How to name a beneficiary on your Citibank checking account
You can add a beneficiary to your Citibank checking account by logging into your online account, calling Citibank directly, or visiting a branch in person. A beneficiary is a person you name to receive the money in your account if you die. Citibank calls this a "payable-on-death" or POD designation.
The fastest method is online through Citi's website or mobile app. You'll need the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID. The change takes effect immediately, though it may take a few business days to appear in your account records.
If you prefer to do this in person or by phone, you can reach Citibank at the number on the back of your debit card, or visit any Citibank branch with your ID and the beneficiary information ready.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a beneficiary online, by phone, or in person at a Citibank branch, and the change usually takes effect the same day.
- You will need your beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID to complete the designation.
- A payable-on-death beneficiary receives the account balance outside of probate, meaning the money transfers directly without going through your will.
- You can name multiple beneficiaries and specify what percentage each one receives, or change or remove a beneficiary at any time.
- Naming a beneficiary does not affect your access to the account during your lifetime—you remain the sole owner and can use the money as you wish.
Adding a beneficiary through Citi's online banking
Log into your Citibank account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or account details section—this is usually labeled "Manage Account" or "Account Settings" depending on which platform you're using.
Look for an option called "Beneficiary," "Payable on Death," "POD," or "Transfer on Death." Click or tap it, then select "Add Beneficiary." You'll be prompted to enter the beneficiary's full legal name (as it appears on their ID), date of birth, and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you want to name more than one beneficiary, you can specify the percentage of the account each person receives. For example, you might give 50 percent to one person and 50 percent to another, or divide it among three or more people. After you enter all information, review it carefully and confirm the change. Citi will send you a confirmation email.
Adding a beneficiary by phone or in person
Call the number on the back of your Citibank debit card and ask to speak with someone about adding a payable-on-death beneficiary. Have your beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready before you call. The representative will walk you through the process and confirm the change over the phone.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Citibank branch with your government-issued ID and your beneficiary's information. A banker will help you complete the designation and provide you with written confirmation. This method is useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face or if you're uncomfortable providing sensitive information over the phone.
What happens to the account after you die
When you pass away, your beneficiary can contact Citibank with a copy of your death certificate and proof of their identity. Citibank will verify the beneficiary designation in your account records and transfer the full account balance (or their designated percentage) directly to them.
This process bypasses probate, which means the money does not have to go through the court system or wait for your will to be processed. The transfer typically takes one to two weeks after Citibank receives the death certificate and required documents. The beneficiary does not need to be named in your will for this to happen—the POD designation overrides your will.
If you name multiple beneficiaries and one of them dies before you do, that person's share goes to the remaining beneficiaries unless you update the designation. This is why it's important to review your beneficiary choices periodically, especially after major life changes.
Changing or removing a beneficiary
You can change your beneficiary at any time through the same methods you used to add one: online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Log into your account, find the beneficiary section, and select "Edit" or "Update." You can change the person's name, the percentages, or remove them entirely.
If you remove a beneficiary, the account will no longer have a POD designation unless you name someone else. If you die without a beneficiary on file, the account becomes part of your estate and goes through probate. There is no waiting period or approval process to make changes—the update takes effect immediately.
Keep in mind that changing a beneficiary does not require the consent of the current beneficiary, and they will not be notified by Citibank that you've made a change. If you want to inform them, that's your choice to make separately.
Beneficiary designation versus joint account ownership
A payable-on-death beneficiary is different from making someone a joint owner on your account. A joint owner has access to the money during your lifetime and can withdraw, transfer, or spend it. A beneficiary has no access to the account while you're alive—they only receive the remaining balance after you die.
If you want someone to help you manage the account or have access to the money now, you would add them as a joint owner instead. If you only want them to receive what's left after you're gone, a beneficiary designation is the right choice. You can have both a joint owner and a beneficiary on the same account, though the joint owner's rights take priority during your lifetime.
Documents and information you'll need
| Method | Information Needed | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, SSN or ITIN | 5–10 minutes |
| Phone | Beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, SSN or ITIN | 10–15 minutes |
| In person at branch | Your government ID, beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, SSN or ITIN | 15–20 minutes |
Have your beneficiary's information written down before you start, especially their full legal name as it appears on their driver's license or passport. If you don't have their Social Security number, you can ask them for it, or Citibank may accept an ITIN if the beneficiary is not a U.S. citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I name my minor child as a beneficiary?
Yes, you can name a minor as a beneficiary. However, when you die, the money cannot be given directly to a child under 18 in most states. Citibank will hold the funds until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state), or the funds may go to a court-appointed guardian. You may want to consult an attorney about naming a trust or an adult custodian instead.
What if I name someone as a beneficiary and then get divorced?
The beneficiary designation does not automatically change after a divorce. You must update it yourself. If you want to remove your ex-spouse as a beneficiary, log into your account and make the change. Some states have laws that remove a spouse automatically upon divorce, but Citibank follows federal law, so it's your responsibility to update the designation.
Can my beneficiary access the account before I die?
No. A payable-on-death beneficiary has no access to the account during your lifetime. Only you can withdraw money, make transfers, or close the account. The beneficiary's rights begin only after you pass away and they provide a death certificate to Citibank.
Do I need a will if I name a beneficiary?
A beneficiary designation on your bank account does not replace a will. The account goes directly to the beneficiary outside of probate, but other assets (your home, car, investments, personal items) still need a will or trust to be distributed according to your wishes. You should have both a will and beneficiary designations as part of your overall plan.
What if I name a beneficiary and then want to leave the money to someone else in my will?
The beneficiary designation on your bank account takes priority over your will. If you want the money to go to a different person, you must change the beneficiary designation on the account itself—updating your will alone will not change where the money goes. The account bypasses probate and goes directly to whoever is named as the POD beneficiary.