How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Bank of the Sierra
Covers 9 deposit, 2 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Mailing Address
Bank of the Sierra, P.O. Box 1930, Porterville, CA 93258
TTY (Hearing Impaired)
Sierra Telebanking
WebsiteLearn more→
Mailing Address
Bank of the Sierra, P.O. Box 1930, Porterville, CA 93258
TTY (Hearing Impaired)
Sierra Telebanking
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Settlement
Mailing Address
Bank of the Sierra, P.O. Box 1930, Porterville, CA 93258
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
There are two ways to keep your Bank of the Sierra accounts out of probate: adding beneficiary designations and retitling eligible accounts into a revocable living trust. Which approach works best depends on the account type and your overall estate plan.
Bank of the Sierra has 13 accounts with different estate transfer rules. Here is how beneficiary designations, trust ownership, and probate apply to each one.
Impact CheckingEssential CheckingGrowth CheckingPersonal SavingsSierra High-Yield SavingsMoney Market AccountCertificate of Deposit (CD)Sequoia Certificate of DepositHealth Savings Account (HSA)
1
Visit any Bank of the Sierra branch with a valid government-issued photo ID
2
Request to add or update beneficiary designations on your accounts
3
Provide beneficiary information:
- For deposit accounts: request POD (Payable on Death) designation with beneficiary full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relationship
- For IRA accounts: complete the IRA Beneficiary Designation form with primary and contingent beneficiary sections
4
Review and sign the updated account documentation
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Trust beneficiary designations may require a copy of the Certification of Trust
- IRA beneficiary changes for married account holders in California (a community property state) may require spousal consent
Mailing Address
Bank of the Sierra, P.O. Box 1930, Porterville, CA 93258
TTY (Hearing Impaired)
Sierra Telebanking
WebsiteLearn more→
Mailing Address
Bank of the Sierra, P.O. Box 1930, Porterville, CA 93258
TTY (Hearing Impaired)
Sierra Telebanking
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Settlement
Mailing Address
Bank of the Sierra, P.O. Box 1930, Porterville, CA 93258
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Bank of the Sierra accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
