What to do when a Ameris Bank account holder dies
Contact Ameris Bank's Argent Financial Group - Trust & Estate Services — 6-step process, 6 required documents, and varies based on account type, documentation completeness, and whether probate is required. pod beneficiary claims are typically processed faster than probated estates.
Customer Service Center
Ameris Bank, P.O. Box 105075, Atlanta, GA 30348
Customer Service Center (Death Notifications)
Ameris Bank, P.O. Box 105075, Atlanta, GA 30348
What happens to Ameris Bank accounts after the account holder dies depends on how each account was titled. Beneficiary-designated and trust-owned accounts transfer directly. Accounts in the deceased's name alone go through the estate, and the executor or administrator works with Ameris Bank's Customer Service Center (Death Notifications) (1-866-616-6020) to claim the funds.
Ameris Bank provides an online portal for initiating death claims, which can simplify the initial notification and document submission process. Claims can also be started by phone or by mailing the required documents.
Death claim process
The death claim process at Ameris Bank works as follows:
Filing a claim
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID
- POD beneficiary: claim funds by providing the death certificate and ID
- Trust account: successor trustee takes control by providing the trust agreement and death certificate
- Probate: provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the court
- Small estate: a Small Estate Affidavit may be accepted if the estate qualifies under state law
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the claimant
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if probate required)
- Trust agreement (if account held in trust)
- Small Estate Affidavit (if estate qualifies under state law)
- Proof of relationship to the deceased
What to know at this institution
For mortgage-related death claims, contact Ameris Bank mortgage servicing (Dovenmuehle Mortgage) at 1-855-249-8131 (Monday-Friday 9 AM to 6 PM ET). Mortgage payment mailing address: Ameris Bank/Dovenmuehle Mortgage Inc., P.O. Box 660592, Dallas, TX 75266-0592. Under the federal Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 (12 U.S.C. 1701j-3), the lender cannot enforce a due-on-sale clause when the property transfers to a surviving spouse, child, or relative of the deceased borrower, or to the borrower's revocable living trust. Ameris Bank's wealth management services (trust and estate administration) are now provided through Argent Financial Group.
Prepare your letter of instruction to Ameris Bank
Ameris Bank accepts a claimant-drafted letter of instruction. We draft it for you — addressed to Ameris Bank's verified claims department, with the documents it requires enclosed.
Build your letter of instructionOpening an account for the estate itself
Checks made out to the estate deposit into an account titled to the estate, opened by the appointed executor or administrator under the estate's EIN.
How to open an estate account at Ameris Bank →Processing timelines at Ameris Bank: Varies based on account type, documentation completeness, and whether probate is required. POD beneficiary claims are typically processed faster than probated estates. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays—submitting all required documents with the initial claim helps avoid additional processing time.
Ameris Bank requires several documents to process a claim, including Certified copy of the death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for the claimant, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if probate required), and additional documentation depending on the account type. Certified copies are typically needed—photocopies are generally not accepted for death certificates or court documents.
Frequently asked questions
Contact Ameris Bank by calling 1-866-616-6020 or visit a local branch. You will need to provide a certified death certificate, your government-issued ID, your relationship to the deceased, and the deceased's account information. For mortgage-related death claims, contact Ameris Bank mortgage servicing (Dovenmuehle Mortgage) at 1-855-249-8131 (Monday-Friday 9 AM to 6 PM ET).
Yes. Ameris Bank allows Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary designations on personal checking, savings, CD, and money market accounts. Visit an Ameris Bank branch with government-issued photo ID or call 1-866-616-6020 to request a POD beneficiary designation. You will need to provide each beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and relationship to you.
Under the federal Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act (12 U.S.C. 1701j-3), the lender cannot enforce a due-on-sale clause when the property transfers to a surviving spouse, child, or relative of the deceased borrower, or to the borrower's revocable living trust. For mortgage-related death claims, contact Ameris Bank mortgage servicing (Dovenmuehle Mortgage) at 1-855-249-8131 (Monday-Friday 9 AM to 6 PM ET).
Ameris Bank's Customer Service Center (Death Notifications) can be reached by phone at 1-866-616-6020 and email at callcenter@amerisbank.com for questions throughout the claims process.
When the deceased had multiple Ameris Bank accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Customer Service Center (Death Notifications) can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Sources
Data sourced from Ameris Bank primary sources (28 pages reviewed). How we research.
Customer Service Center
Ameris Bank, P.O. Box 105075, Atlanta, GA 30348
Customer Service Center (Death Notifications)
Ameris Bank, P.O. Box 105075, Atlanta, GA 30348
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