You can add a beneficiary to your Chase checking account in about five minutes through the Chase mobile app or website

Log into your Chase account online or open the Chase mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or account details section — the exact location varies slightly between the app and website, but both have a clear menu. Look for an option labeled "Beneficiaries," "Transfer on Death," or "Account Beneficiary." Select the account you want to add a beneficiary to, then choose "Add Beneficiary." Enter the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relationship to you. Chase will ask you to confirm the information before saving it. The change takes effect immediately, though the beneficiary cannot access the account until after your death and the account is verified through Chase's probate process.

A beneficiary is a person you name to receive the money in your account after you die. Naming a beneficiary through Chase avoids probate court for that account, meaning the money transfers directly to them without delays or court fees. This is different from a will, which must go through probate. If you name a beneficiary on your Chase account and also name someone different in your will, the beneficiary on the account takes priority — the will does not override it.

Key Takeaways

  • You add a beneficiary through Chase's website or mobile app by going to account settings, finding the beneficiaries section, and entering their full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
  • The beneficiary you name on the account takes priority over anyone named in your will for that specific account.
  • After you die, the beneficiary must contact Chase and provide a death certificate before the money is released to them.
  • You can name multiple beneficiaries and specify what percentage of the account each one receives, or you can change or remove a beneficiary at any time while you are alive.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to add, change, or remove a beneficiary.

Where to find the beneficiary option in Chase online banking

On the Chase website, log in and click on the account you want to add a beneficiary to. In the account details or summary page, look for a menu or settings icon — usually three horizontal lines or a gear symbol. Select "Account Settings" or "Manage Account." Scroll down until you see "Beneficiary" or "Transfer on Death." Click that option to begin adding a name.

In the Chase mobile app, open the account and tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Tap "Settings" or "Account Settings." Scroll to find "Beneficiary" or "Transfer on Death." The app may also show this option under "More" or "Additional Options." Once you find it, tap to open the beneficiary section and select "Add Beneficiary."

What information Chase needs from you and your beneficiary

Chase will ask for the beneficiary's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID — do not use nicknames or shortened versions. You will also need their date of birth in month-day-year format and their Social Security number. Have this information ready before you start, because Chase will not let you save the beneficiary without it.

You will also need to specify your relationship to the beneficiary — for example, spouse, child, parent, or other. This is for Chase's records and does not affect who can receive the money. If you are adding a minor as a beneficiary, Chase will still accept their Social Security number, but the money will be held in trust until they reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21).

Adding multiple beneficiaries and splitting the account

You can name more than one beneficiary on a single Chase checking account. When you add a second beneficiary, Chase will ask you to specify what percentage of the account each person receives. For example, you could name your spouse as 50 percent beneficiary and your two adult children as 25 percent each. The percentages must add up to 100 percent.

If you do not specify percentages, Chase will split the account equally among all beneficiaries you name. You can change these percentages at any time by going back to the beneficiary section and editing the account. When you die, each beneficiary receives their designated percentage after the account goes through Chase's verification process.

What happens after you add a beneficiary

The beneficiary designation takes effect immediately after you confirm it. However, the beneficiary cannot access or withdraw money from the account while you are alive — the account remains entirely yours to use. You can still deposit, withdraw, and transfer money normally. The beneficiary only gains access after you die and Chase confirms your death through a death certificate.

When you die, the person named as beneficiary should contact Chase directly and provide a certified copy of your death certificate. Chase will verify the death and the beneficiary's identity, then release the funds. This process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if Chase needs additional documentation. The beneficiary will not have to go through probate court for this account, which saves time and money compared to accounts with no named beneficiary.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change your beneficiary at any time while you are alive. Go back to the beneficiary section in your Chase account settings, select the beneficiary you want to change, and either edit their information or delete them entirely. If you delete a beneficiary without naming a replacement, that account will have no beneficiary on file — the money will go through probate when you die.

Chase does not notify the person you remove as a beneficiary, so if you are removing a spouse or family member, you may want to tell them yourself. There is no fee to make these changes, and they take effect immediately.

Beneficiaries versus joint account holders

A beneficiary is not the same as a joint account holder. A joint account holder can access and use the account right now, while you are alive. A beneficiary cannot touch the account until after you die. If you want someone to be able to use your account while you are alive — for example, a spouse or adult child who helps with bills — you should add them as a joint account holder instead of a beneficiary. You can also have both: a joint account holder who can use it now, and a separate beneficiary who receives any remaining balance after you die.

To add a joint account holder, go to the same account settings menu but look for "Add User" or "Authorized User" instead of "Beneficiary." Chase will send an invitation to the other person, and they must accept it before they gain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a beneficiary if I have a joint account?

Yes. If your account has a joint owner, you can still name a beneficiary. When you die, the joint owner keeps their half of the account automatically, and your beneficiary receives your half. If the joint owner dies first, you become the sole owner of the entire account.

What if my beneficiary dies before I do?

The beneficiary designation becomes void. The money in the account will go through probate when you die, unless you name a new beneficiary before then. You should review your beneficiary choices whenever a major life event happens — a death, divorce, marriage, or birth of a child.

Do I need a lawyer to add a beneficiary to Chase?

No. Adding a beneficiary through Chase's online system is free and requires no legal help. It is a simple form you fill out yourself. However, if you have a complex estate or want to coordinate your beneficiary choices with a will or trust, talking to an estate attorney may be useful.

Will my beneficiary have to pay taxes on the money they receive?

Generally, no. Money in a bank account is not subject to federal income tax when it passes to a beneficiary. However, if the account has earned interest or dividends, that income may be taxable. Your beneficiary should keep records of what they receive and consult a tax professional if they have questions.

Can I name a minor as a beneficiary?

Yes, but Chase will hold the money in trust until the minor reaches the age of majority in your state, usually 18 or 21. You cannot name a minor and have them access the money immediately after your death. If you want a minor to receive money sooner, you may want to set up a trust with an attorney instead.