Establishing Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that authorizes a party (the Attorney-in-Fact, or AIF) to act on behalf of someone else (the Principal). Any primary account owner or joint account owner on a consumer account may appoint an AIF to act on their behalf at BECU.

Required Documents

• Notarized BECU Certificate of Power of Attorney form
• Copy of Power of Attorney documentation
• Copy of the attorney-in-fact's valid picture ID (for mailed requests)

How to Provide the Documents

You have two different ways to submit your documents:

• Find a location to submit in person.
• Mail to:
  
  BECU Account Servicing M/S 1094-2
  P.O. Box 97050
  Seattle, WA 98124-9750

Application Process

The change request review and approval process takes approximately 7 to 10 business days after we receive the required documents.

Additional Information

• The Principal's Social Security number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification number (TIN) is required.
• In Washington state, the POA document must have two witness signatures and/or be notarized acknowledging the Principal's signature.
• There are four main types of POA:
• Durable: The AIF's granted powers stay in effect if or when the Principal becomes disabled or incapacitated.
• Non-Durable: The AIF's granted powers are terminated upon disability or incapacitation of the Principal.
• Springing: The POA only goes into effect when a specific, triggering event occurs, such as the Principal becoming incapacitated (additional documentation may be required).
• Limited: Grants specific and limited authority to the AIF.
• If the original AIF is unable or unwilling to serve, BECU will require additional documentation prior to adding or changing the AIF.
• If more than one AIF is listed, the POA must grant the ability to act independently of one another.
• In South Carolina, the POA must be recorded with the county registrar office before it is valid for banking and financial matters. It also requires two witnesses and a notarial act to be recorded. The AIF and Principal must have valid forms of identification.
• If you have specific questions about your authority under the POA and the rights and access it allows, please seek legal advice.