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 costs nothing. You do not need the beneficiary's permission, and they will not be notified that you named them — that information stays private until your death.

The main reason to name a beneficiary is to avoid probate, the court process that can delay your family's access to your money for months or years. Money in an account with a named beneficiary passes directly to that person outside of probate, which is faster and simpler for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a beneficiary online through Chase's website or app, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or by visiting a Chase branch in person.
  • Chase calls this a "Payable on Death" or POD account, and the beneficiary receives the full account balance when you die.
  • Naming a beneficiary does not affect your account during your lifetime — you keep full control and can change or remove the beneficiary anytime.
  • The beneficiary does not need to know you named them, and they cannot access the account while you are alive.
  • If you do not name a beneficiary, your account goes through probate, which can take several months and may involve court fees.

Adding a beneficiary online through Chase

Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. Go to the account you want to add a beneficiary to — this works for checking, savings, money market, or CD accounts. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Services," "Settings," or "Manage Account." The exact wording varies slightly between the website and app.

Find the option for "Beneficiary" or "Payable on Death." Chase will ask you to enter the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID. You will also need to confirm your own identity, usually by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone. Once you submit the information, Chase will confirm the change immediately.

If you cannot find the beneficiary option in your account menu, the account type may not support it — some older account products do not. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm your account is may be able to access, and a representative can walk you through adding a beneficiary over the phone.

Adding a beneficiary by phone or in person

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to add a beneficiary to your account. Have your account number ready, along with the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The representative will confirm your identity and update your account on the call. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also visit a Chase branch in person and ask to add a beneficiary. Bring your ID and the same information about the beneficiary. A banker will complete the paperwork and confirm the change before you leave. This is a good option if you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you have questions about how beneficiaries work.

What information you need for the beneficiary

Chase requires the beneficiary's full legal name as it appears on their Social Security card or government ID — not a nickname or shortened version. You will also need their date of birth and either their Social Security number or tax ID number. If the beneficiary is a minor, you can still name them, but the money will be held in trust until they reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21).

You can name more than one beneficiary on the same account. If you do, you will need to specify what percentage of the account each person receives. For example, you could name your spouse to receive 60 percent and your child to receive 40 percent. Chase will divide the account balance according to those percentages when you die.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change your beneficiary anytime during your lifetime, and you do not need permission from the current beneficiary. Log into your Chase account online, go to the beneficiary settings for that account, and select "Edit" or "Change Beneficiary." Enter the new beneficiary's information and confirm the change. You can also call Chase or visit a branch to make the change.

If you want to remove a beneficiary entirely, follow the same steps and select "Remove Beneficiary" or leave the beneficiary field blank. Once you confirm, the account no longer has a named beneficiary, and it will go through probate if you die before naming someone else.

What happens to the account after you die

When you die, your family or the person handling your estate should contact Chase and provide a death certificate. Chase will verify the beneficiary's identity and transfer the full account balance to them. This process typically takes one to three weeks, much faster than probate. The beneficiary does not need a court order or lawyer to claim the money — Chase handles it directly.

The beneficiary receives the account balance as of the date of your death, not the date they claim it. If the account earns interest between your death and the transfer, the beneficiary receives that interest too. Once the money is transferred, the account is closed.

Beneficiaries versus joint account holders

A beneficiary is different from a joint account holder. A joint account holder can access and withdraw money from your account right now, while you are alive. A beneficiary cannot touch the account until you die. If you want someone to help manage your money during your lifetime, a joint account or power of attorney makes more sense. If you only want them to receive the money after you die, a beneficiary is the right choice.

Some people use both: they add a spouse as a joint account holder so they can manage money together, and they name an adult child as a beneficiary on a separate savings account. This way the spouse has access to everyday money, and the child inherits the savings account outside of probate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name a minor as a beneficiary?

Yes, you can name a minor, but Chase will hold the money in trust until they reach the age of majority in your state, usually 18 or 21. You can also name a guardian or custodian to manage the money on the minor's behalf until they are old enough to claim it themselves.

Does the beneficiary know I named them?

No. Chase does not notify the beneficiary, and the information is private. You should tell your beneficiary yourself so they know to contact Chase when you die. If they do not know about the account, the money may sit unclaimed for years.

What if I die without naming a beneficiary?

The account goes through probate, which means a court decides who gets the money based on your will or state law. This can take several months and may involve court fees and lawyer costs. Naming a beneficiary avoids this process entirely.

Can I change my beneficiary if I get divorced?

Yes, you can change your beneficiary anytime. If you name your spouse as a beneficiary and then divorce, the beneficiary designation does not automatically change — you need to update it yourself. Many people forget this step, so it is worth reviewing your beneficiaries after major life changes.

What if I name someone and then we have a disagreement?

You can remove or change the beneficiary anytime while you are alive. Once you die, the beneficiary has a legal right to the money and cannot be changed. This is why it is important to keep your beneficiary designation current and to tell your family who you named.