How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at The First

Covers 9 deposit, 2 retirement, and 3 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch

Brand change

The First Bancshares, Inc. merged into Renasant Corporation on April 1, 2025; the systems conversion to Renasant Bank completed August 1-4, 2025 and the The First Bank brand was retired. Former customers now bank with Renasant Bank -- call the Renasant Customer Experience Center at 1-877-367-5371. Effective April 2025.

The First is now part of Renasant Bank. The procedures below reflect The First's accounts during the transition. View the Renasant Bank estate planning page.

The First

Subsidiary of The First Bancshares, Inc.

thefirstbank.com
The First logo

Renasant Customer Experience Center (successor to The First Bank Service Center)

Mailing Address

Renasant Bank, Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 709, Tupelo, MS 38802

Renasant Customer Experience Center (successor to The First Bank Service Center)

Mailing Address

Renasant Bank, Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 709, Tupelo, MS 38802

Renasant Customer Experience Center (death claims on former The First Bank accounts)

Mailing Address

Renasant Bank, Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 709, Tupelo, MS 38802

Verified Jul 2026

The key to protecting your The First accounts is making sure each one has a transfer mechanism in place—either a beneficiary designation or trust ownership. Without one, the account goes through probate, adding time, cost, and court involvement for your family.

Each of The First's 14 accounts has different rules for how it transfers at death. The sections below explain the options for each.

Basic CheckingE-CheckingRelationship Checking50 First CheckingCommunity CheckingStatement SavingsPremium Plus SavingsMoney Market AccountCertificate of Deposit
1
Visit any The First Bank branch and request a POD update
  • Request to add or update POD (Payable on Death) beneficiary designation
  • Provide beneficiary information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relationship
2
Complete and retain the designation form
  • Sign the beneficiary designation form
  • Retain a copy of the signed form for your records

Required Documents

  • Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)

Special Requirements

  • POD beneficiary changes typically require visiting a branch or completing a paper form
  • Trusts named as beneficiaries require trust documentation including trust name, date, and trustee information
  • IRA beneficiary changes may require a separate IRA-specific beneficiary designation form
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Sources

Data sourced from The First primary sources (9 pages reviewed). How we research.

Download these The First instructions

Download instructions for the whole estate

A printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against The First primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.

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