What to do when a Stash account holder dies
Contact Stash — 3-step process, 5 required documents, and varies; depends on documentation completeness and estate complexity
Stash, 500 7th Ave, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Stash, 500 7th Ave, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018
After an account holder at Stash 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 Stash's Customer Support (Death Claims) at 1-800-205-5164 with the proper legal authority documents.
To start a claim, contact Stash by phone at 1-800-205-5164 or email documentation to support@stash.com. You will need the account holder's full name, account numbers, and a certified death certificate.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at Stash:
Filing a claim
- Email support@stash.com to report the death
- Provide the deceased's first and last name, plus their phone number or email address on file so Stash can locate the account
- Stash responds with next steps and required documentation
- Submit a copy of the certified death certificate
- If named TOD beneficiary: provide government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity
- If no beneficiary designated: submit Small Estate Affidavit or Letters Testamentary/Letters of Administration from probate court
- Provide your preferred mailing address for the distribution check
- Account is closed and funds are distributed by physical check mailed to the claimant
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for beneficiary or executor/administrator
- Small Estate Affidavit (if applicable under state law and no beneficiary designated)
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if estate exceeds small estate threshold)
- Probate court documentation (if no beneficiary and estate does not qualify for small estate procedures)
What to know at this institution
No dedicated estate or inheritor services department -- all death claims handled through general customer support via email. Funds are distributed by physical check mailed to the claimant address. Account cannot be transferred to another Stash account. Clearing and custody through Apex Clearing Corporation.
Prepare your letter of instruction to Stash
Stash accepts a claimant-drafted letter of instruction. We draft it for you — addressed to Stash's verified claims department, with the documents it requires enclosed.
Build your letter of instructionExpected timelines at Stash: Varies; depends on documentation completeness and estate complexity. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.
Stash requires several documents to process a claim, including Certified death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for beneficiary or executor/administrator, and Small Estate Affidavit (if applicable under state law and no beneficiary designated), and additional documentation depending on the account type. Certified copies are typically needed—photocopies are generally not accepted for death certificates or court documents.
Frequently asked questions
No. Transfer on Death beneficiary designations are not available in all jurisdictions. The TOD form notes that availability depends on state law, and no designation will be effective until all required documentation is received and accepted by Apex Clearing Corporation. In community property states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI), spousal consent is required if the spouse is not an account holder or named as sole primary beneficiary.
Stash's Customer Support (Death Claims) can be reached by phone at 1-800-205-5164 and email at support@stash.com for questions throughout the claims process.
Multiple Stash investment accounts may mean multiple claims. Some account types can be processed together, but others require their own documentation. Check with the Customer Support (Death Claims) to confirm what applies.
Sources
Data sourced from Stash primary sources (14 pages reviewed). How we research.
Stash, 500 7th Ave, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Stash, 500 7th Ave, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018
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