How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Wells Fargo Advisors
Covers 3 investment, and 2 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be updated by phone
Wells Fargo Advisors / WellsTrade
Wells Fargo Advisors, Attention: MAC N9160-01P, PO Box 77046, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9902
Wells Fargo Advisors / WellsTrade
Wells Fargo Advisors, Attention: MAC N9160-01P, PO Box 77046, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9902
Estate Care Center
Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Estate Care Center, Attention: D1118-02D, PO Box 71208, Charlotte, NC 28201-1245
The key to protecting your Wells Fargo Advisors investment 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.
Each of Wells Fargo Advisors's 5 investment accounts has different rules for how it transfers at death. The sections below explain the options for each.
- Call WellsTrade at 1-800-TRADERS (1-800-872-3377), or contact your financial advisor for a full-service account
- Request the Transfer on Death Kit (brokerage) or IRA Designation or Change of Beneficiary form be sent to you; a representative can explain the field requirements
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- TOD registration is not available to Louisiana or Puerto Rico residents or to non-U.S. residents; ineligible securities pass to the last surviving owner's estate
- In community property states, the spouse must sign the spousal-consent section (notarized) unless the spouse is a joint owner or the sole primary beneficiary
- A TOD beneficiary has no rights in the account until all account owners have died; TOD passes outside probate
- Wells Fargo Advisors may require a Medallion Signature Guarantee on certain transfer or ownership-change requests
Sources
Data sourced from Wells Fargo Advisors primary sources (11 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Wells Fargo Advisors instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Wells Fargo Advisors primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Wells Fargo Advisors / WellsTrade
Wells Fargo Advisors, Attention: MAC N9160-01P, PO Box 77046, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9902
Wells Fargo Advisors / WellsTrade
Wells Fargo Advisors, Attention: MAC N9160-01P, PO Box 77046, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9902
Estate Care Center
Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Estate Care Center, Attention: D1118-02D, PO Box 71208, Charlotte, NC 28201-1245
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