What to do when a SDCCU account holder dies
Contact SDCCU — 5-step process, 6 required documents, and pod and joint accounts typically process within 5-10 business days after all documents are received. accounts requiring probate depend on court timelines.
Phone1-858-453-2112
Toll-Free1-877-732-2848
Mailing Address
SDCCU, P.O. Box 269040, San Diego, CA 92196-9040
WebsiteLearn more→
Phone1-858-453-2112
Toll-Free1-877-732-2848
Mailing Address
SDCCU, P.O. Box 269040, San Diego, CA 92196-9040
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-858-453-2112
Toll-Free1-877-732-2848
Mailing Address
San Diego County Credit Union, Attn: Deposits, P.O. Box 269040, San Diego, CA 92196-9040
Verified Jul 2026
The Death Claims at SDCCU 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.
The claim process begins with a phone call to 1-858-453-2112. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and a certified death certificate available when making initial contact.
Death claim process
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what SDCCU requires:
Filing a claim
1
Notify SDCCU of the member's death by calling (877) 732-2848 or visiting a branch
2
Provide initial information:
- Deceased member's name, account number, and date of death
- Certified copy of the death certificate
3
Submit documentation based on account type:
- POD accounts: beneficiary provides government-issued ID and claims funds (assets less any outstanding loans or fees transfer to the named beneficiary)
- Joint accounts: surviving account owner retains full access; the deceased owner is removed from the account
- Non-POD/non-joint accounts: executor or administrator provides Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the probate court
- Trust accounts: successor trustee provides trust documentation and trustee identification
4
SDCCU reviews all submitted documentation and processes the claim
5
Funds are distributed per beneficiary designation, trust terms, or estate instructions
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the claimant (beneficiary, executor, or successor trustee)
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if no POD designation and not a joint or trust account)
- Small Estate Affidavit (if estate qualifies under California Probate Code)
- Trust documents and trustee identification (if trust is beneficiary or account is trust-titled)
- Deceased member's account number or Social Security Number
What to know at this institution
For FedEx/UPS delivery: San Diego County Credit Union, Attn: Deposits, 6545 Sequence Drive, San Diego, CA 92121. International callers: (858) 453-2112. SDCCU Payment Protection covers credit cards, auto/motorcycle loans, and signature loans: in the event of a member's death or diagnosis of terminal illness, the outstanding loan balance is paid in full up to $50,000. Credit card enrollment is available anytime; auto and signature loan enrollment must occur at the time of loan funding. To enroll, call (877) 732-2848 ext. 3100 or visit any branch.
Prepare your letter of instruction to SDCCU
SDCCU accepts a claimant-drafted letter of instruction. We draft it for you — addressed to SDCCU's verified claims department, with the documents it requires enclosed.
Build your letter of instructionExpected timelines at SDCCU: POD and joint accounts typically process within 5-10 business days after all documents are received. Accounts requiring probate depend on court timelines. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.
Documentation required by SDCCU includes Certified death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for the claimant (beneficiary, executor, or successor trustee), and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if no POD designation and not a joint or trust account), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
SDCCU offers a Payment Protection program that pays the outstanding loan balance in full (up to $50,000) in the event of a member's death or diagnosis of terminal illness (defined as a condition expected to result in death within 12 months). Coverage is available for SDCCU Visa credit cards, auto/motorcycle loans, and signature loans. Credit card enrollment is available at any time with a 30-day free cancellation window. Auto and signature loan enrollment must occur at the time of loan funding. To enroll, call (877) 732-2848 ext. 3100 or visit any branch location.
SDCCU's Death Claims can be reached by phone at 1-877-732-2848 for questions throughout the claims process.
Multiple SDCCU accounts may mean multiple claims. Some account types can be processed together, but others require their own documentation. Check with the Death Claims to confirm what applies.
Sources
Data sourced from SDCCU primary sources (17 pages reviewed). How we research.
Phone1-858-453-2112
Toll-Free1-877-732-2848
Mailing Address
SDCCU, P.O. Box 269040, San Diego, CA 92196-9040
WebsiteLearn more→
Phone1-858-453-2112
Toll-Free1-877-732-2848
Mailing Address
SDCCU, P.O. Box 269040, San Diego, CA 92196-9040
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-858-453-2112
Toll-Free1-877-732-2848
Mailing Address
San Diego County Credit Union, Attn: Deposits, P.O. Box 269040, San Diego, CA 92196-9040
Verified Jul 2026
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