What to do when a Regions account holder dies
Report the death to Regions Green Line Customer Service Center at 1-800-734-4667
What happens to Regions 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 Regions Green Line Customer Service Center (1-800-734-4667) to claim the funds.
The claim process begins with a phone call to 1-800-734-4667. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate available when making initial contact.
Deposit, investment & retirement accounts
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what Regions requires:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Death certificateRegions' guidance says a copy is provided to organizations including financial institutions, government agencies, creditors and insurers.
- Valid ID
- Court-issued documents (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration), depending on the account type and state law, in place of a Small Estate AffidavitRegions' guidance: Letters Testamentary go to an executor named in the will; Letters of Administration go to an administrator the probate court appoints when there is no valid will.
- Small Estate Affidavit, depending on the account type and state law, in place of court-issued documents
- Other estate papers, such as the will and account statements, if Regions asks for them before a meeting with a banker
- Certificates, affidavits or instruments attesting to the terms of the trust, for a formal trust account, if Regions requires them from the trustee or a beneficiary
What happens to each kind of account7
- Account in one name
Access may be limited until the required documents are provided.1
- Joint account with survivorship
Usually passes to the surviving account holder or holders with proper documentation of survivorship.1
A personal account with more than one owner is treated as a joint account with right of survivorship unless the signature card or account records say otherwise.2
- Payable-on-death account
Named beneficiaries can receive the funds but cannot access the account, get information such as statements, or be added to the account.1
On the death of the depositor or surviving depositors, the funds are paid in equal shares to the named beneficiaries then living, adult or minor. Payment to them fully releases Regions.2
- Trust account
If the trustee of a formal trust account dies or is replaced, Regions releases no funds until it is satisfied that all required legal documents have been delivered and all other legal requirements have been met.2
Regions may accept the trustee's or beneficiaries' certificates or affidavits in place of the trust instrument and rely on what they state.2
- Fiduciary account
Regions has no duty to supervise or monitor transactions in fiduciary accounts, including estate, guardianship and trust accounts.2
- Certificate of deposit
The early withdrawal penalty on a time deposit or certificate may be waived on the death of any depositor.2
State requirements Regions statesLouisiana, Texas, Tennessee
- Louisiana
For joint accounts at Louisiana branches, Regions may pay the balance to any joint depositor or to the legal representative of a deceased joint depositor's estate or succession, including after the death.2
- Texas
Under the Texas account disclosures, Regions may pay a convenience signer before it receives notice of the death of the last surviving party.2
- Tennessee
For a Tennessee account designated "joint tenants with right of survivorship," Regions may release all funds to the survivor on the death of any joint tenant.2
State law on paying a balance without letters8 states
- Alabama
Permits a bank to pay up to $5,000 on an affidavitAla. Code §§ 5-5A-38, 5-5A-39Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- 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
- Louisiana
Permits a bank to pay up to $20,000 on an affidavitLa. R.S. 6:315.1Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceLa. R.S. 6:315.1
Permits a bank to pay up to $20,000 on an affidavitLa. R.S. 9:1513Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceLa. R.S. 9:1513
- Mississippi
Permits a bank to pay up to $12,500 on a signed receipt or releaseMiss. Code Ann. § 81-5-63Verified 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
Accounts handled elsewhere2
- Insurance Claims and legal documentation
Legal documentation for a deceased account owner3
Phone: 1-800-289-6710
- Regions Private Wealth Management
Settling an estate when chosen as its representative in the estate plan4
What Regions's agreement and guidance say4
- Powers of attorney
Regions' guidance says all authorized signers and powers of attorney, whether general, durable or limited, terminate immediately at death.1
An action Regions takes on an agent's instruction binds the account owner if taken before Regions receives, and has a reasonable opportunity to act on, written notice of the principal's death.2
- Disputes between claimants
If anyone disputes who owns or may withdraw from an account, Regions may refuse all withdrawals, hold the funds, accept an indemnity, or deposit the funds with a court. Its attorneys' fees and costs are reimbursed by the account parties.2
- Which state governs the account
The agreement is governed by the laws and regulations of the United States and of the state where the account is established.2
- Arbitration
The Mutual Arbitration Agreement survives the account owner's death.2
Not in Regions's published guidance3
- A claim form
- A mailing address for claim documents
- An online way to report a death
Sources4
- 1.Coping with a Death in the Family, Updated March 18, 2026
- 2.Deposit Agreement, (09/26)
- 3.Customer Assistance Program
- 4.Estate Administration
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.
Required Documents
- Death certificateRegions' guidance lists financial institutions and creditors among the organizations that need a copy.
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-800-986-2462
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
Not in Regions's published guidance2
- A procedure for reporting a death
- How long a claim takes
Required Documents
- Death certificateRegions' guidance lists financial institutions and creditors among the organizations that need a copy.
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-800-986-2462
Not in Regions's published guidance2
- A procedure for reporting a death
- How long a claim takes
Required Documents
- Death certificateRegions' guidance lists financial institutions and creditors among the organizations that need a copy.
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-800-986-2462
Not in Regions's published guidance2
- A procedure for reporting a death
- How long a claim takes
Regions says joint or payable-on-death accounts may take days to weeks, and probate can take months or longer.
Regions Green Line Customer Service Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-734-4667 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from Regions primary sources (29 pages reviewed). How we research.
Regions death claims support
Regions Green Line Customer Service Center
Phone
Toll-free
Insurance Claims and legal documentation
Regions Mortgage Customer Service; Home Equity Loan or Line
Mortgage and home equity assistance
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.
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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.
