How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Interactive Brokers
Covers 4 investment, and 8 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online
Estate Processing
Phone1-877-442-2757
Fax(312) 984-1017
Mailing Address
Interactive Brokers LLC, Attn: Estate Processing, 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60606
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
There are two ways to keep your Interactive Brokers investment 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 12 product types, Interactive Brokers offers a range of transfer options. Some investment accounts support Transfer on Death (TOD) designations, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
Individual Brokerage AccountJoint Brokerage AccountTrust AccountUGMA/UTMA Custodial Account
1
Log in to Client Portal at interactivebrokers.com
2
Click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner), then navigate to Settings > Account Configuration > Account Inheritance
3
Configure beneficiary designations:
- Click "Add a Beneficiary" and select the beneficiary type (Individual or Legal Entity)
- Select the association type (Primary or Contingent Beneficiary) and relationship
- Enter beneficiary details (name, SSN/TIN, date of birth) and allocate ownership percentage
- Repeat to designate 1 to 6 primary and/or contingent beneficiaries; percentages must total 100%
- For trusts as beneficiary: provide trust name, date established, and EIN
4
Complete the Transfer on Death Agreement:
- Click the Transfer on Death Agreement link in the confirmation email to access the pre-populated form
- Print, sign, and mail the signed agreement to IBKR (online designation alone is not sufficient)
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- TOD via Account Inheritance is available for US-based Individual accounts and Joint accounts (JTWROS, Tenants by Entirety); also available on non-IRA Trust accounts
- Not available for Corporate accounts or UGMA/UTMA accounts
- Beneficiaries can be individuals, trusts, estates, or charities; minors may be named only if a custodian or guardian is designated
- 1-6 primary and/or contingent beneficiaries allowed; primary beneficiary percentages must total 100%
- Must mail signed Transfer on Death Agreement to IBKR — online designation alone is not sufficient; a new signed agreement is required each time beneficiaries are modified or removed
- IRA beneficiary designation requires a notarized signature on the Account Owner Signature line
- If married and residing in a community property state and naming a non-spouse as the primary beneficiary: Spousal Consent Form required (applies to both brokerage TOD and IRA designations)
Estate Processing
Phone1-877-442-2757
Fax(312) 984-1017
Mailing Address
Interactive Brokers LLC, Attn: Estate Processing, 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60606
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Interactive Brokers accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
