What happens to American Express Savings accounts after an Account holder’s death?

The Bank requires certain documents depending on your specific circumstances. We may request additional documents. Please keep in mind that every situation is different, and some requirements vary by state. We recommend you consult with a financial or legal advisor for more information/assistance.

Individual Account with designated POD beneficiary(ies)

• A death certificate (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• Affidavit of Identity (for each beneficiary)

Individual Account with no designated POD beneficiaries

• A death certificate (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• A document that appoints someone to manage the deceased’s estate or personal property, such as 1) Executorship or estate administration documentation (a court-issued document that appoints someone to manage the deceased’s estate, such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration). Please note that we are unable to accept Wills or Trust documents. OR 2) A notarized state-specific (from the deceased’s state of residence) Small Estate Affidavit (a document that appoints someone to manage the deceased’s personal property, including bank accounts, when the deceased’s assets are less than a certain amount).

Joint Account with surviving Account owner

The account automatically transitions to an Account with the surviving Account owner as the sole Account owner. To remove a deceased Account owner from the Account, please submit the following:

• A death certificate (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• New Account Form (applicable only if the decedent is the primary owner)

Joint Account without surviving Account owner, with designated POD beneficiary(ies)

If all joint Account owners are deceased with designated POD beneficiaries:

• Death certificates (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• Affidavit of Identity (for each beneficiary)

Joint Account without surviving Account owner, with no designated POD beneficiaries

If all joint Account owners are deceased with no designated POD beneficiaries:

• A death certificate (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• A document that appoints someone to manage the deceased’s estate or personal property, such as 1) Executorship or estate administration documentation (a court-issued document that appoints someone to manage the deceased’s estate, such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration). Please note that we are unable to accept Wills or Trust documents. OR 2) A notarized state-specific (from the deceased’s state of residence) Small Estate Affidavit (a document that appoints someone to manage the deceased’s personal property, including bank accounts, when the deceased’s assets are less than a certain amount).

Individual Account re-titled as a revocable living Trust Account

(Please note that the funds will be disbursed to the trust c/o a successor trustee under a valid certificate/declaration of trust.)

• Death certificate (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• A notarized state-specific Certificate/Declaration of Trust (a document that confirms that the trustee has the authority to act on behalf of the Trust), identifying the current trustee of the trust by name and address.

Joint Account re-titled as a revocable living Trust Account

Surviving Account owner:

• Death certificate (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)      
• Letter of Instruction      
• New Account Form (applicable only if the decedent is the primary owner)
• A notarized state-specific Certificate/Declaration of Trust (a document that confirms that the trustee has the authority to act on behalf of the Trust), identifying the current trustee of the trust by name and address. 

Both joint Account owners are deceased:

(Please note that the funds will be disbursed to the trust or successor trustee under a valid certificate of trust)

• Death certificates (copy only, as originals are not able to be returned)
• Letter of Instruction 
• A notarized state-specific
• Certificate/Declaration of Trust (a document that confirms that the trustee has the authority to act on behalf of the Trust), identifying the current trustee
  of the trust by name and address.

Please mail or fax your documents to:

• Fax: 1-800-542-0779
• Mail:

  American Express National Bank

  PO Box 30384

  Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0384

Can I submit the will?

No, we do not accept a will (or copy of a will) as a document that properly authorizes someone to manage the deceased’s estate or personal property. Acceptable types of documentation for different scenarios are described here.