Handling the Finances of a Deceased Person

Settling the affairs of a loved one can be tough to navigate. We are here to assist you with handling their accounts at BECU.

Steps and Requirements for Reporting a Death to BECU

Notify BECU by calling 800-233-2328 or visit any BECU location.
We may require a copy of the Certified Death Certificate. You may obtain this document from your state's Department of Health.
Allow for 3 or more weeks for account research to be completed.
Bring your documents to any BECU location or mail them to:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are appointed Personal Representative or Administrator, please provide us with a certified copy of the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. BECU does not accept wills or provide legal advice. We understand you may have questions and we encourage you to seek answers from a trusted legal professional.

Taking quick action and closing the accounts will limit the complications associated with year-end reporting to the IRS caused by using the member's Social Security number (SSN), however there is no specific time frame. Until the account(s) are closed, BECU will continue to report earned interest to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the member's SSN.

Contact the companies or agencies depositing the funds to determine what is required. Funds may need to be returned to the paying party. Government deposits made in the decedent's name after the date of death will automatically be returned.

Yes. As the joint account holder, you retain access to funds and may use your debit card and checks as long as the account(s) remain open, and funds are available.

It is recommended that the accounts held under the deceased member's Social Security number be closed as soon as possible. You may open new accounts with yourself as the Tax Owner

If there is a co-borrower on the loan or credit card, the co-borrower may continue to use the account and will be responsible for paying any outstanding balance. The decedent will be removed once the surviving borrower is a Tax Owner of a Member Share Savings account at BECU. For information about establishing new accounts, visit our membership page.

No. Unfortunately, you are not authorized to use the credit card after the cardholder's death. You must either destroy or return your card to BECU.

If the member was the sole borrower of a loan, BECU will remove any available limits, preventing further disbursements. Deposit account balances may be applied to the outstanding balance of the loan(s) and any late fees charged after the date of death will be reversed.

BECU will accept payment to these loans from anyone when a copy of the Certified Death Certificate has been received. If there is an Estate, it may be responsible for repaying any outstanding loan balances. A new loan may also be used to pay off the balance(s).

If the loans will not be paid and there is collateral, it may be surrendered to or repossessed by BECU. You may contact our Loss Management department at 206-439-5787 to arrange a surrender.

Please contact the BECU Mortgage department as soon as possible at 877-747-2328.

Additional Information

Adult Beneficiary Claim Request
Print (PDF)

Claim Funds of Deceased Account Holder
Print (PDF) or Digital (eSign)

Consumer Account Servicing
Print (PDF)

Deceased Member Documentation Request
Print (PDF) or Digital (eSign)

Deceased Tax Owner Account Closure Request
Print (PDF) or Digital (eSign)

IRA Beneficiary Disbursement Election
Print (PDF) or Digital (eSign)

IRA Beneficiary Disbursement Election-Organization
Print (PDF) or Digital (eSign)

Minor Beneficiary Claim Request
Print (PDF)

Organization Beneficiary Claim Request
Print (PDF)

Request to Remove Decedent from Mortgage
Print (PDF)

Small Estate Settlement by Affidavit
Print (PDF)

Trust Account Successor Trustee Certification and Account Closure Request
Print (PDF)

The BECU Contact Us page provides important phone numbers, our hours of operation and alternative ways you can reach us.