You can name a beneficiary on a Chase checking account 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 or more beneficiaries to most checking accounts. The process takes about 10 minutes if you do it online, and the account remains yours to use normally—naming a beneficiary does not change how you access or spend your money.

The beneficiary you name does not automatically own the account while you are alive. After you die, the money passes to them outside of probate, which means it does not go through the court system and typically reaches them faster than money left through a will.

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 before you can save the designation.
  • 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 steps as adding one and can be done at any time.

Adding a beneficiary through Chase online banking

Log into your Chase account at chase.com and select the checking account you want to add a beneficiary to. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Services," "Settings," or "Manage Account"—the exact label varies depending on whether you use Chase's standard website or their mobile app. Tap or click on it, then look for "Beneficiary" or "Payable on Death" (sometimes abbreviated as POD).

Select "Add Beneficiary" and enter the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Chase will ask you what percentage of the account that person should receive if you name more than one beneficiary—the percentages must add up to 100%. After you enter the information, review it carefully and submit. Chase will send you a confirmation email.

If you cannot find the beneficiary option in your account, your account type may not support it. Some business checking accounts and certain older account types do not allow beneficiary designations through Chase's system. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm whether your specific account qualifies.

Adding a beneficiary by phone or at a branch

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to add a beneficiary to your checking account. Have the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN ready. The representative will walk you through the process and confirm the information before saving it. This call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

You can also visit a Chase branch in person. Bring your ID and the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. A banker will help you complete the form and file it with your account. Some branches can process this when ready; others may mail the form to a processing center, which adds a few business days.

What information Chase needs from your beneficiary

Chase requires the beneficiary's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID or Social Security card. Middle names and initials matter—if the name does not match official records, the bank may delay or refuse to release the money after you die.

You will also need their date of birth and either a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If your beneficiary is a minor or does not have a Social Security number, ask Chase whether an ITIN or other tax ID will work. Some beneficiaries may not have either; in that case, call Chase to ask what alternatives they accept.

If you want to name a trust or an organization as a beneficiary instead of a person, call Chase first—the process is different and may require additional paperwork.

Naming multiple beneficiaries and splitting the account

You can name up to four beneficiaries on most Chase checking accounts. When you add more than one, you decide what percentage of the account each person receives. For example, you could name your spouse to receive 50% and each of your two children to receive 25%.

The percentages must add up to exactly 100%. If you name three beneficiaries and want them to split equally, each would receive 33.33%. Chase will not let you save the designation until the math is correct.

If you do not specify percentages, Chase's default is usually to split the account equally among all named beneficiaries. You can change the percentages at any time by updating the beneficiary designation through the same method you used to add them.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

Log back into your Chase account and navigate to the beneficiary section the same way you did to add one. Select the beneficiary you want to change, and you will see options to edit their information or remove them entirely. Make your changes and submit. Chase will send a confirmation email.

If you added the beneficiary by phone or in person, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or return to a branch to make changes. There is no waiting period or penalty for changing a beneficiary—you can do it as many times as you need.

Removing a beneficiary completely is just as straightforward: select the option to delete and confirm. Once removed, that person will not receive any money from the account if you die, even if they were previously named.

What happens after you die

When you pass away, your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) will need to contact Chase and provide a copy of your death certificate. Chase will verify the beneficiary's identity and then transfer the money according to the percentages you set. This process typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly the beneficiary contacts the bank and provides the required documents.

The money in the account passes directly to the beneficiary and does not become part of your estate. This means it is not subject to probate and is not available to pay debts or taxes owed by your estate—though some states have rules about this, so the beneficiary should check with a lawyer if your estate has significant debts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name a beneficiary on a joint checking account?

Yes, but the rules depend on how the account is set up. If the account is held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," the surviving account owner typically receives the money automatically, and a beneficiary designation may not override that. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm how your specific joint account works before naming a beneficiary.

What if I name a beneficiary and then get married or divorced?

The beneficiary designation does not change automatically. You will need to update it yourself if you want to name a spouse or remove an ex-spouse. Review your beneficiary designation after any major life change to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Does naming a beneficiary affect my taxes?

Naming a beneficiary does not create a tax event for you while you are alive. After you die, the beneficiary may owe taxes on interest earned in the account, but not on the principal. The beneficiary should consult a tax professional or lawyer about their specific situation.

Can I name a minor as a beneficiary?

Yes, but the money cannot be released to a minor directly. Chase will hold the funds until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state), or the money may go to a court-appointed guardian. Consider naming an adult trustee or guardian instead if you want more control over how the money is used.

What if my beneficiary dies before I do?

The money does not automatically go to the beneficiary's heirs. Instead, it becomes part of your estate and is distributed according to your will or state law. Update your beneficiary designation as soon as possible if your named beneficiary passes away.