You can change your Chase checking account beneficiary online, by phone, or in person at a branch

Chase lets you name or change a beneficiary on your checking account through their online banking portal, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting a branch in person. The process takes minutes if you do it online, and there is no fee. You will need the new beneficiary's full legal name and Social Security number or tax ID. Chase does not require you to notify the current beneficiary that you are making this change.

A beneficiary is a person or entity you name to receive the funds in your account if you die. Naming a beneficiary on a deposit account like a checking account means those funds pass directly to that person outside of your will or probate process. This is different from listing someone as a joint owner on the account, which gives them access to the money while you are alive.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into Chase.com, go to Account Services, and select the account you want to change, then look for the beneficiary or transfer on death option to add or update a name.
  • If you cannot find the option online, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone who handles beneficiary changes.
  • You will need the beneficiary's full legal name and either their Social Security number or tax ID number before you start.
  • Changes take effect when ready in Chase's system, though it may take a few business days for the change to show in your online account.
  • You can name more than one beneficiary and specify what percentage of the account each person receives.

Changing your beneficiary online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at Chase.com using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for the account you want to change in the left sidebar or account list. Click on that account to open its details page.

From the account details page, look for a link or button labeled "Account Services," "Settings," "Manage Account," or "More Options." The exact label varies depending on your account type and when your account was opened. Click that link. You should see options related to your account, including one for beneficiary information, transfer on death, or payable on death (POD). Click on that option.

If you already have a beneficiary listed, you will see their name and the percentage of the account they are set to receive. To change this person, click "Edit" or "Change Beneficiary." Enter the new beneficiary's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID. Then enter their Social Security number or tax ID. If you want to name more than one beneficiary, you can add additional names and assign each a percentage of the account. The percentages must add up to 100 percent.

Review the information you entered for accuracy, then click "Confirm" or "Submit." Chase will show you a confirmation screen with the new beneficiary information. Save or print this confirmation for your records. The change is now in effect.

Changing your beneficiary by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase debit card or check. Tell the representative that you want to change the beneficiary on your checking account. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or answers to security questions Chase has on file.

Once you are verified, provide the new beneficiary's full legal name and Social Security number or tax ID. If you want to name multiple beneficiaries, tell the representative the percentage each person should receive. The representative will read back the information to confirm it is correct, then process the change. Ask them to provide you with a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call for your records.

Changing your beneficiary in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with a valid government-issued photo ID. Tell the banker or representative that you want to change the beneficiary on your checking account. Bring your account number with you, or be ready to provide it when asked.

The representative will ask for the new beneficiary's full legal name and Social Security number or tax ID. You may be asked to sign a form confirming the change. Once the form is signed, the representative will give you a copy for your records. The change takes effect when ready in Chase's system.

What happens if you name multiple beneficiaries

You can name more than one person as a beneficiary on your Chase checking account. When you do, you must specify what percentage of the account each person receives. For example, you could name your spouse to receive 50 percent and your two adult children to receive 25 percent each.

When you die, Chase will distribute the account balance according to the percentages you set. If the account has $10,000 and you named your spouse for 50 percent and two children for 25 percent each, your spouse would receive $5,000 and each child would receive $2,500. The money goes directly to each beneficiary and does not go through your will or probate.

How long the change takes to show up

The change takes effect in Chase's system when ready after you confirm it online, over the phone, or in person. However, it may take one to three business days for the change to appear when you log into your online account or call to check. This delay does not affect when the change is actually in effect — it is only a delay in when you can see it reflected in the system.

If you need to confirm that the change has been processed, you can call Chase customer service or visit a branch and ask them to verify the current beneficiary on file.

Removing a beneficiary or changing from one person to another

If you want to remove a beneficiary entirely, follow the same steps as changing a beneficiary but leave the beneficiary name field blank or select the option to remove the beneficiary. Some Chase accounts allow you to have no beneficiary named, though this means the account would go through probate if you die.

If you want to replace one beneficiary with a different person, use the same process as changing a beneficiary. You do not need to remove the old beneficiary first — straightforward enter the new person's information and confirm. The new beneficiary will replace the old one.

If you are changing from one person to multiple people, or changing the percentages between existing beneficiaries, follow the same online, phone, or in-person steps and enter the new names and percentages you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell my beneficiary that I named them?

No. Chase does not require you to notify the person you name as a beneficiary, and you are not required to tell them. However, it is a good idea to let them know so they understand what will happen to the account and know to contact Chase if you die.

What if I want to change my beneficiary again later?

You can change your beneficiary as many times as you want. Follow the same steps — online, by phone, or in person — and enter the new beneficiary information. The most recent change you make is the one that will be in effect.

Can I name my minor child as a beneficiary?

Yes, you can name a minor as a beneficiary. However, when you die, the money cannot be given directly to a child under 18. Chase will hold the funds or require a court-appointed guardian or conservator to manage the money until the child reaches the age of majority in your state, usually 18.

What if I die without naming a beneficiary?

If you have no beneficiary named, the account will be part of your estate and go through probate. This means a court will decide who receives the money based on your will or, if you have no will, based on your state's inheritance laws. This process takes longer and costs more than a direct transfer to a named beneficiary.

Is there a fee to change my beneficiary?

No. Chase does not charge a fee to add, change, or remove a beneficiary on a checking account.