Trust & Will and Fifth Third Bank Celebrate a Year of Free Wills and Significant Savings for Customers

Trust & Will and Fifth Third Bank: A Year of Milestones

In a landmark collaboration, Trust & Will, a leading online estate planning service, and Fifth Third Bank, have celebrated one year of successfully providing free wills to their customers. Since the launch of this initiative in May 2025, the partnership has made a considerable impact, enabling over 42,000 individuals to redeem free estate plans and save a total of $12.6 million.

Transforming Estate Planning Accessibility

Fifth Third Bank made history as the first U.S. bank to offer free, attorney-approved wills to all its customers. By eliminating the financial and logistical barriers associated with creating a will, they have empowered thousands to take control of their estate planning for the first time. This has led to the establishment of over 3,000 trusts and significant savings that profoundly benefit families across the nation.

According to Trust & Will's report, customers have collectively reported an astonishing $10 billion in protected estate value through their new wills. This accomplishment underscores the critical need for accessible estate planning tools, particularly for demographics that are traditionally underserved in this area. Many of the individuals who engaged with the program were first-time planners, demonstrating that simplifying the process can catalyze action and promote financial literacy.

Bridging the Gap in Estate Planning

Cody Barbo, the Co-Founder and CEO of Trust & Will, highlights the importance of this partnership: "Many of these customers were engaging with estate planning for the very first time. That is what makes this work meaningful, helping people who never had access to these tools take a critical step toward protecting their families." The program has notably reached younger adults, single individuals, and families with modest estates—groups that often lack representation in traditional estate planning.

The program's success is reflected in its impressive 64.8% conversion rate from registration to actual will completion, well exceeding the standard benchmarks for digital engagement.

Redefining Customer Expectations

Erin Crawford, Vice President and Head of Consumer Digital at Fifth Third Bank, states, "Our customers look to us not only to manage their money but to help protect their families. By partnering with Trust & Will to make wills free and accessible, we are delivering peace of mind for millions of households while redefining what it means to be a trusted financial partner in today's world."

However, the urgency for estate planning remains as a staggering 56% of Americans still do not possess any form of estate planning documents. Additionally, only 26% have a will in place, and despite 73% indicating that estate planning is vital for them personally, procrastination can lead to severe consequences. Families without a will often face probate delays, costly legal expenses averaging $25,000, and frozen accounts during pivotal moments.

Future Prospects and Expansion

The benefits of this free will program are set to expand as Fifth Third completes its acquisition of Comerica Bank, which is expected to extend this offering to hundreds of thousands of additional customers this fall. This transition represents a significant opportunity to further promote estate planning accessibility, ensuring that even more individuals can protect their family's future.

Fifth Third Bank values its role in the community and has established itself as an ethical banking institution that prioritizes customer care and innovative services. Since 1858, their commitment to improving lives through effective financial services has continued to evolve alongside technological advancements.

About Trust & Will

Founded in 2017, Trust & Will has quickly emerged as America's premier digital estate planning platform. With over one million families relying on its services, the company provides tools for creating wills, trusts, and healthcare directives tailored to meet state-specific regulations. Trust & Will’s mission is to ensure that estate planning is both accessible and inclusive, making it easier for families to pave paths towards meaningful legacies.

Their accolades for 2026 include titles from Fast Company, Inc., and Financial Times, illustrating their position as leaders in innovation within the fintech space. The efforts made by Trust & Will speak volumes about the changing landscape of estate planning and reflect a future where individuals can feel secure in their choices regarding their family's legacy.

For Fifth Third Bank customers interested in initiating their free will or exploring trust upgrades, the process has never been more straightforward, underscoring the importance of planning for life's uncertainties.