How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at City National
Covers 6 deposit, 3 investment, 2 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Client Solutions and Service Enablement
Phone1-800-773-7100
Toll-Free1-800-773-7100
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Investments & Trust Services
Phone1-800-708-8881
Toll-Free1-800-708-8881
Mailing Address
City National Bank, 555 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Verified Jul 2026
There are two ways to keep your City National 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.
City National has 13 product types, and the estate transfer rules differ across them. Some support Payable on Death (POD) designations, some can be retitled into a trust, and others will require probate if nothing is set up. Each is covered below.
Personal CheckingPersonal Checking PlusPreferred Platinum CheckingPersonal SavingsPersonal Money MarketPersonal Certificate of Deposit (CD)
1
Visit a City National Bank office with government-issued photo ID
2
Request a POD or TOD beneficiary designation form from your banker
3
Provide beneficiary information:
- Full legal name and relationship for each beneficiary
- Percentage allocation if naming multiple beneficiaries
4
Sign the designation form with the banker
5
Receive a copy for your records
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- TOD/POD designations can be added when opening an account or at any later time
- No attorney required to establish a TOD or POD designation
- Must specify asset division percentage when naming multiple beneficiaries
- TOD/POD designations supersede instructions in wills or trusts
- If a minor is named as beneficiary, a court-appointed supervisor may be required to manage assets until the child turns 18
- Upon death, beneficiary presents death certificate and government-issued ID; assets transfer without probate
Sources
Data sourced from City National primary sources (18 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these City National instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against City National primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Client Solutions and Service Enablement
Phone1-800-773-7100
Toll-Free1-800-773-7100
Self-Directed Brokerage Support
Mortgage Servicing
Check Card/ATM
Credit Card - Personal
Fraud
International Banking
Equipment Leasing
WebsiteLearn more→
Investments & Trust Services
Phone1-800-708-8881
Toll-Free1-800-708-8881
Mailing Address
City National Bank, 555 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your City National accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
