How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at TrustCo Bank
Covers 10 deposit, 3 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Customer Service
Phone1-800-670-3110
Mailing Address
Trustco Bank, P.O. Box 1082, Schenectady, NY 12301-1082
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-800-670-3110
Toll-Free1-800-670-3110
Mailing Address
Trustco Bank, P.O. Box 1082, Schenectady, NY 12301-1082
Verified May 2026
There are two ways to keep your TrustCo Bank 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.
TrustCo Bank has 15 product types, and the estate transfer rules differ across them. Some support Payable on Death (POD) designations, some can be retitled into a trust, and others will require probate if nothing is set up. Each is covered below.
Home Town Free CheckingHome Town Premier CheckingHome Town Investment CheckingHome Town Student CheckingHome Town BankOnPersonal SavingsJunior (U.T.M.A.) SavingsSenior SavingsMoney Market AccountCertificate of Deposit
1
Visit any TrustCo Bank branch and request a POD update
- Request to add or update POD (Payable on Death) beneficiary designation
- Provide beneficiary information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relationship
2
Complete and retain the designation form
- Sign the beneficiary designation form
- Retain a copy of the signed form for your records
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- POD beneficiary changes typically require visiting a branch or completing a paper form
- Trusts named as beneficiaries require trust documentation including trust name, date, and trustee information
- IRA beneficiary changes may require a separate IRA-specific beneficiary designation form
Customer Service
Phone1-800-670-3110
Mailing Address
Trustco Bank, P.O. Box 1082, Schenectady, NY 12301-1082
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-800-670-3110
Toll-Free1-800-670-3110
Mailing Address
Trustco Bank, P.O. Box 1082, Schenectady, NY 12301-1082
Verified May 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your TrustCo Bank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
