or Online Banking
Do not access the decedent's account via ATM or online banking after their death, even if you have the PIN. This can be flagged as fraud.
Stop Automatic Payments
Once the bank is notified, automatic bill payments will stop. You must make alternative arrangements to pay the mortgage, utilities, and other essential bills.
Check for Safe Deposit Boxes
Ask if the decedent held a safe deposit box. Accessing it may require a specific court order or a scheduled visit with a bank officer to inventory contents.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call, ask for a case number or the name of the representative. This helps track your request if you need to call back.
Verify the Mailing Address
Since Zions Bancorporation has multiple subsidiaries, ensure you are mailing documents to the correct processing center for the specific bank brand (e.g., Zions Bank vs. Amegy Bank).