You can add a beneficiary to your Chase checking account through the Chase mobile app or website in about five minutes

A beneficiary is someone Chase will transfer your account funds to after you die, without requiring them to go through probate court. You set this up yourself while you're alive, and it overrides what your will says about that specific account. Chase lets you name beneficiaries online through their standard account settings — you don't need to visit a branch or call, though you can do either if you prefer.

The process is straightforward: log in, find the beneficiary section in account settings, enter the person's name and Social Security number or tax ID, choose what percentage of the account goes to them, and confirm. Chase will ask you to verify your identity before saving the change. The whole thing takes about five minutes if you have the beneficiary's information ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add or change a beneficiary online through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app without visiting a branch.
  • You will need your beneficiary's full legal name and Social Security number or tax identification number to complete the form.
  • You can name multiple beneficiaries and decide what percentage of your account each person receives.
  • Chase will ask you to verify your identity before the change takes effect, usually through a code sent to your phone or email.
  • Beneficiary designations bypass your will and probate, so the funds transfer directly to whoever you name.

Steps to add a beneficiary through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at Chase.com using your username and password. Once you're in, look for "Account Settings" or "Profile" — this is usually in the top right corner of the page or in a menu labeled with your name. Select "Beneficiaries" or "Beneficiary Information" from the menu options.

Click "Add Beneficiary" or "Add a Beneficiary." Chase will open a form asking for the beneficiary's full legal name (as it appears on their Social Security card or tax documents), their Social Security number or tax ID, their relationship to you, and their date of birth. Enter this information exactly as it appears in official documents — mismatches can delay the transfer later.

Next, you'll specify what percentage of your account goes to this beneficiary. If you're naming only one person, enter 100%. If you're naming multiple beneficiaries, the percentages must add up to 100% across all of them. For example, you could give 50% to your spouse and 50% to your adult child. After you enter the percentage, review the information for accuracy and click "Confirm" or "Submit."

Chase will then ask you to verify your identity. This usually means a one-time code will be sent to your phone number or email on file. Enter that code into the verification screen. Once verified, the beneficiary designation is active when ready.

Adding a beneficiary through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app and log in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then scroll down and select "Settings." Look for "Beneficiaries" or "Beneficiary Information" in the settings menu.

Tap "Add Beneficiary" and fill in the same information as you would on the website: full legal name, Social Security number or tax ID, relationship, and date of birth. The form is identical to the online version, just formatted for a phone screen. Enter the percentage of the account this person will receive, review for accuracy, and tap "Confirm."

Chase will send a verification code to your phone or email. Enter it to complete the process. The beneficiary is now on file and will receive the funds in your account after your death.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details for each beneficiary before you log in: their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their Social Security card or government ID), their Social Security number or tax identification number, their date of birth, and their relationship to you (spouse, child, parent, friend, etc.). Having this ready means you won't get stuck halfway through the form.

If you're naming a minor as a beneficiary, Chase will ask you to also name a custodian — an adult who will manage the money until the child turns 18 or 21, depending on your state. You'll need that person's information as well. If you're naming a trust or organization instead of a person, you'll need their tax ID rather than a Social Security number.

Changing or removing a beneficiary later

You can change your beneficiary at any time by logging back into Chase.com or the app, going to Account Settings, and selecting "Beneficiaries." You'll see a list of anyone you've already named. Click the pencil icon or "Edit" next to their name to change the percentage they receive, or click "Remove" to take them off entirely.

If you want to replace one beneficiary with another, you can remove the old one and add a new one in the same session. The changes take effect after you verify your identity again. There's no limit to how many times you can update this — Chase doesn't charge a fee for changes, and you don't need a reason to make them.

What happens if you don't name a beneficiary

If you die without naming a beneficiary, your checking account becomes part of your estate. That means the money goes through probate court, which can take months or years and costs money in legal fees. The court will distribute the funds according to your will, or if you don't have a will, according to your state's inheritance laws. This is slower and more expensive than a direct beneficiary transfer.

Naming a beneficiary is one of the simplest ways to make sure money reaches the people you want without delay. It costs nothing and takes minutes to set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name my estate or a charity as a beneficiary?

Yes. Chase allows you to name an organization or your estate as a beneficiary. You'll need the organization's tax ID number instead of a Social Security number. Naming your estate means the money goes through probate like any other asset, so most people name specific people instead.

What if my beneficiary dies before I do?

The funds go to whoever is next on your beneficiary list, or to your estate if no one else is named. Chase doesn't automatically update the list when a beneficiary dies, so you should remove them and name someone else when you find out. Check your beneficiary list every few years to make sure it still reflects who you want to receive the money.

Does naming a beneficiary affect my will?

No. A beneficiary designation on a bank account overrides your will for that specific account only. If your will says your money goes to your child but your Chase account names your spouse as beneficiary, your spouse gets the Chase account and your child gets everything else according to your will. This is why it's important to keep both documents in sync if you want everything to go to the same people.

Can my creditors or ex-spouse claim the money that goes to my beneficiary?

In most cases, no. Money that passes directly to a named beneficiary is protected from creditors and ex-spouses in most states, though there are exceptions for unpaid taxes and child support. The exact rules depend on where you live. If you have significant debts or a complicated family situation, talk to a lawyer about how beneficiary designations work in your state.

Do I need to tell my beneficiary I named them?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Let them know you've named them, tell them how to find the account after you die (keep a list of your accounts somewhere safe), and explain what you expect them to do with the money. This prevents confusion and makes sure they know to look for the account in the first place.