What to do when a First Bank (Alaska) account holder dies
Report the death to First Bank (Alaska)'s Customer Service at 1-800-478-6101
What happens to First Bank (Alaska) 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 First Bank (Alaska)'s Customer Service (1-907-228-4272) to claim the funds.
Begin by calling First Bank (Alaska) at 1-907-228-4272. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at First Bank (Alaska):
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Court papers authorizing each signer, such as Letters Testamentary, to open and sign on an account owned by the estateThe bank gives Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration as examples.
- The estate's EIN, to open an account owned by the estate
What happens to each kind of account5
- Joint account with survivorship
When a joint owner dies, the deceased owner's share of a survivorship account goes to a surviving spouse on the account, or else in equal shares to the other surviving owners, and survivorship continues among them.1
- Joint account without survivorship
On a joint account opened without survivorship, the deceased owner's share passes as part of that owner's estate.1
- Payable-on-death account
Named POD beneficiaries have no claim to the money until every account owner has died. Two or more surviving beneficiaries share equally, and if none survives the money goes to the last owner's estate.1
A beneficiary who dies before all the account owners loses any interest in the account.1
- Custodial account (UTMA/UGMA)
If the custodian of a UTMA account dies before the minor turns 21, a successor custodian takes over the account.1
- Community property account
Who owns a community property account after a spouse dies follows the couple's community property agreement or trust.1
What First Bank (Alaska)'s agreement and guidance say9
- Payments after the death
First Bank can keep paying checks until it knows of the death and has had a chance to act. For ten days after the death it may still pay checks written before it, unless someone with an interest in the account asks it to stop.1
- Debts owed to the institution
If a joint owner owed First Bank money at death, the bank can take it from the joint account up to the balance on the day that owner died. It does not do so from an IRA or where the debtor can withdraw only as a representative.1
- Disputes between claimants
When people make conflicting claims to the money in an account, First Bank may hold it until every claim is settled to its satisfaction.1
- Powers of attorney
First Bank may refuse a power of attorney for reasonable cause, and it may ask the agent to sign an affidavit that the owner is alive and the agent's powers still stand.1
- Indemnity a claimant may have to give
Before following instructions it thinks could expose it to a claim, First Bank may ask for a bond or a promise to cover its losses and legal costs.1
- Dormant and unclaimed accounts
An account with no activity or contact from the owner for three years is dormant. The bank then sends the money to the State of Alaska, which is where it must be claimed.1
- Fees
Research costs $35 an hour with a one-hour minimum, and statement copies are $5 each. Closing an account within 120 days of opening costs $20.1
- Which state governs the account
The deposit terms are governed by Alaska law and federal law.1
- Arbitration
Either side may demand binding arbitration of a dispute about an account that cannot be settled informally, which gives up a jury trial and class actions.1
Not in First Bank (Alaska)'s published guidance8
- A department for deceased-customer accounts
- A claim form
- Whether the death certificate must be certified
- A fax number for claim documents
- An email address for claim documents
- An online way to report a death
- How long a claim takes
- A small-estate procedure
Sources1
- 1.First Bank Deposit Account Agreement and Disclosure, Revision Date 9/24/2025
First Bank (Alaska)'s Customer Service can be reached by phone at 1-800-478-6101 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from First Bank (Alaska) primary sources (29 pages reviewed). How we research.
First Bank (Alaska) death claims support
Customer Service
Phone
Toll-free
Hours
Mailing address
Website
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Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Affidavit of Death
Put a joint owner's or a transfer on death deed owner's death on the land records with the affidavit your state's statute names, laid out for recording.
IRS Form 56
Notify the IRS that you are the fiduciary of an estate, a trust or a person, or end a notice filed before, on the official form.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Tools for Settling an Estate
Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.
Do I Need Probate?
Find out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.
What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
See what your state records when a joint tenant with right of survivorship dies: an affidavit, the death certificate or a new deed.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Find out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
