How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Firstrade
Covers 5 investment, and 6 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online
Phone1-800-869-8800
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
International (outside U.S.)
WebsiteLearn more→
Phone1-800-869-8800
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
International (outside U.S.)
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims / Estate Services
Phone1-800-869-8800
Toll-Free1-800-869-8800
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
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.
Individual Brokerage AccountJoint Brokerage AccountTrust AccountCoverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)Custodial Account (UGMA/UTMA)
1
Log in to your account at firstrade.com
2
Go to Accounts > Profile
3
Click on the Beneficiaries tab
4
Add or update primary and contingent beneficiaries with percentage allocations totaling 100%
5
Note: online beneficiary management is available for IRA accounts; brokerage TOD designations require the paper form
6
If you previously set up beneficiaries via paper form, email service@firstrade.com to confirm current beneficiaries on file
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.
Phone1-800-869-8800
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
International (outside U.S.)
WebsiteLearn more→
Phone1-800-869-8800
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
International (outside U.S.)
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims / Estate Services
Phone1-800-869-8800
Toll-Free1-800-869-8800
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address
Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Firstrade accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
