You can name a beneficiary on your Chase account in about five minutes through the Chase mobile app or website
A beneficiary is a person you name to receive the money in your account if you die. Chase lets you add this person online without visiting a branch or calling anyone. The process is straightforward: you log in, find the beneficiary section, enter the person's name and Social Security number, and confirm. Chase then sends them a letter telling them they've been named.
This is different from a will. A will is a legal document that says what happens to all your property after you die. A beneficiary on a bank account bypasses the will process — the money goes directly to that person without waiting for the court to handle your estate. This is faster and simpler, which is why it matters to set it up now.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a beneficiary through the Chase mobile app or website by logging in and navigating to account settings, without visiting a branch.
- You will need the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number before you start.
- Chase sends a letter to the beneficiary after you name them, so make sure you have their current mailing address.
- You can name more than one beneficiary and decide what percentage of the account each person receives.
- Changing or removing a beneficiary takes the same few steps and happens when ready in your account.
Steps to add a beneficiary through the Chase website
Start by going to chase.com and signing in with your username and password. Once you're logged in, look for "Account Settings" or "Profile" — this is usually in the top right corner of the page or in a menu labeled with three horizontal lines.
Find the section called "Beneficiaries" or "Beneficiary Information." Click on it. You'll see a button that says "Add Beneficiary" or a plus sign. Click that button. Chase will ask you to enter the beneficiary's full legal name (the name on their Social Security card), their date of birth, and their Social Security number. You'll also enter their mailing address so Chase can send them the notification letter.
If you want to name more than one beneficiary, you'll specify what percentage of your account each person gets. For example, you could give 50% to one person and 50% to another, or 100% to one person. The percentages must add up to 100%. After you enter all the information, review it carefully — especially the name and Social Security number — then click "Confirm" or "Submit."
Adding a beneficiary through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app and sign in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and look for "Settings" or "Profile." Tap it.
Look for "Beneficiaries" or "Beneficiary Information" in the settings menu. Tap "Add Beneficiary." Enter the same information you would on the website: the person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and mailing address. If you're naming multiple beneficiaries, enter the percentage each one receives. Review everything, then tap "Confirm."
The app works the same way as the website — you'll get a confirmation on screen, and Chase will mail a letter to the beneficiary's address within a few days.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you log in, so you don't have to stop halfway through:
- The beneficiary's full legal name (as it appears on their Social Security card or government ID)
- Their date of birth
- Their Social Security number
- Their mailing address (where Chase will send the notification letter)
If you're naming more than one beneficiary, have all their information ready. You'll also need to decide what percentage of your account each person gets. For instance, if you have two beneficiaries, you might split it 50/50, or you could give one person 70% and the other 30%. The total must equal 100%.
What happens after you add a beneficiary
Chase sends a letter to the beneficiary at the address you provided, letting them know they've been named on your account. This letter arrives within a few business days. The beneficiary doesn't have to do anything — they're automatically set up.
If you die, the beneficiary contacts Chase with a death certificate and proof of their identity. Chase then transfers the money in that account directly to them. This process usually takes a few weeks. The beneficiary does not have to go through probate court, which is a major advantage of naming someone on your bank account.
You can check who your beneficiary is anytime by going back to the same settings section where you added them. You can also change or remove a beneficiary at any time using the same steps — just click "Edit" or "Remove" next to their name.
Naming multiple beneficiaries or changing your choice
Chase allows you to name more than one beneficiary on a single account. When you add the second person, you'll specify what percentage of the account they receive. You can split it however you want — 50/50, 60/40, or any other split that adds up to 100%.
If you want to change your beneficiary later, log back into your account, go to the beneficiary section, and click "Edit" next to their name. You can update their information, change the percentage, or remove them entirely. If you remove someone and don't add a replacement, that account will have no beneficiary — the money will go through your will or to your closest relatives under state law.
You can also name a beneficiary on individual accounts (checking, savings) or on joint accounts. If the account is joint, both owners can name beneficiaries, and Chase will honor all of them.
Why you might want a beneficiary instead of a will
A beneficiary on your bank account transfers money faster than a will does. With a will, your family has to file it in probate court, which can take months or even longer. With a beneficiary, the money goes directly to that person as soon as Chase receives a death certificate.
A beneficiary also keeps that money private. A will becomes a public record once it goes through court. A beneficiary designation stays between you, Chase, and the person you name.
You should still have a will if you own a house, a car, or other property, because a beneficiary only works on bank accounts. But for the money in your Chase account, naming a beneficiary is the simplest way to make sure it goes where you want it to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I name my minor child as a beneficiary?
Yes, you can name a child, but Chase will not release the money to them until they turn 18 or 21, depending on your state. Many people name a trusted adult (like a parent or spouse) as the beneficiary instead, with the understanding that the money will go to the child. You can also set up a trust and name the trust as your beneficiary, which gives you more control over how the money is used.
What if I want to remove my beneficiary?
Log into your Chase account, go to the beneficiary section, and click "Remove" or "Delete" next to their name. The change takes effect when ready. If you don't name a new beneficiary, the money in that account will be handled according to your will or your state's inheritance laws.
Does naming a beneficiary affect my taxes?
No. Naming a beneficiary does not create a tax event for you. The beneficiary may owe taxes on interest the account earned after your death, but that depends on how much interest it is and their own tax situation. They should talk to a tax professional about their specific case.
Can my beneficiary see my account balance while I'm alive?
No. Chase sends them a letter saying they've been named, but they cannot access the account or see how much money is in it until you die and they contact Chase with a death certificate.
What if I want to name my estate or a charity as beneficiary?
Chase's online process is designed for naming individuals. If you want to name an organization, a trust, or your estate, contact Chase directly at the phone number on the back of your card. A representative can walk you through the options and may need to process it differently than the standard online method.