Estate planning at Cathay Bank
How to protect 16 Cathay Bank accounts — manage beneficiaries in-branch, fund a trust in-branch, and file death claims
Phone(626) 582-7380
Toll-Free1-800-922-8429
Mailing Address
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Wealth management and estate planning advisory
WebsiteLearn more→
Phone(626) 582-7380
Toll-Free1-800-922-8429
Mailing Address
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Wealth management and estate planning advisory
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-800-922-8429
Toll-Free1-800-922-8429
Mailing Address
Cathay Bank, 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Verified Apr 2026
Cathay Bank has 16 accounts, each with different rules for what happens when the account holder dies. Of those, 11 can name a trust as beneficiary or be retitled into a trust. The right combination of beneficiary designations and trust ownership can keep the entire portfolio out of probate.
Beneficiary changes at Cathay Bank can be made in branch, by mail, and by phone. Accounts can also be retitled into a trust to keep them out of probate entirely.
Cathay Bank provides specific procedures for both proactive estate planning and filing claims after a death.
Preparing your estate
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to update beneficiaries in-branch, fund a trust in-branch, and review 16 account types at Cathay Bank.
View details →When someone dies
Death claim process
4-step process, 8 required documents, and contact information for survivors.
View details →Cathay Bank is not available nationwide. Estate planning procedures may vary by state, so confirm that your location is served before making account changes.
Frequently asked questions
You will need a Certification of Trust (or full copy of the trust agreement), government-issued photo ID for all trustees, and the trust Social Security number or Tax Identification Number (EIN). If the trust has been amended, bring all amendments. Visit a branch for the most efficient trust account setup.
Cathay Wealth Management provides estate planning advisory services through experienced Financial Advisors. Services include planning for surviving spouse and beneficiary provisions, tax-efficient asset distribution, and overall wealth management. Call 1-877-722-8429 to speak with a Financial Advisor or visit cathaybank.com/wealth-management/planning for more information.
Cathay Bank operates over 60 branch locations in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, and Nevada. The bank also has offices in Hong Kong and representative offices in Taipei, Shanghai, and Beijing. Visit cathaybank.com/location to find the nearest branch.
Yes. While IRA accounts cannot be retitled to a trust, you can name a trust as the primary or contingent beneficiary of your Traditional IRA CD or Roth IRA CD. Visit a Cathay Bank branch or call 1-800-922-8429 to complete the IRA beneficiary designation form. Community property state residents may need spousal consent to name a non-spouse beneficiary.
Cathay Bank offers several checking options: Basic Checking (available in select states, no monthly charge), Everyday Checking ($3 monthly charge waivable with eStatement or direct deposit), Personal Checking ($10 monthly charge waivable with $1,000 balance or direct deposit), and Cathay ValuePlus Checking (interest-bearing, $15 monthly charge waivable with $2,000 balance). Student Advantage Checking and Cathay Teen Banking are also available for younger customers.
Visit any Cathay Bank branch with your Certification of Trust (or full trust agreement), government-issued photo ID for all trustees, and the trust Tax Identification Number (EIN) or trustee SSN. Existing non-IRA personal accounts can generally be converted to trust accounts with proper documentation. IRA accounts cannot be retitled to a trust. In-branch visits are recommended for trust account setup.
Sources
Data sourced from Cathay Bank primary sources (23 pages reviewed). How we research.
Phone(626) 582-7380
Toll-Free1-800-922-8429
Mailing Address
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Wealth management and estate planning advisory
WebsiteLearn more→
Phone(626) 582-7380
Toll-Free1-800-922-8429
Mailing Address
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Wealth management and estate planning advisory
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-800-922-8429
Toll-Free1-800-922-8429
Mailing Address
Cathay Bank, 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Cathay Bank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
