You can name a beneficiary on a Chase checking account through the Chase mobile app or website in about five minutes

A beneficiary is a person you name to receive the money in your account if you die. Chase lets you add one or more beneficiaries to a checking account without a will or court process — the money passes directly to them. You do this entirely online through your Chase account, and it takes no paperwork beyond what you already have.

The process is the same whether you use the Chase mobile app or the website. You log in, find the account settings, and enter the beneficiary's name and Social Security number. Chase records it when ready. The beneficiary does not need to know you named them, and naming someone does not give them access to your account while you are alive.

Key Takeaways

  • You add a beneficiary through Chase's online banking portal or mobile app by going to account settings and selecting the option to add a beneficiary.
  • You will need the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number to complete the form.
  • You can name multiple beneficiaries and decide what percentage of the account each one receives.
  • The beneficiary has no access to your account while you are alive, and the money transfers outside of probate when you die.

Steps to add a beneficiary through the Chase website

Log into your Chase account at chase.com. Once you are logged in, look for the account you want to add a beneficiary to and click on it to open the account details page.

On the account details page, look for a menu or settings option — this is usually labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or a gear icon. Click it. You should see an option that says "Add Beneficiary" or "Beneficiary Information." Click that option.

Chase will ask you to enter the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You can also enter their address and phone number if you want to, but Chase only requires the name, date of birth, and SSN. If you are naming multiple beneficiaries, you will specify what percentage of the account each one receives — these percentages must add up to 100 percent. Click "Continue" or "Submit" when you are done.

Chase will show you a summary of what you entered. Review it for accuracy, then click "Confirm" or "Complete." The beneficiary is now recorded on your account.

Steps to add a beneficiary through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app and log in. Tap the account you want to add a beneficiary to so the account details appear.

Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) or a settings gear icon at the top or bottom of the screen. Tap it. Scroll down until you see "Beneficiary" or "Add Beneficiary" and tap that option.

Enter the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number in the fields provided. If you are adding multiple beneficiaries, specify the percentage each one receives. Tap "Continue" or "Next."

Review the information you entered on the confirmation screen. If it is correct, tap "Confirm" or "Complete." Chase records the beneficiary when ready.

What information you need before you start

Gather the following details for each person you want to name as a beneficiary: their full legal name (as it appears on their Social Security card or driver's license), their date of birth, and their Social Security number. You can also have their address and phone number on hand, though Chase does not require them.

If you are naming more than one beneficiary, decide what percentage of your account each person should receive. For example, you might give 50 percent to your spouse and 25 percent each to two adult children. The percentages must add up to 100 percent. Chase will not let you submit the form if they do not.

How beneficiary designation works after you die

When you die, the person or people you named as beneficiaries can contact Chase with a death certificate and claim the money in the account. The money does not go through probate — a court process that can take months or years — and does not become part of your estate. It passes directly to the beneficiary or beneficiaries you named.

The exact process varies slightly depending on the amount in the account and whether Chase needs additional paperwork, but the beneficiary typically contacts Chase's customer service line, provides the death certificate, and receives instructions on how to claim the funds. Chase has a dedicated line for beneficiary claims; the main customer service number can direct them to it.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change or remove a beneficiary at any time using the same steps you used to add one. Log into your account, go to the beneficiary section, and you will see the option to edit or delete the existing beneficiary. Make your changes and confirm them. The new information takes effect when ready.

If you want to remove a beneficiary entirely without naming someone else, you can delete the beneficiary designation. The account will then have no named beneficiary, and the money will go through probate if you die.

What happens if you name a beneficiary but also have a will

A beneficiary designation on a bank account overrides what your will says about that account. If your will says your checking account should go to your child but you named your spouse as the beneficiary on the account itself, your spouse receives the money. The beneficiary designation is what controls the account.

This is why it matters to keep your beneficiary information up to date — especially after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of children. If your circumstances have changed since you last named a beneficiary, log in and review what you have on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name someone as a beneficiary if they do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number to record a beneficiary. If the person you want to name does not have one, you may not be able to add them through the online process. Contact Chase customer service to ask about alternatives or other account options that might work for your situation.

What if I want to name my minor child as a beneficiary?

You can name a minor as a beneficiary, but when you die, the money cannot be given directly to a child under 18. Chase or the court will require an adult guardian or conservator to manage the funds until the child reaches the age of majority. You may want to speak with an attorney about setting up a trust or naming a guardian in your will to handle this.

Does naming a beneficiary cost anything?

No. Adding a beneficiary to your Chase checking account is free and does not change your account fees or balance.

Can the beneficiary see my account or withdraw money while I am alive?

No. Naming someone as a beneficiary gives them no access to your account during your lifetime. They cannot see the balance, make withdrawals, or perform any transactions. They only receive the money after you die and provide Chase with a death certificate.

What if I die without naming a beneficiary?

If you have no named beneficiary, the money in your checking account becomes part of your estate and goes through probate. A court will decide who receives it based on your will or, if you have no will, based on your state's inheritance laws. This process can take several months to over a year.