What to do when a Webster account holder dies

The surviving owner has the right to all the funds, subject to Webster's setoff and security interest and any pending legal process against the account.¹

After the last surviving owner dies, Webster may pay the then-surviving designated beneficiaries, in equal shares unless the designation provides otherwise. If no beneficiary is living, Webster may pay the legal representative of the last surviving owner.¹

On a trust agreement account, if the trustee dies or is replaced, Webster releases no funds until all required legal documents are delivered and all other legal requirements for release are met.¹

A CD can be withdrawn early without penalty on the death of its owner.¹

Deposit-verification requests for estate accounts, which must be mailed²

The agreement says: "You agree to promptly notify us if you learn or suspect an account owner or authorized signer has died". A written notice "is effective once we receive it and have a reasonable opportunity to act on it".¹

On proper notice, Webster may freeze the account until it receives documents verifying the death and instructions about the remaining funds, and may return or reverse deposits.¹

Webster may apply the funds in the account to any debt owed to Webster before recognizing a surviving joint owner or other person.¹

For ten days after the date of death, Webster may pay checks drawn on or before that date unless an authorized signer or a person claiming an interest in the account orders a stop payment.¹

Webster may rely on the letters of appointment until the probate court notifies it in writing that the personal representative has resigned, been removed, or no longer has authority.¹

The Deposit Account Agreement, effective August 20, 2026, governs Webster Bank accounts after the merger into Santander Bank, N.A.^{1, 3}