You can change your Chase checking account beneficiary online, by phone, or in person at a branch
Chase lets you name or change a beneficiary — the person or people who inherit your account if you die — through your online account, by calling Chase customer service, or by visiting a branch in person. The process takes minutes if you do it online, and Chase does not charge a fee. You can name multiple beneficiaries and decide what percentage of the account each one receives.
The beneficiary you name on your Chase account is separate from your will. If you name a beneficiary on the account itself, that person gets the money directly and does not have to go through probate — the legal process that usually delays inheritance. This is why naming a beneficiary matters even if you have a will.
Chase calls this a Payable on Death (POD) designation or Transfer on Death (TOD) account, depending on the account type. The steps are the same either way.
Key Takeaways
- You can add or change a beneficiary on your Chase checking account online through Chase.com, by phone at the number on your debit card, or at any Chase branch.
- The beneficiary you name on the account receives the money directly when you die and does not have to wait for probate.
- You can name multiple beneficiaries and assign each one a percentage of the account balance.
- Chase does not charge a fee to add, change, or remove a beneficiary.
- The beneficiary designation on your account overrides what your will says about that specific account.
How to change your beneficiary online through Chase.com
Log into your Chase account at Chase.com and go to the account settings or account details page. Look for a link labeled "Beneficiaries," "Payable on Death," or "Account Beneficiary" — the exact wording varies by account type. Click it to open the beneficiary management page.
If you already have a beneficiary listed, you will see their name and the percentage they are set to receive. To change it, click "Edit" or "Modify." Enter the new beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and relationship to you (spouse, child, parent, other). If you want to name multiple beneficiaries, add each one and assign a percentage — the percentages must add up to 100 percent. Save your changes. Chase will send you a confirmation email.
If you do not see a beneficiary option in your account settings, your account type may not support it. Some Chase savings accounts and money market accounts allow beneficiaries, but not all checking accounts do. Call Chase at the number on your debit card to confirm whether your specific account can have a beneficiary.
How to change your beneficiary by phone or at a branch
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase debit card. Tell the representative you want to add or change the beneficiary on your checking account. They will ask for the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and relationship to you. If you want to name multiple beneficiaries, tell them the percentage each one should receive. The representative will make the change and send you a confirmation in the mail.
You can also visit any Chase branch in person. Bring a photo ID and the information for the beneficiary or beneficiaries you want to name — their full legal names, dates of birth, and relationships to you. A branch employee will update your account and give you a receipt. This is the slowest option but the most direct if you want to ask questions face-to-face.
What happens if you name multiple beneficiaries
When you name more than one beneficiary, you must assign each one a percentage of the account. For example, you could name your spouse as 60 percent and your two children as 20 percent each. When you die, each beneficiary receives their percentage of whatever money is in the account at that time.
If one beneficiary dies before you do, their percentage does not automatically go to the other beneficiaries. Instead, it becomes part of your estate and is handled according to your will or your state's inheritance laws. To avoid this, update your beneficiary designation if a named beneficiary dies or if your circumstances change.
How to remove a beneficiary
Log into Chase.com, go to your account settings, and find the beneficiary page. Click "Edit" or "Modify" and delete the beneficiary's name. Save your changes. You can also call the number on your debit card or visit a branch and ask a representative to remove the beneficiary. Chase will confirm the removal by email or mail.
If you remove all beneficiaries, the money in your account will go to your estate when you die, which means it will be handled according to your will or your state's inheritance laws. This process is slower than a direct beneficiary transfer because it goes through probate.
The difference between a beneficiary on your account and a beneficiary in your will
A beneficiary designation on your account — the POD or TOD designation — overrides your will. If your will says your money goes to your sister but your Chase account names your brother as beneficiary, your brother gets the money in that account. The account bypasses probate entirely.
A beneficiary in your will applies to everything else you own — your house, car, personal items, and any money in accounts that do not have a named beneficiary. If your Chase account has no beneficiary, the money goes into your estate and is distributed according to your will.
For this reason, it is worth reviewing both your account beneficiaries and your will together. If they conflict or if your life has changed since you set them up, update them so your money goes where you actually want it to go.
What to do if you cannot access your account online
If you have forgotten your Chase password or cannot log in, call the number on your debit card before you try to change your beneficiary. A representative can help you regain access or make the change for you over the phone. You will need to answer security questions to confirm your identity.
If you do not have a debit card or cannot find the customer service number, go to Chase.com and look for the "Contact Us" link. You can also visit a Chase branch with a photo ID and ask a representative to help you update your beneficiary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I name someone who is not related to me as a beneficiary?
Yes. Chase does not restrict beneficiaries to family members. You can name a friend, business partner, or anyone else. You will need their full legal name and date of birth.
What if I want to change my beneficiary but I do not remember their date of birth?
Call Chase at the number on your debit card and explain the situation. A representative may be able to update the beneficiary with just a name and relationship, or they may ask you to provide the date of birth later. Bring a photo ID if you visit a branch.
Does naming a beneficiary on my Chase account cost money?
No. Chase does not charge a fee to add, change, or remove a beneficiary on any account type.
What happens to my beneficiary designation if I close my account?
Once you close the account, the beneficiary designation no longer applies. If you open a new Chase account, you will need to set up a new beneficiary if you want one.
Can I change my beneficiary if I am not the account owner?
No. Only the account owner can add or change a beneficiary. If the account is joint, both owners may need to agree, depending on how the account is set up. Call Chase to confirm who can make changes on your specific account.