How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Firstrade
Covers 5 investment, and 6 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online

Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
Death Claims / Estate Services
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
Estate planning for your Firstrade investment accounts starts with understanding how each one transfers at death. Beneficiary designations and trust retitling both bypass probate, but the right approach depends on the account type, your tax situation, and how much control you want over distributions.
Across 11 product types, Firstrade 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.
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- TOD Beneficiary Designations are not available to residents in all jurisdictions
- TOD accounts are subject to receipt and acceptance by Apex Clearing Corporation
- No TOD designation is effected until all required documentation is received and accepted
- Beneficiary designation cannot be revoked or changed by will, codicil, trust document, or other testamentary means
- Changes require completing a new Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation Form
- Submit forms via Secure Document Upload or by mail
Sources
Data sourced from Firstrade primary sources (15 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Firstrade instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Firstrade primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.

Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
Death Claims / Estate Services
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
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