Adding a beneficiary to your accounts is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can help your loved ones avoid complicated and time-consuming legal proceedings after your passing.
A beneficiary is the person or entity that you legally designate to receive your financial assets when you die. As an account owner, you have the authority to designate a beneficiary for your financial accounts.
Primary beneficiary
A primary beneficiary is the first person, entity, or institution in line to receive your assets after your passing. As your primary beneficiaries, these people or entities will have the first claim to your assets and will receive their designated share as specified in your beneficiary designation. For married couples, it is common to list your spouse as your primary beneficiary but not required.
Contingent beneficiaries
Contingent beneficiaries, also known as secondary beneficiaries, are your backup plan for asset distribution. They inherit your assets only if all primary beneficiaries are deceased, can't be located, or refuse their inheritance. This additional layer of planning helps ensure your assets don't end up in probate or distributed according to state laws.