What to do when a PNC Bank account holder dies
Report the death to PNC Bank's Estate & Decedent Processing at 1-888-762-2265
After an account holder at PNC Bank dies, accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer to the designated recipients without probate. Solely-owned accounts require the estate's representative to contact PNC Bank's Estate & Decedent Processing at 1-888-762-2265 with the proper legal authority documents.
Deposit, investment & retirement accounts
Follow these steps to file a death claim with PNC Bank:
Filing a claim
- Your own photo ID
- The deceased client's name and account number(s)
- Original death certificate or a certified copy
- State-specific documentation, such as certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary, a court order, a letter of appointment for a personal representative, or a short certificate
Required Documents
- Your own photo ID
- The deceased client's name and account number(s)
- Death certificateThe original or a certified copy.
- State-specific documentationA certified copy of Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary issued by the probate court, a court order, a letter of appointment for a personal representative, or a short certificate.
What happens to each kind of account4
- Joint account with survivorship
On the death of one party to a joint account, all sums in the account on the date of death belong to the surviving parties and are not part of the deceased person's estate.1
- Payable-on-death account
A payable-on-death or "in trust for" account transfers on the death of the owner to the beneficiaries designated on the signature card and is not part of the estate.1
If one POD beneficiary dies before the owner, the surviving POD beneficiary takes the account. If no POD beneficiary survives the last owner, the account is payable to the heirs of the last surviving owner, or to the estate if a formal estate is raised.1
- Custodial account (UTMA/UGMA)
The custodian of a UTMA or UGMA account must notify PNC immediately in writing on the death of the minor. If a custodian dies with no remaining custodian, PNC recognizes a successor custodian designated by the previous custodian.1
- Certificate of deposit
An early withdrawal from a CD is subject to a penalty, except in the case of death or legal incapacity of any owner of the CD.2
State law on paying a balance without letters10 states
- Florida
Permits a bank to pay up to $2,000 on an affidavitFla. Stat. § 735.303Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Georgia
Permits a bank to pay up to $15,000 on an affidavitO.C.G.A. § 7-1-239Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Kentucky
Directs a bank to pay up to $2,500 on an order of the courtKRS 391.030(2)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Massachusetts
Permits a bank to pay up to $10,000 on proof the institution acceptsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 167D, § 12Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- New Mexico
Permits a bank to pay up to $2,000 on proof the institution acceptsNMSA 1978 § 58-1-8Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- New York
Permits a bank to pay up to $30,000 on an affidavitN.Y. SCPA § 1310Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Pennsylvania
Directs a bank to pay up to $20,000 on an affidavit20 Pa.C.S. § 3101(b)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Tennessee
Permits a bank to pay up to $15,000 on proof the institution acceptsT.C.A. § 45-2-708Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceT.C.A. § 45-2-708
Permits a bank to pay up to $10,000 on proof the institution acceptsT.C.A. § 30-2-103(b)(2)Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceT.C.A. § 30-2-103(b)(2)
- Texas
Permits a bank to pay up to $5,000 on an order of the courtTex. Est. Code § 152.051Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- West Virginia
Permits a bank to pay up to $5,000 on an affidavitW. Va. Code § 44-1-28(c), (d)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
What PNC Bank's agreement and guidance say5
- Telling the institution
Each joint depositor agrees to notify PNC promptly of the death of any other depositor or authorized signer by providing a copy of the depositor's death certificate.1
- Payments after the death
PNC may pay checks and carry out transfer orders the deceased depositor authorized for 10 days after the date of death (or as otherwise provided by law), unless a surviving joint depositor or, on a single account, the legal representative tells PNC to stop payment.1
- What it does when notified
PNC may refuse withdrawals from the account until any legal requirements are met.1
On a CD or retirement account, each joint owner agrees to notify PNC immediately of the death of another joint owner, and PNC may restrict the account until legal and bank requirements are met.2
- Deposits after the death
If PNC must reimburse the U.S. government for any part of a benefit payment deposited into the account, PNC may deduct the amount from that account or any other account you have with PNC without prior notice, unless the law prohibits it.1
If PNC receives or releases funds after the depositor's death and has to pay tax or reclamation claims to a government agency as a result, the estate must reimburse PNC. PNC may hold or freeze funds subject to the claim until it is resolved.1
- Powers of attorney
PNC follows the directions of an agent or fiduciary designated on its records until it receives written notice that the agency or fiduciary relationship has ended and has had reasonable time to act on it.1
Sources2
- 1.Account Agreement for Consumer Checking, Savings and Money Market Accounts, Effective September 20, 2026
- 2.Account Agreement for Personal Certificates of Deposit, Retirement Accounts and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, Effective July 26, 2026
Mortgage and home lending
Mortgages and home equity loans are liabilities, not assets. They do not have beneficiaries and cannot be retitled to a trust.
- By mail: PNC Bank, 6750 Miller Road, Mailstop: BR-YB58-0E-1NOD, Brecksville, OH 44141
- Or at a PNC branch
- The case is then handled by the Probate team (1-844-554-9254, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET)
Required Documents
- Copy of the borrower's death certificate
- Completed PNC Intent QuestionnaireEnclosed in the package. It asks whether you intend to keep the property, liquidate the property, or pay off the loan.
- Copy of the recorded deed showing that ownership, joint tenant with right of survivorship or tenant by the entirety
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, if the borrower's estate is administered through the probate courtProof of appointment as personal representative of the estate, such as executor or administrator.
- Copy of the probated will with proof of filing date after the date of death, if the property will be distributed under a will
- Complete trust agreement or certificate of trust, if there is a trustThe certificate of trust includes the disposition of the property. Plus the recorded deed to the trustee, and the deed from the trustee to the beneficiary if the property has already been distributed.
- The borrower's probated will, for a pour-over trust from a will
- Written confirmation that no estate will be established, if none of the situations above appliesPlus the relationship documents the package lists for a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling or grandchild.
- Marriage certificate and written confirmation of marriage when the borrower died, spouse who did not own the property with the borrower as tenants by the entirety or joint tenants
- Copy of your birth certificate, child of the borrower
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-800-822-5626
Fax: 1-833-299-6176
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-9:00 PM ET; Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET; Saturday 9:00 AM-2:00 PM ET
Mailing address: PNC Bank, P.O. Box 1820, Dayton, OH 45401-1820
Forms PNC Bank issues2
- Successor Validation Package - Related to death of borrower
Available to download.1
- Confirmed Successor in Interest Opt-In/Opt-Out form
Completed by a confirmed successor in interest. Available to download.2
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
PNC's successor in interest form says: "Unless you assume the loan obligation under state law, you are not liable for the debt and cannot be required to use your assets to pay the debt." It adds that the lender keeps its security interest and right to foreclose.2
Federal law on calling a home loan after a death
These exemptions apply to a loan secured by residential real property containing less than five dwelling units.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d); 12 CFR 191.5(b), 141.14Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(3); 12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(iii)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(5)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(6)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
A federal regulation sets further conditions on these transfers.12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(v)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
What PNC Bank provides to the estate1
- Payoff statement
A confirmed successor in interest may request a payoff statement by calling Customer Service or in writing. It gives the amount required to pay off the loan, which is different from the current balance.2
What PNC Bank's agreement and guidance say1
- Who can get account information
A confirmed successor in interest may receive notices and communications about the loan if PNC is not providing them to another confirmed successor or borrower, and may opt in or out with the Opt-In/Opt-Out form.2
Sources2
- By mail: PNC Bank, 6750 Miller Road, Mailstop: BR-YB58-0E-1NOD, Brecksville, OH 44141
- Or at a PNC branch
- The case is then handled by the Probate team (1-844-554-9254, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET)
Required Documents
- Copy of the borrower's death certificate
- Completed PNC Intent QuestionnaireEnclosed in the package. It asks whether you intend to keep the property, liquidate the property, or pay off the loan.
- Copy of the recorded deed showing that ownership, joint tenant with right of survivorship or tenant by the entirety
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, if the borrower's estate is administered through the probate courtProof of appointment as personal representative of the estate, such as executor or administrator.
- Copy of the probated will with proof of filing date after the date of death, if the property will be distributed under a will
- Complete trust agreement or certificate of trust, if there is a trustThe certificate of trust includes the disposition of the property. Plus the recorded deed to the trustee, and the deed from the trustee to the beneficiary if the property has already been distributed.
- The borrower's probated will, for a pour-over trust from a will
- Written confirmation that no estate will be established, if none of the situations above appliesPlus the relationship documents the package lists for a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling or grandchild.
- Marriage certificate and written confirmation of marriage when the borrower died, spouse who did not own the property with the borrower as tenants by the entirety or joint tenants
- Copy of your birth certificate, child of the borrower
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-888-762-2265
Fax: 1-833-299-6176
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-10:00 PM ET; Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Mailing address: PNC Bank, P.O. Box 1820, Dayton, OH 45401-1820
Forms PNC Bank issues2
- Successor Validation Package - Related to death of borrower
Available to download.1
- Confirmed Successor in Interest Opt-In/Opt-Out form
Completed by a confirmed successor in interest. Available to download.2
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
PNC's successor in interest form says: "Unless you assume the loan obligation under state law, you are not liable for the debt and cannot be required to use your assets to pay the debt." It adds that the lender keeps its security interest and right to foreclose.2
What PNC Bank provides to the estate1
- Payoff statement
A confirmed successor in interest may request a payoff statement by calling Customer Service or in writing. It gives the amount required to pay off the loan, which is different from the current balance.2
What PNC Bank's agreement and guidance say1
- Who can get account information
A confirmed successor in interest may receive notices and communications about the loan if PNC is not providing them to another confirmed successor or borrower, and may opt in or out with the Opt-In/Opt-Out form.2
Sources2
- By mail: PNC Bank, 6750 Miller Road, Mailstop: BR-YB58-0E-1NOD, Brecksville, OH 44141
- Or at a PNC branch
- The case is then handled by the Probate team (1-844-554-9254, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET)
Required Documents
- Copy of the borrower's death certificate
- Completed PNC Intent QuestionnaireEnclosed in the package. It asks whether you intend to keep the property, liquidate the property, or pay off the loan.
- Copy of the recorded deed showing that ownership, joint tenant with right of survivorship or tenant by the entirety
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, if the borrower's estate is administered through the probate courtProof of appointment as personal representative of the estate, such as executor or administrator.
- Copy of the probated will with proof of filing date after the date of death, if the property will be distributed under a will
- Complete trust agreement or certificate of trust, if there is a trustThe certificate of trust includes the disposition of the property. Plus the recorded deed to the trustee, and the deed from the trustee to the beneficiary if the property has already been distributed.
- The borrower's probated will, for a pour-over trust from a will
- Written confirmation that no estate will be established, if none of the situations above appliesPlus the relationship documents the package lists for a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling or grandchild.
- Marriage certificate and written confirmation of marriage when the borrower died, spouse who did not own the property with the borrower as tenants by the entirety or joint tenants
- Copy of your birth certificate, child of the borrower
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-888-762-2265
Fax: 1-833-299-6176
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-10:00 PM ET; Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Mailing address: PNC Bank, P.O. Box 1820, Dayton, OH 45401-1820
Forms PNC Bank issues2
- Successor Validation Package - Related to death of borrower
Available to download.1
- Confirmed Successor in Interest Opt-In/Opt-Out form
Completed by a confirmed successor in interest. Available to download.2
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
PNC's successor in interest form says: "Unless you assume the loan obligation under state law, you are not liable for the debt and cannot be required to use your assets to pay the debt." It adds that the lender keeps its security interest and right to foreclose.2
What PNC Bank provides to the estate1
- Payoff statement
A confirmed successor in interest may request a payoff statement by calling Customer Service or in writing. It gives the amount required to pay off the loan, which is different from the current balance.2
What PNC Bank's agreement and guidance say1
- Who can get account information
A confirmed successor in interest may receive notices and communications about the loan if PNC is not providing them to another confirmed successor or borrower, and may opt in or out with the Opt-In/Opt-Out form.2
Sources2
PNC Bank's Estate & Decedent Processing can be reached by phone at 1-888-762-2265 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from PNC Bank primary sources (29 pages reviewed). How we research.
PNC Bank death claims support
Estate & Decedent Processing
Phone
Probate Team (lending accounts)
Hours
Website
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