How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at WaFd Bank
Covers 10 deposit, and 2 retirement accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Phone1-800-324-9375
Toll-Free1-800-324-9375
Emailinfo@wafd.com
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 May 2026
There are two ways to keep your WaFd 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.
Across 12 product types, WaFd Bank accounts vary in how they transfer at death. The sections below walk through Payable on Death (POD) designations, trust funding options, and which products support each method.
Free CheckingRewards CheckingPremium Rewards CheckingInterest CheckingFresh Start CheckingSavings AccountMoney Market AccountHigh Yield Money MarketCertificate of DepositCD Special
1
Visit any WaFd Bank branch to set up your beneficiary designation
- Request to add or update a Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary on your account
- Provide beneficiary full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
2
Complete and sign the required forms
- Complete and sign the beneficiary designation form provided by the branch
- For IRA accounts, complete the IRA beneficiary designation form with primary and contingent beneficiaries
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Beneficiary designations for deposit accounts require completing a POD form in branch or by mail; online self-service is not currently available
- Trust beneficiary designations may require a Certification of Trust document
Phone1-800-324-9375
Toll-Free1-800-324-9375
Emailinfo@wafd.com
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 May 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your WaFd Bank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
