Yes, you can add a beneficiary to most Chase accounts, and it takes about 10 minutes

A beneficiary is a person or organization you name to receive the money in your account if you die. Chase lets you add one through their website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. The process is straightforward: you provide the beneficiary's name, Social Security number or tax ID, and their relationship to you. Chase then records this instruction in their system.

The key thing to understand is that naming a beneficiary does not transfer ownership of the account while you are alive. You keep full control. The beneficiary only receives the funds after you pass away, and the money bypasses probate — meaning it goes directly to them without court involvement or delays.

Not all Chase accounts support beneficiaries. Savings accounts, money market accounts, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) do. Joint accounts, business accounts, and trust accounts have different rules. If you are unsure whether your specific account type allows a beneficiary, you can check by logging into Chase online or calling their customer service line.

Key Takeaways

  • You can name a beneficiary on Chase savings, money market, and IRA accounts through the website, app, or in person at a branch.
  • The beneficiary receives the account funds directly after your death without the account going through probate.
  • You keep complete control of the account and can change or remove the beneficiary at any time while you are alive.
  • Joint accounts and business accounts do not use the beneficiary feature — they have separate rules for what happens to the money.
  • You will need the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID to complete the process.

How to add a beneficiary through Chase online banking

Log into your Chase account on their website. Navigate to the account you want to add a beneficiary to — this is usually found under "Account Services" or "Account Settings," though the exact location varies slightly depending on your account type. Look for an option labeled "Beneficiary" or "Add Beneficiary."

Click that option and you will be asked to enter the beneficiary's information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and their relationship to you (spouse, child, parent, other). Chase may also ask for their mailing address. Once you enter this information, review it carefully for accuracy, then submit. You should receive a confirmation on screen and via email.

The change takes effect when ready in Chase's system, though it can take a few business days for the update to appear in all their records. If you do not see the beneficiary listed after a week, contact Chase to confirm it was processed.

Adding a beneficiary through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app and select the account you want to modify. Tap "Account Details" or "Settings" — the exact wording depends on your phone's operating system and which version of the app you have. Look for "Beneficiary" or "Add Beneficiary" in that menu.

The process is identical to the website: enter the beneficiary's name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and relationship. The app will ask you to confirm the information before submitting. Once submitted, you will see a confirmation message. The update typically appears in your account within one business day.

Adding a beneficiary in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. Tell the representative you want to add a beneficiary. They will provide you with a form to complete — usually called a "Beneficiary Designation Form" — and will ask for the same information: the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and relationship to you.

The representative will review the form with you, make a copy for your records, and submit it to Chase's system. This method is useful if you prefer to handle it in person or if you have questions the representative can answer on the spot. Processing time is typically the same as online — a few business days.

What happens if you name multiple beneficiaries

Chase allows you to name more than one beneficiary on a single account. If you do, you must specify what percentage of the account each beneficiary receives. For example, you could name your spouse as 60% beneficiary and your two adult children as 20% each.

If you do not specify percentages, Chase will divide the account equally among all named beneficiaries. You can change these percentages at any time by updating your beneficiary designation through the same method you used to add them — online, through the app, or at a branch.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change your beneficiary designation whenever you want, as long as you are alive and have the mental capacity to make financial decisions. Use the same method you used to add the beneficiary: log into your account online or through the app, go to the beneficiary section, and select "Edit" or "Change." You can then update the beneficiary's information or remove them entirely.

If you remove a beneficiary, that person will no longer receive the account funds after your death. The money will instead go to your estate, which means it will be distributed according to your will or, if you have no will, according to your state's inheritance laws. This process takes longer than a direct beneficiary transfer because it involves probate court.

Important limits and account types

Chase does not allow beneficiary designations on joint accounts. If you have a joint account with your spouse or another person, the surviving joint owner automatically receives the account funds when you die — you cannot override this with a separate beneficiary.

Business accounts, trust accounts, and some specialized accounts also do not support the beneficiary feature. If you own a business account or have set up a trust at Chase, ask a representative about the rules that explore to your specific account type. For IRAs held at Chase, beneficiary rules are set by federal law and work the same way as other accounts, but there are additional tax considerations you may want to discuss with a tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name someone who is not a U.S. citizen as my beneficiary?

Yes. Chase does not require your beneficiary to be a U.S. citizen. You will need their full name, date of birth, and tax ID number (which may be an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, if they do not have a Social Security number). Some documentation may be required to verify their identity.

What if my beneficiary dies before I do?

If your named beneficiary dies before you, that person's share of your account does not automatically go to their heirs. Instead, it becomes part of your estate and is distributed according to your will or state law. You should update your beneficiary designation after a beneficiary passes away to prevent this.

Does naming a beneficiary affect my taxes?

Naming a beneficiary does not create a tax event for you while you are alive. After you die, the beneficiary may owe taxes on any interest or earnings the account generated after your death, depending on the account type and the amount. For IRAs, beneficiaries have specific tax rules — consult a tax professional for details.

Can my creditors take money left to a beneficiary?

Generally, no. Money that goes directly to a named beneficiary is not part of your probate estate, so creditors cannot claim it. However, if your estate owes significant debts, a creditor may challenge this in court. The rules vary by state, so speak with an attorney if you have substantial debts.

What if I want to change my beneficiary but I cannot access my account online?

Call Chase customer service or visit a branch in person. You will need to verify your identity with your account number and other personal information. A representative can help you update your beneficiary designation over the phone or in person without requiring you to log into your account.