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. Go to the account settings or profile menu—this is usually a gear icon or your name in the top right corner. Look for "Beneficiaries," "Transfer on Death," or "POD Account" (Payable on Death). Select the option to add a new beneficiary, enter their full name and Social Security number or tax ID, choose what percentage of the account they receive, and confirm. Chase will send you a confirmation email. The beneficiary does not need to do anything on their end, and they are not notified that you named them.

A beneficiary is someone who automatically receives money from your account if you die. Unlike a will, which goes through probate court and can take months, a beneficiary transfer happens outside the court system and can be processed within weeks. Chase allows you to name multiple beneficiaries and split the account balance between them by percentage.

Key Takeaways

  • You add a beneficiary through Chase's online banking portal or mobile app under account settings, and the process takes about five minutes.
  • You must provide the beneficiary's full legal name and Social Security number or tax ID; you cannot name a minor or a pet.
  • You can name more than one beneficiary and decide what percentage of the account each person receives.
  • The beneficiary receives the money outside of probate, meaning no court involvement and faster access to funds after your death.
  • You can change or remove a beneficiary at any time while you are alive, and the change takes effect immediately.

Step-by-step process on the Chase website

Start by going to chase.com and signing in with your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for the settings icon (usually a gear) in the top right corner of the page and click it. From the dropdown menu, select "Profile & Settings" or "Account Settings." You should see a section labeled "Beneficiaries" or "Transfer on Death Accounts."

Click "Add Beneficiary" or the plus icon next to beneficiaries. Chase will ask you to select which account you want to attach the beneficiary to—choose your checking account. Enter the beneficiary's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government ID. Then enter their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are naming a spouse, you may also see an option to designate them as a "Surviving Spouse" for tax purposes.

Next, enter the percentage of the account balance that this beneficiary will receive. If you are naming one person, enter 100%. If you are naming multiple beneficiaries, the percentages must add up to 100%—for example, 50% to your daughter and 50% to your son. Click "Review" to see a summary of what you entered, then click "Confirm" or "Submit." Chase will send a confirmation email to the address on file.

Adding a beneficiary through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap "Settings" or your profile name at the top. Scroll down and look for "Beneficiaries," "Transfer on Death," or "Account Settings." Tap "Add Beneficiary" or the plus sign.

Select the checking account you want to add the beneficiary to. Enter the beneficiary's full legal name, Social Security number or ITIN, and the percentage of the account they will receive. Review the information and tap "Confirm." You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

What information you need before you start

Have the following details ready before you begin: the full legal name of each person you want to name as a beneficiary, their Social Security number or ITIN, and the percentage of your account balance you want each person to receive. If you do not have someone's Social Security number, you can ask them directly or contact Chase support to see if there are alternative ways to identify them.

Chase does not allow you to name a minor as a beneficiary on a checking account. If you want to leave money to a child, you will need to set up a different arrangement, such as naming a guardian or trustee as the beneficiary, or creating a trust. Contact Chase directly to discuss options for leaving money to children.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change a beneficiary's name, percentage, or remove them entirely at any time while you are alive. Log back into your Chase account, go to the beneficiary section, and click the beneficiary you want to edit. You can update their information or click "Remove" to delete them. The change takes effect immediately, and Chase will send you a confirmation email.

If you remove all beneficiaries from your account, the money will go through your will or estate if you have one. If you have no will and no beneficiaries, the money goes to your next of kin according to your state's inheritance laws, which can take much longer.

How the beneficiary receives the money after you die

When you pass away, your family or the executor of your estate should contact Chase and provide a death certificate. Chase will verify your death and transfer the account balance to the beneficiary or beneficiaries according to the percentages you set. This process typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if all paperwork is in order.

The beneficiary does not have to go to court or wait for probate. They will need to provide identification and may need to open a new account at Chase or another bank to receive the funds, depending on Chase's procedures at that time. The money is not subject to your debts or taxes in the same way a will is, though the beneficiary may owe income tax on any interest the account earned after your death.

Difference between a beneficiary and a joint account holder

A beneficiary has no access to your account while you are alive. They only receive money after you die. A joint account holder can access and withdraw money from your account right now, while you are both alive. If you want someone to help you manage money during your lifetime, a joint account is the right choice. If you only want them to have the money after you are gone, name them as a beneficiary instead.

Some people name both a joint account holder (for day-to-day help) and a beneficiary (for what happens after death). For example, you might add your spouse as a joint holder and your adult child as a beneficiary. Make sure you understand the difference before you choose, because the two arrangements have very different legal and tax consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name someone who does not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN to add a beneficiary. If the person does not have one, contact Chase support to ask about alternatives. In some cases, you may be able to name a trust or estate instead, which can then distribute money to the person you want to help.

What happens if I name a beneficiary and then get divorced?

Your ex-spouse remains the beneficiary unless you remove them. Divorce does not automatically cancel a beneficiary designation on a bank account. You must log back into your Chase account and remove or change the beneficiary yourself. If you forget to do this, your ex could receive the money after you die.

Can I name a charity or nonprofit as a beneficiary?

Yes. Enter the charity's legal name and tax ID number instead of a Social Security number. This is a common way to leave money to causes you care about without going through your will. Contact the charity first to confirm their tax ID and make sure they can receive the funds.

Do I need to tell the beneficiary I named them?

No, but it is a good idea. The beneficiary will not know they are named until after you die, when Chase contacts them. Telling them in advance prevents confusion and gives them a chance to ask questions. You can also leave a note with your will or important documents so your family knows where to find the account information.

What if I want to split the account between more than two people?

You can name up to 10 beneficiaries on a Chase checking account. Decide what percentage each person receives—the percentages must add up to 100%. For example, you could name three children at 33.33% each, or split it unevenly if you prefer. Chase will divide the account balance according to the percentages you set.