Handling an Ally Bank account when someone passes away.

We’re here to help when you’re settling an estate.

Whether you’re a beneficiary, executor or need to transfer account ownership, we’re here to help you navigate settling an Ally Bank account.

First, gather and prepare documents.

What you’ll need to provide depends on the type of account the decedent had and how you wish to manage it.

For non-bank accounts, like Ally Invest or Ally Auto accounts, you’ll need to call.

Help with other account types

Types of accounts.

Single-owner account.

The documents required to settle an account without a joint owner depend on whether there's a beneficiary. If you’re unsure whether the account had a beneficiary, send documents for an account without one.

Distribution options for accounts with a beneficiary.

Here’s what you’ll need to open an Ally account for the inheritance:

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • A note or verbal instructions letting us know you’d like to open an account

Here’s what you’ll need to transfer the inheritance to an existing Ally account:

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • A note or verbal instructions letting us know which Ally account you’d like to transfer the money to

Here’s what you’ll need if you request the inheritance as a check:

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • A note or verbal instructions letting us know you request the money as a check

Download printable version (PDF)

Distribution options for accounts without a beneficiary.

Here’s what you’ll need to open an Ally account for the inheritance:

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the affiant’s/executor’s valid form of ID

  • Probate documents or a small estate affidavit (rules and limitations regarding probate vary by state — reach out to your local probate court if you have questions)

  • Completed Estate Account Application (PDF) – if applicable

  • A note or verbal instructions letting us know you’d like to open an account

Here’s what you’ll need if you request the inheritance as a check:

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the affiant’s/executor’s valid form of ID

  • Probate documents or a small estate affidavit (rules and limitations regarding probate vary by state — reach out to your local probate court if you have questions)

  • A note or verbal instructions letting us know you request the money as a check

Download printable version (PDF)

Joint account.

These are accounts with more than one owner. Regardless of which settlement option the surviving owner chooses, the document requirements are the same.

Settlement options for joint owners.

  • Remove the decedent’s name from the account

  • Open a new Ally account

  • Transfer money to an existing Ally account

  • Request a check

What to provide.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A note or verbal message letting us know which settlement option you’d like.

Download printable version (PDF)

Trust.

The trust documentation should do the heavy lifting and let you know what the decedent arranged for the account. Then you can pass those instructions along to us (along with some documents we’ll need to verify everything).

Settlement options for trustees.

  • Add the successor trustee to the existing account and remove the decedent’s name

  • Open a new Ally Trust account

  • A check made payable to the trust

What to provide.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the successor trustee’s valid form of ID

  • Trust documents:

  • Page naming trust title, grantor and trustees

  • Successor trustee page

  • Signature and notary page

  • Most recent amendment (if applicable)

  • Trust/Trustee Maintenance Request (PDF)

  • A note or verbal instructions letting us know which settlement option you’d like

Download printable version (PDF)

Ally Bank IRA.

Distribution options for CD or savings IRAs vary based on the type of beneficiary and can be impacted by the age of the decedent.

Determine if there’s a required distribution

Based on the decedent’s age, there may be a required minimum distribution (RMD) that the IRS requires beneficiaries take. The RMD must be made at the same time as the requested distribution, so it’s important to know this before getting started. We can’t give tax advice, but a tax professional can discuss your options if necessary.

Pick a distribution option based on beneficiary type

Spouses listed as a beneficiary on the account have a few distribution options. What you’ll need to provide depends on the option you request.

Move money to your Ally Bank IRA.
Open an inherited Ally Bank IRA.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • Inherited IRA Application to Participate Traditional (PDF) or Roth (PDF)

  • This pdf also includes the required IRA Account Application

  • Transfer Request form Traditional (PDF) or Roth (PDF)

  • IRA Request for Distribution form (if RMD needs to be satisfied) (PDF) or Traditional/SEP (PDF) or Roth (PDF)

Transfer money to an IRA at another bank.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • The other bank’s outgoing transfer paperwork

Take a full distribution.

Non-spouse beneficiaries have a few distribution options. What you’ll need to provide depends on the option you request.

Open an inherited Ally Bank IRA.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • Inherited IRA Application to Participate Traditional (PDF) or Roth (PDF)

  • This pdf also includes the required IRA Account Application

  • Transfer Request form Traditional (PDF) or Roth (PDF)

  • IRA Request for Distribution form (if RMD needs to be satisfied) Traditional/SEP (PDF) or Roth (PDF)

Transfer money to an inherited IRA at another bank.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • The other bank’s outgoing transfer paperwork

Take a full distribution.

If the beneficiary is a minor (under 18, 19 or 21 depending on their state's laws), a custodian or guardian will need to manage their account until they come of age.

There are a few distribution options for accounts with minors listed as the beneficiary. What you’ll need to provide depends on the option you request.

Open a custodial account with us.
Transfer money to an inherited IRA at another bank.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • The other bank’s outgoing transfer paperwork

Take a full distribution.

If the account owner named a trust as the beneficiary, there may be a few distribution options. What you’ll need to provide depends on the option you request.

Transfer money to an inherited IRA at another bank.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • The other bank’s outgoing transfer paperwork

Take a full distribution.

If the account owner named their estate as the beneficiary, there may be a few distribution options. What you’ll need to provide depends on the option you request.

Open an Estate Account with us.
Transfer money to an inherited IRA at another bank.

  • A copy of the death certificate

  • A copy of the beneficiary’s valid form of ID

  • The other bank’s outgoing transfer paperwork

Take a full distribution.

Download printable version (PDF)

Help with other Account Types

Second, send us your documents.

Once you’ve gathered and completed the required documents and forms, send them to us in whichever way works best for you. We’ll contact you within 7 business days of receiving your documents if we need any more info.

Online.

If you have an Ally account.

Log in to your account on our app or at ally.com and send your documents to us by secure message.

If you don’t have an Ally account.

Call us at 1-877-247-2559 and request a secure link that you can use to upload your documents.

Mail.

Ally Bank Deposit Operations PO Box 951 Horsham, PA 19044

Expedited shipping.

Ally Bank Deposit Operations 1100 Virginia Drive, Suite 150 Fort Washington, PA 19034-3276

Fax.

Subject Line: Ally Bank Deposit Operations Fax Number: 866-699-2969

Need additional assistance? Give us a call.

If you have outstanding questions or need additional account information, we can provide it after receiving your documents. Call us at 1-877-247-2559. We’ll be glad to help.

Keep in mind, this information is specific to Ally Bank accounts when an owner passes away. Since every situation is different and some requirements vary by state, we recommend you speak to a financial professional or estate attorney.