How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at KeyBank
Covers 11 deposit, 2 investment, 6 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Personal Banking
Phone1-800-539-1539
Toll-Free1-800-539-1539
KEY2YOU Automated Self-Service
Lost or Stolen Cards
TDD/TTY (dial 711 for TRS)
WebsiteLearn more→
KeyBank Wealth Management - Trust & Estate Services
Phone1-800-539-1539
Toll-Free1-800-539-1539
KeyBank Retirement Operations (IRA)
WebsiteLearn more→
KeyBank Account Settlement
Phone1-800-539-1539
Fax1-216-357-6595
Mailing Address
KeyBank National Association, 4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Mortgage Customer Service
Home Loan Payment Assistance
KeyBank Retirement Operations (IRA)
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
The key to protecting your KeyBank accounts is making sure each one has a transfer mechanism in place—either a beneficiary designation or trust ownership. Without one, the account goes through probate, adding time, cost, and court involvement for your family.
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.
KeyBank Hassle-Free AccountKey Smart CheckingKey Select CheckingKey Privilege CheckingKey Privilege Select CheckingKey Private Client CheckingKey Active SaverKey Select Money Market SavingsCertificate of Deposit (CD)Key Short Term CDKeyBank Jumbo CD
1
Visit a KeyBank branch with government-issued photo ID.
2
Request 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.
3
Complete the beneficiary designation form:
- Provide primary and contingent beneficiary information including full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses
- For trusts as beneficiary: provide the trust name, date established, and EIN
4
Sign 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.
- For IRA beneficiary designations, contact KeyBank Retirement Operations at 1-800-872-5553.
Personal Banking
Phone1-800-539-1539
Toll-Free1-800-539-1539
KEY2YOU Automated Self-Service
Lost or Stolen Cards
TDD/TTY (dial 711 for TRS)
WebsiteLearn more→
KeyBank Wealth Management - Trust & Estate Services
Phone1-800-539-1539
Toll-Free1-800-539-1539
KeyBank Retirement Operations (IRA)
WebsiteLearn more→
KeyBank Account Settlement
Phone1-800-539-1539
Fax1-216-357-6595
Mailing Address
KeyBank National Association, 4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Mortgage Customer Service
Home Loan Payment Assistance
KeyBank Retirement Operations (IRA)
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified May 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your KeyBank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
