what is the difference between a primary and secondary beneficiary 
the primary beneficiary is the first named to receive benefits as stated in a will if the primary either can t or is unwilling to accepts the assets the secondary beneficiary also called the contingent beneficiary would be next to receive assets who can be a named beneficiary a named beneficiary is often an individual or a group of people such as a personal acquaintance or family member but the beneficiary can also be an estate or a non profit organization chosen by the account holder s insurance policy 