Estate planning at WaFd Bank
How to protect 12 WaFd Bank accounts — manage beneficiaries in-branch, fund a trust in-branch, and file claims through WaFd Bank's Client Care / Estate Services
Phone1-800-324-9375
Toll-Free1-800-324-9375
Mailing Address
WaFd Bank, 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Client Care / Estate Services
Phone1-800-324-9375
Mailing Address
WaFd Bank, 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
WebsiteLearn more →
Phone1-800-324-9375
Mailing Address
WaFd Bank, 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Verified Mar 2026
WaFd Bank offers 12 consumer accounts that interact with estate planning in distinct ways. Of those, 12 can name a trust as beneficiary or be retitled into a trust. Understanding the transfer methods available for each account type helps families keep assets out of probate and ensure they pass to the right people.
Beneficiary designations at WaFd Bank can be managed in branch, by mail, and by phone, typically taking 15-30 minutes in branch; longer by mail. Trust funding is also available, allowing families to retitle accounts into the name of a revocable living trust.
WaFd Bank provides specific procedures for both proactive estate planning and filing claims after a death.
Preparing your estate
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to update beneficiaries in-branch, fund a trust in-branch, and review 12 account types at WaFd Bank.
View details →When someone dies
Death claim process
Contact WaFd Bank's Client Care / Estate Services to file a claim. 8-step process, 9 required documents, and contact information for survivors.
View details →For questions about any of these procedures, contact WaFd Bank's Client Care / Estate Services at 1-800-324-9375.
WaFd Bank operates in select states, so estate planning procedures may vary by location. Confirm availability in your state before initiating trust funding or account changes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A trust can be named as a POD beneficiary on WaFd Bank deposit accounts. You will need to provide a Certification of Trust or relevant trust documentation along with the completed beneficiary designation form. Visit a branch or call 800-324-9375 for assistance with trust beneficiary designations.
Yes. WaFd Bank supports trust accounts for checking, savings, money market, and CD accounts. Visit a local branch with your Certification of Trust or full trust agreement, government-issued ID for all trustees, and the trust Tax ID or Social Security number. Both revocable and irrevocable trusts are accepted. IRA accounts cannot be retitled to a trust.
Yes. WaFd Bank is FDIC insured. POD beneficiaries receive separate FDIC insurance coverage of up to $250,000 per beneficiary. Trust accounts are also insured up to the maximum allowed by FDIC rules, based on the number of qualifying beneficiaries named in the trust.
Yes. Existing personal WaFd Bank deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, CDs) may be converted to trust accounts. Visit your local branch with the trust Certification of Trust, government-issued ID for all trustees, and the trust Tax ID number. The account number may or may not change depending on the conversion type. IRA accounts cannot be converted to trust accounts.
Phone1-800-324-9375
Toll-Free1-800-324-9375
Mailing Address
WaFd Bank, 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Client Care / Estate Services
Phone1-800-324-9375
Mailing Address
WaFd Bank, 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
WebsiteLearn more →
Phone1-800-324-9375
Mailing Address
WaFd Bank, 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Verified Mar 2026
Estate planning resources for WaFd Bank customers
Tools and documents to help protect your WaFd Bank accounts.
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