How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at First Citizens
Covers 7 deposit, 4 retirement, 1 investment, and 3 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Customer Care Center
Phone1-888-323-4732
Mailing Address
First Citizens Bank, PO Box 27131, Raleigh, NC 27611
WebsiteLearn more→
Trust & Fiduciary Services / Wealth Management
Phone1-855-329-3258
Institutional Trust Services
Delaware Trust Company
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims / Estate Settlement
Phone1-888-323-4732
Toll-Free1-888-323-4732
Mailing Address
First Citizens Bank, PO Box 27131, Raleigh, NC 27611
Wealth Client Support
Institutional Trust Services
Investor & Brokerage Services (FCIS)
FCIS Alternative
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
There are two ways to keep your First Citizens 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.
With 15 product types, First Citizens offers a range of transfer options. Some accounts support Payable on Death (POD) designations, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
Primary CheckingPremier CheckingPrestige CheckingPremier Executive CheckingOnline Savings AccountMoney Market AccountCertificate of Deposit (CD)
1
Visit any First Citizens branch with government-issued photo ID.
2
Request to add or update a POD beneficiary designation (deposit accounts) or IRA beneficiary designation (retirement accounts).
3
Provide beneficiary information:
- Full legal name, date of birth, SSN, and relationship.
- Percentage allocations for primary and contingent beneficiaries.
4
Complete and sign the beneficiary designation form with a representative.
5
Receive confirmation of the designation.
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Beneficiaries can be individuals, trusts, estates, or charities.
- Account owner retains full control and can change beneficiaries at any time.
- POD does not create joint ownership of the account.
- Multiple beneficiaries receive equal shares unless otherwise specified.
- Named beneficiaries override directions in a will.
- Beneficiaries need a certified death certificate and government-issued ID to claim funds.
Customer Care Center
Phone1-888-323-4732
Mailing Address
First Citizens Bank, PO Box 27131, Raleigh, NC 27611
WebsiteLearn more→
Trust & Fiduciary Services / Wealth Management
Phone1-855-329-3258
Institutional Trust Services
Delaware Trust Company
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims / Estate Settlement
Phone1-888-323-4732
Toll-Free1-888-323-4732
Mailing Address
First Citizens Bank, PO Box 27131, Raleigh, NC 27611
Wealth Client Support
Institutional Trust Services
Investor & Brokerage Services (FCIS)
FCIS Alternative
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your First Citizens accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
