What to do when a Wealthsimple account holder dies
Report the death to Wealthsimple support team at 1-855-255-9038
What happens to Wealthsimple investment 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 Wealthsimple support team (1-855-255-9038) to claim the funds.
To start, call Wealthsimple at 1-855-255-9038. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate ready before you call.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at Wealthsimple:
Filing a claim
- Phone: 1-855-255-9038
- Chat: 24/7 through the Wealthsimple website or app
Required Documents
- Death certificate
- Notarial (or Certified True) copy of the will, if applicable
- Letter of Direction from the executorWith instructions to liquidate and pay out the estate of the deceased individual.
- Valid government-issued ID of the executorPhotos and scans are accepted.
- Probate document (Certificate of Appointment, Grant of Administration, etc.), if already obtainedA notarial (or Certified True) copy.
- Testamentary Search of the Quebec Bar, in Quebec only
- Search Certificate for Chamber of Notaries of Quebec, in Quebec only
What happens to each kind of account1
- Investment account
A registered account with a named beneficiary is distributed to the beneficiary of the account. A non-registered account, or a registered account without a named beneficiary, is paid out to the estate of the deceased client.1
The estates team settles only existing Wealthsimple accounts. An executor cannot transfer accounts from other financial institutions to the deceased client's Wealthsimple profile.1
Accounts handled elsewhere1
- Betterment
Former Wealthsimple US accounts, which were moved to Betterment in June 20212
Phone: 1-718-400-6898
What Wealthsimple's agreement and guidance say1
- How proceeds are paid
The beneficiary or estate executor does not have to be a Wealthsimple client to receive the assets.1
Sources2
- 1.Estate settlement process, updated 2026-09-21
- 2.Wealthsimple US Transition to Betterment
Wealthsimple support team can be reached by phone at 1-855-255-9038 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from Wealthsimple primary sources (12 pages reviewed). How we research.
Wealthsimple death claims support
Wealthsimple support team
Phone
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.
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.
Affidavit of Heirship
Prepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.
Small Estate Affidavit
Collect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.
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Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
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Find out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
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A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
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