You can name a beneficiary on a Chase checking account through Chase Online, the mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person

A beneficiary is someone you designate to receive the money in your account if you die. Chase lets you add one or more beneficiaries to most checking accounts. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to visit a branch — you can do it online or through the Chase Mobile app right now.

The beneficiary you name does not have access to your account while you are alive. After your death, the money passes to them outside of probate, meaning it does not go through the court system and typically reaches them faster than money left in a will.

Key Takeaways

  • You can name a beneficiary on a Chase checking account through Chase Online, the mobile app, or at a Chase branch.
  • The beneficiary receives the account balance only after you die and has no access to the account while you are alive.
  • Money paid to a beneficiary bypasses probate, so it reaches them faster than money left in a will.
  • You can change or remove a beneficiary at any time using the same method you used to add them.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to name or change a beneficiary.

How to add a beneficiary through Chase Online

Log into Chase Online and go to your checking account. Look for a link or menu option labeled "Beneficiaries," "Manage Beneficiaries," or "Account Settings" — the exact wording varies by account type. Click it and select "Add Beneficiary."

Enter the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID. You will also enter their mailing address. Chase will ask what percentage of the account balance they receive — you can name multiple beneficiaries and split the money between them, or name one person to receive everything. After you enter the information, review it for accuracy and confirm.

Chase will send you a confirmation email. The beneficiary designation takes effect immediately, though it may take a few business days to appear in your account settings online.

Adding a beneficiary through the Chase Mobile app

Open the Chase Mobile app and tap on your checking account. Scroll down or look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) and find "Beneficiaries" or "Account Settings." Tap "Add Beneficiary" and enter the same information you would online: name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, mailing address, and the percentage of the account they receive.

Review the details and tap confirm. You will receive a confirmation email. The process is identical to the online version — use whichever method is most convenient for you.

Naming a beneficiary at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with a valid photo ID. Tell a banker you want to add a beneficiary to your checking account. They will ask for the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and mailing address. You will also tell them what percentage of the account the beneficiary receives.

The banker will print a form for you to sign. Keep a copy for your records. The beneficiary designation is active immediately, though it may take a few business days to show in your online account.

What happens if you name multiple beneficiaries

You can name more than one beneficiary on a single account. When you add each one, you specify what percentage of the account balance they receive. The percentages must add up to 100 percent. For example, you could name your spouse to receive 60 percent and your two adult children to receive 20 percent each.

After your death, Chase divides the account balance according to the percentages you set. Each beneficiary receives their share directly. If one beneficiary dies before you do, their share goes to the remaining beneficiaries unless you update the designation.

Changing or removing a beneficiary

You can change a beneficiary's name, update their information, or remove them entirely at any time. Use the same method you used to add them: Chase Online, the mobile app, or a branch visit. Log in or visit, find the beneficiary you want to change, and select "Edit" or "Remove."

If you remove all beneficiaries, the account has no designated beneficiary. After your death, the money becomes part of your estate and goes through probate. If you want to change who receives the money, update the designation as soon as possible — Chase processes changes immediately.

What you need before you start

Have the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax ID ready. You will also need their mailing address. If you are naming multiple beneficiaries, decide what percentage each one receives before you begin. The percentages must total 100 percent.

You do not need the beneficiary's permission to name them, and they will not be notified automatically. It is a good idea to tell them you have named them as a beneficiary so they know what to expect and understand the process after your death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beneficiary access my account while I am alive?

No. A beneficiary has no access to the account, cannot withdraw money, and cannot see the balance while you are alive. They receive the money only after you die and Chase is notified of your death.

What if I die without naming a beneficiary?

The account becomes part of your estate and goes through probate. This means a court oversees the distribution of the money, which takes longer than a direct transfer to a named beneficiary. Your will or state law determines who receives it.

Do I need to tell Chase when a beneficiary dies?

You should update your beneficiary designation if a named beneficiary dies before you do. If you do not update it, Chase will divide that person's share among the remaining beneficiaries. Contact Chase through Online, the app, or a branch to make the change.

Can I name a minor as a beneficiary?

Yes, but a minor cannot receive the money directly. Chase will hold the funds until the minor reaches the age of majority in your state, typically 18 or 21. You may want to speak with an attorney about setting up a trust or guardianship if you want more control over how the money is used.

Is there a fee to name or change a beneficiary?

No. Chase does not charge any fee to add, change, or remove a beneficiary on a checking account.