How can my family access my Charles Schwab account after I die?

The process typically involves contacting Charles Schwab with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the exact procedure.

🏦 Banking & Finance

What Happens to Your Charles Schwab Account When You Die

Estate AssetTOD Available

Quick Facts

Deadline

None

Difficulty

Moderate

Documents

Death cert + probate

Step-by-Step Guide

List all Schwab accounts

Document brokerage, IRA, checking, and any other Schwab account numbers.

Estimated time: 10 min

Set TOD beneficiaries

Add Transfer on Death beneficiaries to brokerage accounts to bypass probate.

Estimated time: 15 min

Verify retirement beneficiaries

Check and update IRA/401k beneficiary designations — they override your will.

Warning: Retirement beneficiaries must be updated separately from your will.

Estimated time: 10 min

Executor contacts Schwab

Call 1-800-435-4000 with Death Certificate and Letters Testamentary to begin the estate process.

Go to page Official docs

Document Now Checklist

All account numbers
Beneficiary designations
Account values
Type of each account

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Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Charles Schwab. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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