Total Control Account® (TCA)
A Smart, Safe Way to Grow Your Funds.
What is the Total Control Account?
MetLife's Total Control Account (TCA) is an interest-bearing, no fee* account designed with beneficiaries in mind. Although not a bank account, it's a lot like a checking account, but with several advantages.
Your loved one trusted MetLife with their life insurance or annuity, and to provide you with assistance during this difficult time. There’s no better place to protect and grow those funds than a MetLife TCA.
Features
Easy Access to Your Funds
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Earn Interest Immediately
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TCA Visa Debit Card
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Manage Your Account
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Preserving Your Loved One’s Legacy
Selection of this slide may update corresponding content belowAlthough not a bank account, your TCA functions similarly to a checking account in a bank, with respect to your account access and ability to withdraw your funds.
Additional Benefits:
- A free Debit Card that can be used anytime, anywhere Visa is accepted
- Ability to link the account to mobile payment services such as PayPal®, Venmo®, and CashApp®
- Option to use or transfer funds from your TCA at any time without fees*
- Zero maintenance or service fees*
*Special services fees may apply only for the following: draft copies ($2), stop payment of drafts ($10), overdrawn TCA ($15), and overnight delivery service ($25). Please reach out to your bank to initiate an ACH transfer.
Accountholders benefit from a guaranteed minimum interest rate of 0.50% (a half percent)* - which can be higher than the interest rate received on a standard checking/savings account.
*The customer agreement included in each TCA Welcome Kit contains details about the interest rate.
The easiest way to access your funds.
The debit card offers you a safe and convenient way to access your money. With the Visa debit card, you can make everyday purchases and payments and get cash from an ATM with no fees. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’ll receive a proactive SMS text alert message if we suspect fraud.
Once you have a TCA account, you can order a Visa Debit Card by clicking here or by calling 800-638-7283.
Your TCA is easy to manage, and if you need help, we’re here for you. You can register online for fast, convenient, and secure access to MetOnline. With MetOnline you can view your account balance, view your current crediting rate, download statements, and more. If you already have a TCA and would like to register for online access visit online.metlife.com and click Register Now.
Have additional questions? You can email us at any time at TCAService@metlife.com or call us Monday through Friday 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. ET and our dedicated US based customer support team can assist you.
Your TCA can serve as a legacy after your loss. You can use the funds for meaningful purchases or keep the account open and earning interest without using the funds, and then pass it along to your beneficiary(ies).
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FAQs
With a TCA, life insurance proceeds begin earning interest as soon as the account is established, and the TCA interest rate is often higher than what banks pay on savings and checking accounts. TCA also provides support and flexibility to beneficiaries. They can easily access funds, as needed, to pay for expenses or they may decide to save and grow their funds for use at a later time.
There is no cost to having a TCA. There are also no maintenance fees, no ATM surcharges, and no charge for withdrawals or drafts.
* Special services fees may apply only for the following: draft copies ($2), stop payment of drafts ($10), overdrawn TCA ($15), and overnight delivery service ($25.)
Yes, your account earns competitive interest. Your account begins earning interest the day it's established. We update our interest rates weekly to ensure that they are competitive, and the interest is compounded daily to give you a higher return.
MetLife fully guarantees the funds in your account (principal and interest earned). MetLife has been helping protect people’s financial security since 1868, and the TCA is backed by the financial strength of MetLife. In addition, the funds in your account are guaranteed by your state insurance guaranty association. The coverage limits vary by state.3
No. Funds for your TCA can only come from a life insurance claim or annuity closeout. When you withdraw money from your TCA, you won’t be able to redeposit it into the TCA or deposit funds into your TCA. So, if you have a checking or savings account earning less interest than your TCA, you may want to use that source before withdrawing money from your TCA.
Once your account has been established, you can access your funds a variety of ways:
- Link your TCA to your favorite mobile payment service such as PayPal®, Venmo®, and Cash App®
- Set up recurring payments to help pay for your mortgage/rent, student loans, utility bills, etc.
- Use your fee-free Visa debit card (which is also an ATM card) anywhere Visa is accepted - go to tcacard.metlife.com to request your debit card.
- Write drafts for $250 or more
- Wire funds by calling 800-638-7283
MetLife has a dedicated customer service team ready to answer your questions.
Email us at any time at TCAService@metlife.com
Call 800-638-7283 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. ET
Do you have a TCA already?
1 The Total Control Account (TCA) is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any government agency. The assets backing TCAs are maintained in MetLife’s general account and are subject to MetLife’s creditors. MetLife bears the investment risk of the assets backing the TCAs and expects to receive a profit. Regardless of the investment experience of such assets, the interest credited to Total Control Accounts will never fall below the guaranteed minimum rate. Guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims paying ability of MetLife.
2 Testimonials are applicable to the individuals quoted. Your actual experience and results may differ. No one has been compensated for these testimonials. Photos do not represent actual MetLife customers or Total Control Account users.
3 The TCA is backed by the financial strength of MetLife. The assets backing the funds are held in MetLife's general account and are subject to MetLife's creditors. In addition, while the funds in the TCA are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), they are also guaranteed by your state insurance guaranty association. The coverage limits vary by state. You may contact the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations (www.NOLHGA.com or 703-481-5206) to learn more. To learn more about deposit insurance go to: FDIC: Understanding Deposit Insurance
*Special services fees may apply only for the following: draft copies ($2), stop payment of drafts ($10), overdrawn TCA ($15), and overnight delivery service ($25.)