What to do when a WaFd Bank account holder dies
Report the death to WaFd Bank at 1-800-324-9375
When an account holder at WaFd Bank passes away, the next step depends on how the accounts were set up. Accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer outside of probate. Accounts titled solely in the deceased's name require the estate's legal representative to work with WaFd Bank (1-800-324-9375) to access and distribute the funds.
Begin by calling WaFd Bank at 1-800-324-9375. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at WaFd Bank:
Filing a claim
- Call WaFd Bank at 800-324-9375 (available 24/7) or visit a local WaFd Bank branch
- WaFd keeps paying items the account holder authorized until it receives written notice of the death
- Surviving joint owners and payable-on-death beneficiaries may be asked for reasonable proof of the death
- In some states WaFd may also require tax releases or other documents or consents from government authorities before paying out funds
Required Documents
- Death certificateThe deposit agreement says WaFd may require "reasonable proof" of the death from surviving owners and in-trust-for beneficiaries.
- Paperwork showing the executor or administrator's authority, for accounts that pass through the estate
- Certified copy of the trust instrument, a certification of trust, or the court order, for a trust account, if WaFd requests it
- Tax releases or other documents or consents from government authorities, in some states
What happens to each kind of account5
- Joint account with survivorship
The death of one owner does not affect the right of any other owner to make deposits, make withdrawals or write checks. WaFd may require the surviving owners to give reasonable proof of the death before they withdraw funds.1
- Joint account without survivorship
After WaFd receives notice of the death, the deceased owner's share is set aside for the estate. The surviving co-owners' shares stay at their disposal.1
- Payable-on-death account
WaFd may require in-trust-for beneficiaries to give reasonable proof of the death before they withdraw funds.1
- Trust account
Only the trustee may transact business on a trust account. WaFd can request a certified copy of the trust instrument, a certification of trust, or the court order.1
- Certificate of deposit
A CD can be closed, or its entire balance transferred, without an early withdrawal penalty on the death of any account holder.1
State law on paying a balance without letters4 states
- New Mexico
Permits a bank to pay up to $2,000 on proof the institution acceptsNMSA 1978 § 58-1-8Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Oregon
Permits a bank to pay up to $25,000 on an affidavitORS 708A.430Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Texas
Permits a bank to pay up to $5,000 on an order of the courtTex. Est. Code § 152.051Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Washington
Permits a bank to pay up to $2,500 on an affidavitRCW 30A.22.190(2)Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceRCW 30A.22.190(2)
Permits a bank to pay on an affidavit; the section sets no dollar limitRCW 30A.22.190(1)Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceRCW 30A.22.190(1)
What WaFd Bank's agreement and guidance say3
- Telling the institution
WaFd's authority to pay checks and other authorized items, accept deposits and collect deposited items continues until it receives written notice of the death. Each joint owner is responsible for notifying WaFd when another joint owner dies.1
- Payments after the death
After it receives notice, WaFd may still pay checks and other items the account holder authorized before the death, for the period the law allows.1
Not in WaFd Bank's published guidance2
- A procedure for reporting a death
- Whether the death certificate must be certified
Sources2
- 1.Personal Deposit Account Agreement and Disclosures, Effective July 27, 2026
- 2.Financial Steps to Take When Someone Dies, updated April 2025
WaFd Bank can be reached by phone at 1-800-324-9375 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
(1)·
Data sourced from WaFd Bank primary sources (16 pages reviewed). How we research.
WaFd Bank death claims support
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Free forms for settling an estate: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for your state.
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.
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