Preparing your KeyBank 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 21 product types, KeyBank 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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1Visit a KeyBank branch with government-issued photo ID.

2Request a Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary designation form for deposit accounts, or a Transfer on Death (TOD) form for investment accounts through Key Investment Services.

3Complete the form with primary and contingent beneficiary information including full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses.

4For trusts as beneficiary: provide the trust name, date established, and EIN.

5Sign the completed form at the branch.

Required Documents

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

Special Requirements

Primary and contingent beneficiaries allowed.
Trusts can be named as POD or TOD beneficiaries.
Changes to beneficiary designations must be made by executing a new form prescribed by the bank.
POD designation authorizes KeyBank to pay funds to surviving beneficiaries in equal shares at account owner death.
Named beneficiaries override your will.