How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Wells Fargo
Covers 8 deposit, 6 investment, 6 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Wells Fargo Advisors, MAC N9160-01P, PO Box 77046, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9902
Estate Care Center
Wells Fargo Advisors, 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
There are two ways to keep your Wells Fargo 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.
Wells Fargo has 22 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.
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- For bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs): request a POD (Payable on Death) beneficiary designation form
- Provide each beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Specify percentage allocations for each beneficiary (must total 100%)
- For trusts as beneficiary: provide trust name, date established, and EIN
- Review and sign the completed form with a banker
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Louisiana residents may not open TOD accounts with Wells Fargo Advisors
- Trusts, estates, and charities can be named as beneficiaries
- Notarization required when submitting POD form by mail
- Named beneficiaries override your will
Sources
Data sourced from Wells Fargo primary sources (23 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Wells Fargo instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Wells Fargo primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Wells Fargo Advisors, MAC N9160-01P, PO Box 77046, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9902
Estate Care Center
Wells Fargo Advisors, 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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