You can name a beneficiary on most Chase accounts 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 on checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. The process takes minutes, and you do not need to visit a branch — you can do it online or by calling Chase directly.

The beneficiary you name does not have access to your account while you are alive. After your death, they can claim the funds without the account going through probate, which means the money reaches them faster than it would through a will. This is different from naming someone as a power of attorney, which gives them access to your account right now.

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 allows you to name one or more beneficiaries and decide what percentage of the account each person receives.
  • The beneficiary has no access to your account while you are alive, even if they are named.
  • After you die, the beneficiary can claim the funds directly from Chase without waiting for probate to finish.
  • You can change or remove a beneficiary at any time using the same methods you used to add them.

Adding a beneficiary online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at chase.com and go to the account you want to add a beneficiary to. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Details," "Settings," or "Manage Account" — the exact wording varies by account type. Once you open that section, you should see an option for "Beneficiary" or "Beneficiaries."

Click to add a new beneficiary and enter their full name, date of birth, and relationship to you. Chase will ask you to choose what percentage of the account they receive — you can name multiple beneficiaries and split the account between them, or name one person to get everything. After you enter the information, review it carefully and confirm. Chase will send you a confirmation email.

If you cannot find the beneficiary option online, it may not be available for that specific account type. In that case, call Chase or visit a branch.

Adding a beneficiary by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to add a beneficiary to your account. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask for the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and relationship to you, and will confirm what percentage of the account they should receive.

The representative will read back the information to you before finalizing it. Ask them to send you written confirmation of the beneficiary you just named. This creates a record in case you need to reference it later.

Adding a beneficiary in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. Tell a banker you want to add a beneficiary. They will fill out the form with you and have you sign it. You will receive a copy for your records.

This method is useful if you want to name a beneficiary in person or if you have questions the banker can answer on the spot. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

What information you need to provide

Chase will ask for your beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and your relationship to them. If the beneficiary is a minor, you may need to provide additional information. If you are naming a trust or an estate as a beneficiary instead of a person, the process is different — ask Chase about this when you call or visit.

You do not need the beneficiary's Social Security number or permission from them to add them. However, it is a good idea to tell them you have named them, so they know what to do if something happens to you.

Naming multiple beneficiaries and splitting the account

You can name more than one beneficiary on a single account. When you add each one, you specify what percentage of the account they receive. For example, you could name your spouse to receive 60% and your two adult children to receive 20% each.

The percentages must add up to 100%. If you do not specify percentages, Chase will usually split the account equally among all beneficiaries you named. Make sure the split matches your wishes before you confirm.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change a beneficiary at any time using the same method you used to add them — online, by phone, or in person. Log into your account online and go to the beneficiary section, call Chase, or visit a branch. Remove the old beneficiary and add the new one.

If you want to remove a beneficiary without naming someone new, you can do that too. Just delete their name from the beneficiary list. Your account will then have no named beneficiary, and the funds will go through your estate after you die.

What happens after you die

When you pass away, your beneficiary can contact Chase and provide a death certificate and proof of their identity. Chase will verify the information and transfer the funds to them. This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on how quickly the beneficiary contacts Chase and provides the documents.

Because the money goes directly to the beneficiary, it does not have to wait for probate to finish. This is one reason naming a beneficiary is useful — it can get money to your family faster than leaving it in your will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name a minor as a beneficiary?

Yes, but the money cannot be released to them directly until they reach the age of majority in your state, usually 18. You may want to name a guardian or trust instead, so an adult can manage the money for the minor. Ask Chase about your options.

Does naming a beneficiary affect my will?

No. A named beneficiary on a bank account is separate from your will. The beneficiary you name on the account takes priority — the money goes to them, not to whoever your will says should get it. Make sure your beneficiary choice matches your overall plan.

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

Yes, but the process is different from naming a person. Contact Chase directly to discuss naming an estate or trust, because they will need specific legal information about the trust or estate.

What if I name a beneficiary and then get divorced?

The beneficiary you named stays on the account unless you remove them. Chase does not automatically remove an ex-spouse. You need to change the beneficiary yourself if you no longer want them to receive the money.

Can the beneficiary access my account before I die?

No. Naming a beneficiary gives them no access to the account while you are alive. If you want someone to have access now, you need to add them as an authorized user or set up power of attorney instead.