How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Edward Jones
Covers 8 investment, and 6 retirement accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Client Relations
Phone1-800-441-2357
Toll-Free1-800-441-2357
Online Account Access Support
Client Relations / Urgent Trades
Headquarters Switchboard
WebsiteLearn more→
Estates Hotline
Phone1-888-441-5475
Toll-Free1-888-441-5475
Fax1-877-818-0584
Mailing Address
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., 12555 Manchester Road, Saint Louis, MO 63131
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jun 2026
There are two ways to keep your Edward Jones investment 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.
Across 14 product types, Edward Jones investment accounts vary in how they transfer at death. The sections below walk through Transfer on Death (TOD) designations, trust funding options, and which products support each method.
Edward Jones Select AccountEdward Jones Guided Solutions Fund AccountEdward Jones Guided Solutions Flex AccountEdward Jones Advisory Solutions Fund ModelsEdward Jones Advisory Solutions UMA ModelsFinancial Advisor Managed Solutions529 Education Savings PlanTrust Account
1
Schedule a meeting with your Edward Jones financial advisor
2
Bring government-issued photo ID
3
Advisor provides the Transfer on Death Agreement or IRA Beneficiary Designation form
4
Complete the form with required details:
- Beneficiary full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, relationship, and percentage allocation
- Designate primary and contingent beneficiaries (no limit on number of beneficiaries)
5
If married in a community property state and not naming spouse as sole primary: complete Spousal Consent Form
6
Witness signs the form (branch administrator can serve as witness)
7
Advisor submits form to home office for processing
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- All beneficiary changes require working through a financial advisor -- no self-service online
- $300 TOD execution fee assessed to beneficiary at time of death claim (not at setup)
- No limit on number of primary or contingent beneficiaries
- Spousal consent required in community property states when naming non-spouse beneficiary
- Spousal consent required for Owner-Only 401(k) if spouse is not sole primary beneficiary
- Custom-drafted beneficiary language accepted for trusts; fax draft to (877) 818-0584 for pre-review
- Client signature must be dated within 60 days of home office receipt
- Named beneficiaries override your will
Sources
Data sourced from Edward Jones primary sources (16 pages reviewed). How we research.
Client Relations
Phone1-800-441-2357
Toll-Free1-800-441-2357
Online Account Access Support
Client Relations / Urgent Trades
Headquarters Switchboard
WebsiteLearn more→
Estates Hotline
Phone1-888-441-5475
Toll-Free1-888-441-5475
Fax1-877-818-0584
Mailing Address
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., 12555 Manchester Road, Saint Louis, MO 63131
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jun 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Edward Jones accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
