How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Firstrade

Covers 5 investment, and 6 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online

Firstrade

Brokerage · Nationwide

firstrade.com
Firstrade logo
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address

Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354

International (outside U.S.)
Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address

Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354

International (outside U.S.)

Death Claims / Estate Services

Fax1-718-961-3919
Mailing Address

Firstrade Securities Inc., 30-50 Whitestone Expressway, Suite A301, Flushing, NY 11354

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
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Sources

Data sourced from Firstrade primary sources (15 pages reviewed). How we research.

Download these Firstrade instructions

Download instructions for the whole estate

A 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.

Estate planning articles

Learn how to protect your Firstrade accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.

More estate planning resources

Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.

Use Calculator

Who Inherits Without a Will?

Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.

Use Calculator

How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.

Use Calculator

What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.

Compare Costs

How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?

Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.

Compare Costs

How Much Does a Will Cost?

Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.

Compare Costs