Preparing your FNBO accounts for estate transfer involves two primary strategies: designating beneficiaries on individual accounts and, where supported, retitling accounts into a revocable living trust. Both approaches bypass probate, but they work differently depending on the account type.

With 11 product types, FNBO 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.

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1Log in to FNBO Direct online banking at fnbodirect.com

2Navigate to "Contact Us" and select "Online Message Center"

3Send a message and choose "Add POD Beneficiary to my account" from the drop-down menu

4Provide the beneficiary's full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address

5To add a trust as a POD beneficiary, attach a Certificate of Trust along with a letter indicating your request

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Required Documents

Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)

Special Requirements

Adding POD beneficiaries can increase FDIC coverage beyond the standard $250,000 limit
POD beneficiaries are not considered parties to the account and have no access during the owner's lifetime
POD funds bypass probate and do not pass through the will
Named beneficiaries override any instructions in your will
IRA accounts require a separate IRA beneficiary designation form (not a POD form)
FNBO Direct online savings accounts support POD designation via the online message center