A safe place to consolidate, pay bill, and distribute to heirs.
Every Sunset user gets an FDIC insured bank account in the name of the estate or trust they are settling.
Open the account in minutes
Sunset opens the estate or trust bank account as part of setting up your estate. You won't need to visit a branch or fill out a separate bank application. The named executor, personal representative, or trustee is the signer on the account.
Sunset opens accounts for each of these
"Clear steps, no stress. I always knew what came next, even for life insurance and car titles."
Deposit checks and receive transfers
Money comes back to an estate from a lot of places: refund checks, a final paycheck, life insurance paid to the estate, the balance of a closed bank account. The account has its own routing and account numbers, so it can receive all of it.
"I found all of my grandma’s accounts in just a couple days, including one we didn’t even know about. I cried when I realized how much work it was going to take, but Sunset made it quick and easy."
Pay estate or trust bills from the bank account
Executors and trustees have to keep estate money separate from their own. Pay the funeral home, final medical bills, property taxes, and the attorney from the estate account, and every payment is recorded against the estate.
"I did things when I had time. First the bank account, then the car title a few weeks later. It felt manageable."
Held at FDIC-insured U.S. banks
Sunset is not a bank. Estate and trust funds are held in deposit accounts at FDIC-insured banks in the United States, opened in the name of the estate or trust.
Included with every Sunset estate
Every Sunset user gets an estate or trust bank account. See what Sunset costs on our pricing page.
FDIC insurance on every account
Each estate and trust account is FDIC-insured and held only at an FDIC-insured institution.
The account belongs to the estate
Only the named executor or trustee can sign on the account. Sunset never takes a percentage of the estate or a cut of what the heirs receive.
Bring every account into one place
When Sunset closes the deceased's bank and brokerage accounts, the money lands in the estate or trust account. You see each deposit as it arrives and always know what the estate holds.
"They made a hard process simple and stress free. It felt like they were walking me through step by step."
Distribute to heirs and beneficiaries
Once debts and expenses are paid, send each heir or beneficiary their share straight from the account, following the will, the trust, or state law.
"Nothing happened unless I said so. Knowing my dad’s retirement money was safe until I was ready gave me peace of mind."
Protecting you and your family from fraud
We take security very seriously. Sunset verifies every user and authenticates the deceased's information. This ensures security at every step so your family stays protected.
Protect the deceased from identity theft
We secure personal information to prevent misuse and keep their legacy safe.
Prevent new accounts from being opened in their name
The Sunset verification system blocks attempts to create fraudulent accounts.
Protect yourself from financial institutions scams
We protect you from common scams where bad actors pose as financial institutions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sunset include an estate or trust bank account?
Yes. Every Sunset user gets a bank account in the name of the estate or trust they are settling. There is no separate charge for the account.
Sunset opens the account as part of setting up your estate, so you don't need to visit a branch or apply at a bank on your own.
Is the money in the estate account FDIC-insured?
Yes. Each estate and trust account is FDIC-insured and held only at an FDIC-insured bank in the United States.
Sunset is not a bank. The money is held in a deposit account at our partner bank, opened in the name of the estate or trust. FDIC insurance protects deposits if the insured bank fails, up to the limits set by FDIC rules.
How do I deposit money into the estate account?
Each estate and trust account has its own routing and account numbers. You can:
- Deposit a check by taking a photo of it
- Receive ACH transfers from banks, employers, insurers, and government agencies
- Receive incoming domestic wire transfers
When Sunset closes the deceased's accounts, those funds are sent straight to the estate account.
Who can sign on an estate or trust account?
Only the named executor, personal representative, or trustee can be the signer on the account. That person can't appoint someone else to take their place as signer.
You can still work with a lawyer, accountant, or other adviser while settling the estate. They just aren't signers on the account.
Do I need an EIN to open an estate bank account?
Yes. An estate or trust account is opened under the estate's or trust's own Employer Identification Number (EIN), not the deceased's Social Security number.
If you don't have an EIN yet, Sunset can help you get one from the IRS.
Why can't I use my own bank account for estate money?
Executors and trustees are expected to keep estate money separate from their own. Mixing the two makes it hard to show heirs and the court where every dollar went, and it can expose you to personal liability.
A dedicated estate account keeps a full transaction history you can use for the final accounting.
Can Sunset open a bank account for a trust?
Yes. If the deceased held assets in a trust, Sunset opens the account in the name of the trust, with the trustee as the signer. Trust accounts work the same way as estate accounts: deposit checks, receive ACH and wire transfers, pay bills, and distribute to beneficiaries.
How can I pay estate expenses?
Once you have an estate bank account, you can use it to pay legitimate expenses related to settling the estate. Sunset's fee is one of those expenses.
If you paid estate expenses out of your own pocket before the estate account was established, you may also be able to reimburse yourself from the estate, provided the expenses are legitimate and properly documented.
