You can name a beneficiary on most USAA deposit accounts through their website, mobile app, or by calling their member service line

A beneficiary is a person you name to receive the money in your account if you die. USAA lets you add beneficiaries to checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. The process takes about 10 minutes if you do it online, and the change takes effect when ready once USAA confirms it.

You do not need a lawyer or a will to name a beneficiary. This is separate from your will — if you name someone as a beneficiary on your USAA account, that person gets the money directly, without going through probate or waiting for your estate to be settled. That is why it matters to keep the name current.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add or change a beneficiary online through USAA.com, in the mobile app, or by phone at the member service number on your card.
  • USAA will ask for the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and relationship to you — have this information ready before you start.
  • You can name more than one beneficiary and decide what percentage of the account each person receives.
  • Changes take effect right away, but USAA may contact you to confirm the request if it looks unusual.
  • If you do not name a beneficiary, the money goes to your estate and may take months to reach your heirs.

How to add a beneficiary online or through the app

Log into USAA.com or open the USAA mobile app and go to the account you want to add a beneficiary to. Look for a menu option called "Account Details," "Settings," or "Beneficiaries" — the exact label varies depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile. Select the option to add or manage beneficiaries.

USAA will ask you to enter the beneficiary's full legal name (as it appears on their ID), date of birth, and your relationship to them. You will also choose what percentage of the account that person receives. If you are naming multiple beneficiaries, the percentages must add up to 100%. For example, you could give 50% to your spouse and 50% to your adult child, or 100% to one person.

Review the information you entered, then confirm. USAA will show you a summary of the change. The beneficiary designation takes effect when ready, though USAA may send you a confirmation email or contact you by phone if the request seems unusual — for instance, if you are naming someone with a different last name or if you are changing a long-standing beneficiary.

Adding a beneficiary by phone

Call the member service number on the back of your USAA debit card or check. A representative can walk you through naming a beneficiary over the phone. Have the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and your relationship to them ready before you call.

The representative will confirm the information with you and may ask security questions to verify your identity. Once confirmed, the beneficiary designation is active. USAA will mail you a written confirmation, which you should keep with your important documents.

What information USAA needs about your beneficiary

USAA requires the beneficiary's full legal name — the name that appears on their driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. A nickname or informal name will not work. You also need their date of birth and your relationship to them (spouse, child, parent, sibling, friend, and so on).

You do not need their Social Security number to name them as a beneficiary on a bank account, though USAA may ask for it to help locate the person if something happens to you. If you do not have their SSN, ask USAA whether you can proceed without it or provide it later.

Naming multiple beneficiaries and splitting the account

You can name as many beneficiaries as you want on a single account. Each one gets a percentage of the money. If you name two people and give each 50%, they split the account equally. If you name three people and give one 50% and the other two 25% each, that is how the money divides when you die.

The percentages must add up to exactly 100%. If you change your mind about how much each person gets, you can update the percentages anytime by logging back in or calling member service. The new split takes effect right away.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change a beneficiary's name, update the percentage they receive, or remove them entirely at any time. Log into your account, go to the beneficiary section, and select the person you want to change. You can edit their information or delete them. If you remove everyone, the account will have no named beneficiary, and the money will go to your estate when you die.

If you are going through a divorce or a major life change, review your beneficiaries on all your accounts — not just USAA. Many people forget to update beneficiaries after a divorce, which can lead to money going to an ex-spouse instead of where you intended.

What happens to the account after you die

When you die, your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) can contact USAA with a death certificate and claim the money. The process usually takes a few weeks. The money goes directly to the beneficiary and does not go through probate, which means it is not delayed by the court system and does not become part of your estate.

If you did not name a beneficiary, the account becomes part of your estate. Your heirs will have to go through probate court to get access to the money, which can take several months or longer depending on your state and the complexity of your estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name someone who is not a family member as a beneficiary?

Yes. You can name a friend, a charity, a business partner, or anyone else. USAA only requires their full legal name, date of birth, and your relationship to them. There are no restrictions on who you can choose.

What if my beneficiary dies before I do?

The money stays in your account. You should update your beneficiary designation as soon as possible. If you do not, and you die without naming a new beneficiary, the money goes to your estate. Check your beneficiaries every few years to make sure they are still the people you want to receive the money.

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

You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Let them know they are named as a beneficiary and where your important documents are kept. That way, they will know to contact USAA if something happens to you, and they will not be surprised by the money.

Can my beneficiary access my account while I am still alive?

No. Naming someone as a beneficiary does not give them any access to your account during your lifetime. They can only claim the money after you die and provide a death certificate to USAA.

What if I want to change my beneficiary but I am not sure how?

Call USAA member service. A representative can walk you through the process step by step, answer questions about percentages, and confirm the change with you. There is no charge for this service.