You can name a beneficiary on most Chase accounts through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch

A beneficiary is a person you name to receive the money in your account if you die. Chase lets you add one on checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. The process takes minutes if you do it online, and the beneficiary has no access to your account while you're alive—they only receive the funds after your death, which Chase learns about through a death certificate.

You do not need to tell the beneficiary you've named them, and you can change or remove a beneficiary at any time. Chase does not charge a fee to add one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a beneficiary online through Chase's website, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or by visiting a Chase branch in person.
  • Chase will ask for the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID to set up the designation.
  • A beneficiary designation bypasses probate, meaning the money goes directly to them without going through the court system after your death.
  • You can name multiple beneficiaries and decide what percentage of the account each one receives.
  • Changing or removing a beneficiary takes the same steps as adding one and takes effect when ready.

Adding a beneficiary through Chase online banking

Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. Go to the account you want to add a beneficiary to, then look for a menu option labeled "Account Details," "Settings," or "Manage Account." The exact wording varies slightly between the website and app, but the option is always in the account settings area.

Select "Add Beneficiary" or "Beneficiary Designation." Chase will ask you to enter the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you want to name more than one beneficiary, you can add them one at a time and assign each a percentage of the account—for example, 50% to one person and 50% to another, or any split you choose.

Review the information you entered, then confirm. Chase will send you a confirmation email. The designation takes effect when ready, and you can view it anytime by returning to the same account settings page.

Adding a beneficiary by phone or in person

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a representative who can add a beneficiary over the phone. Have your account number ready, along with the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. The representative will walk you through the process and confirm the details before finalizing the change.

You can also visit any Chase branch in person. Bring a photo ID and your account number. A banker will help you complete the beneficiary form and answer any questions. This is often the slowest option because it depends on branch hours and wait times, but some people prefer handling it face-to-face.

What information Chase needs from you and your beneficiary

Chase requires your beneficiary's full legal name as it appears on their Social Security card or government ID. They also need a date of birth and either a Social Security number or ITIN. If your beneficiary is a minor, you can still name them, and Chase will hold the funds in trust until they reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21).

If you want to name a charity, trust, or organization as a beneficiary instead of a person, call Chase to discuss your options. Some account types allow this, but the process is different and may require additional paperwork.

How beneficiary designations work after your death

When you die, your family or executor will need to contact Chase with a copy of your death certificate. Chase will verify the beneficiary information on file and transfer the account balance directly to the beneficiary without going through probate court. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can vary depending on how quickly Chase receives the death certificate and processes the request.

The beneficiary receives the full account balance as of the date of death, including any interest earned up to that point. If you named multiple beneficiaries with percentages, each receives their designated share. The beneficiary does not inherit any debts tied to the account—Chase covers those from the account balance first.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change your beneficiary at any time using the same method you used to add them. Log into online banking and go to account settings, call the number above, or visit a branch. Select the beneficiary you want to change, update the information, and confirm. The change takes effect when ready, and the previous beneficiary has no claim to the account.

To remove a beneficiary entirely, follow the same steps but select "Remove" or "Delete" instead of editing. Your account will then have no beneficiary on file, which means the money will go through probate if you die without updating your will or naming someone new.

Beneficiary designations and your will or trust

A beneficiary designation on a bank account overrides what your will says. If your will names one person to receive your accounts but your Chase beneficiary form names someone else, the person on the beneficiary form gets the money. This is why it's important to keep your beneficiary designations updated if your life circumstances change—marriage, divorce, or having children are common reasons to review them.

If you have a living trust, you may want to name the trust as the beneficiary of your Chase account rather than naming individuals. This keeps the account assets coordinated with the rest of your estate plan. Talk to an estate planning attorney if you're unsure whether to name a person or a trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beneficiary access my account while I'm alive?

No. A beneficiary designation gives someone access only after you die and Chase is notified with a death certificate. While you're alive, only you and anyone you've authorized as a joint owner or authorized user can access the account.

What happens if I name a beneficiary but also have a will that names someone else?

The beneficiary designation on the Chase account takes priority over your will. Chase will pay the person named on the beneficiary form, not the person named in your will. If you want your accounts to go to the same person your will names, make sure your beneficiary designations match.

Can I name my minor child as a beneficiary?

Yes, but Chase will hold the funds in trust until your child reaches the age of majority in your state, typically 18 or 21. You can also name a guardian or custodian to manage the money on your child's behalf until they're old enough to receive it directly.

Do I need to tell my beneficiary I've named them?

You don't have to, but it's often a good idea so they know where to look for the account after you die. If they don't know about it, the money may sit unclaimed. You can also leave a note with your important documents telling them which Chase accounts have beneficiary designations and where to find the account numbers.

What if I want to name multiple beneficiaries with different percentages?

Chase allows you to name multiple beneficiaries and assign each a percentage of the account. For example, you could name your spouse for 60% and your two children for 20% each. You can set these percentages however you want, as long as they add up to 100%.