How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at F&M Bank
Covers 11 deposit, 2 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Phone(866) 437-0011
Mailing Address
Farmers & Merchants Bank, 302 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
WebsiteLearn more→
Personal Banking Services
Phone(866) 437-0011
Mailing Address
Farmers & Merchants Bank, 302 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
There are two ways to keep your F&M Bank 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 15 product types, F&M Bank accounts vary in how they transfer at death. The sections below walk through Payable on Death (POD) designations, trust funding options, and which products support each method.
Bronze CheckingSilver CheckingGold CheckingPlatinum CheckingSenior CheckingSavings AccountMarket Rate SavingsChristmas Club AccountHealth Savings Account (HSA)Money Market AccountCertificate of Deposit (CD)
1
Visit any F&M Bank 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
Phone(866) 437-0011
Mailing Address
Farmers & Merchants Bank, 302 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
WebsiteLearn more→
Personal Banking Services
Phone(866) 437-0011
Mailing Address
Farmers & Merchants Bank, 302 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your F&M Bank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
