What to do when a BCU account holder dies
Contact BCU — 6-step process, 6 required documents, and 2-3 business days for estate account setup; overall timeline varies by complexity
B
BCU Member Relations
Phone1-847-932-8166
Toll-Free1-800-388-7000
Emailaskbcu@bcu.org
Mailing Address
BCU, P.O. Box 8133, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
WebsiteLearn more→
BCU Member Relations
Phone1-847-932-8166
Toll-Free1-800-388-7000
Emailaskbcu@bcu.org
Mailing Address
BCU, P.O. Box 8133, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
WebsiteLearn more→
BCU Member Relations
Phone1-847-932-8166
Toll-Free1-800-388-7000
Mailing Address
BCU, P.O. Box 8133, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
The BCU Member Relations at BCU coordinates account transitions after a member's death. How each account is handled depends on its setup: POD and trust accounts transfer automatically, while solely-owned accounts typically require court authorization through Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
BCU offers an online claims portal that makes the initial filing process more straightforward. Survivors can also initiate claims by phone or by mailing documentation directly.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with BCU:
Filing a claim
1
Notify BCU by calling 800-388-7000 or visiting any BCU Service Center location
2
Provide a certified copy of the death certificate
3
Settlement path depends on account type:
- Joint accounts with right of survivorship: surviving owner retains access to the account
- POD beneficiary accounts: named beneficiaries present identification and certified death certificate to claim funds
- Estate accounts: personal representative provides Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, certified death certificate, EIN confirmation letter, and executor identification
- Trust accounts: successor trustee provides certified death certificate, trust documentation, and trustee identification
- IRA accounts: named beneficiaries complete the IRA beneficiary distribution process
4
BCU reviews documentation and processes the claim
5
For estate accounts, submit a membership application along with court documentation naming the executor
6
Allow 2-3 business days for estate account setup after all documents are received
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for claimant
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (for estate settlement)
- EIN confirmation letter (for estate account opening)
- Trust documentation and trustee identification (for trust accounts)
- IRA beneficiary distribution forms (for retirement accounts)
Contact BCU Member Relations at 800-388-7000 as soon as possible after a member's death. Joint account holders with right of survivorship retain immediate access. POD beneficiaries can typically claim funds once a certified death certificate is provided. For estate accounts, BCU requires a membership application, EIN confirmation letter, court documentation naming the executor, a certified death certificate, and the executor's ID. Documents can be submitted via Digital Banking, by fax, or at a branch. Credit card balances and outstanding loans are settled through the estate.
How long the process takes at BCU: 2-3 business days for estate account setup; overall timeline varies by complexity. The most common reason for delays is missing or incomplete documentation, so submitting everything upfront is the best way to keep things moving.
Documentation required by BCU includes Certified death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for claimant, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (for estate settlement), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. An estate at BCU is treated as its own member. To open an estate account, the executor submits a membership application in the name of the estate along with an EIN confirmation letter for the estate, court documentation naming the executor (such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration), a certified death certificate, and the executor's government-issued ID. Documents can be submitted via BCU Digital Banking, by fax, or at a Service Center. Allow 2-3 business days for processing once all documents are received.
BCU joint accounts are held with right of survivorship. When one owner dies, the surviving joint owner retains immediate access to the account and the funds do not pass through probate or to any POD beneficiary. A POD beneficiary designation on a joint account only takes effect after all account owners have died.
BCU's BCU Member Relations can be reached by phone at 1-800-388-7000 for questions throughout the claims process.
Multiple BCU accounts may mean multiple claims. Some account types can be processed together, but others require their own documentation. Check with the BCU Member Relations to confirm what applies.
B
BCU Member Relations
Phone1-847-932-8166
Toll-Free1-800-388-7000
Emailaskbcu@bcu.org
Mailing Address
BCU, P.O. Box 8133, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
WebsiteLearn more→
BCU Member Relations
Phone1-847-932-8166
Toll-Free1-800-388-7000
Emailaskbcu@bcu.org
Mailing Address
BCU, P.O. Box 8133, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
WebsiteLearn more→
BCU Member Relations
Phone1-847-932-8166
Toll-Free1-800-388-7000
Mailing Address
BCU, P.O. Box 8133, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
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