Why You Should Add Beneficiaries to Your Accounts

September 4, 2025 — Keeping track of your finances is essential, but having things prepared for your loved ones after your death is just as important. 

 

One way to be prepared is to add beneficiaries to your bank accounts. In the event of your death, your named beneficiaries are entitled to collect the funds from your bank account.

 

A beneficiary for a bank account is the person you designate to receive the account's funds upon your death through a Payable on Death (POD) designation. Naming a POD beneficiary allows the account funds to bypass the probate process, ensuring a quick and direct transfer to your chosen inheritor, who can be a family member, friend, charity, or your estate.

 

Knowing who your beneficiaries are can keep your loved ones at ease because they can take care of any bills and business you may be leaving behind. 

 

It’s a good idea to review your beneficiaries every year to make changes if needed. You can update beneficiaries on your Credit Union West accounts by visiting a branch or scheduling an online appointment at cuwest.org/locations.