What to do when a WSFS Bank account holder dies
Report the death to WSFS Bank at 1-888-973-7226
After an account holder at WSFS Bank 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 WSFS Bank with the proper legal authority documents.
Gather the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any known account or policy numbers before contacting WSFS Bank.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with WSFS Bank:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Written notice of the death
- Copy of the trust agreement or other forms WSFS requires, for a Formal Trust Account, on request
- Documents and authorizations WSFS requires to show authority over an estate accountWSFS may require whatever documents and authorizations it deems necessary.
What happens to each kind of account5
- Joint account with survivorship
The deceased owner's interest passes immediately to the surviving joint owner or owners.1
- Payable-on-death account
When the last owner dies, the surviving payable-on-death payees own the account, in equal shares unless WSFS account records state otherwise. With no surviving payee, state law determines ownership.1
- Trust account
On a Formal Trust Account, the trustee or trustees give WSFS, on request, a copy of the trust agreement or any other form WSFS requires to change the account.1
- Fiduciary account
On an estate account, WSFS may require the documents and authorizations it deems necessary to show authority to withdraw, and may restrict the account to comply with a court order.1
- Certificate of deposit
WSFS may allow a withdrawal before maturity without the early withdrawal penalty when an owner dies.1
State law on paying a balance without lettersPennsylvania
- Pennsylvania
20 Pa.C.S. § 3101(b)
Pennsylvania law directs a bank to pay from a deceased depositor's balance on an affidavit, without letters testamentary or letters of administration.20 Pa.C.S. § 3101(b)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Limit: $20,000 held at the institution
When: at any time after the death of a depositor, member or certificate holder
Paid to: the spouse; any child; the father or mother; any sister or brother
The section sets further conditions.
What WSFS Bank's agreement and guidance say2
- Telling the institution
The Relationship Reference Guide requires any account owner or authorized signer to notify WSFS in writing when an account owner or authorized signer dies.1
- Debts owed to the institution
WSFS's right of setoff does not reach IRA, Keogh or Trust Accounts, or accounts whose funds the customer does not own.1
Not in WSFS Bank's published guidance6
- A procedure for reporting a death
- A claim form
- A mailing address for claim documents
- A fax number for claim documents
- An email address for claim documents
- Whether the death certificate must be certified
Sources1
- 1.Relationship Reference Guide, Effective July 1, 2025
Sources
Data sourced from WSFS Bank primary sources (29 pages reviewed). How we research.
WSFS Bank death claims support
Customer Service
Phone
Online & Mobile Banking
Student Lending
Hours
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your WSFS Bank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
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