Transfer an account to Fidelity

We make it easy to transfer all or part of an account to Fidelity—including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other security types—without needing to sell your holdings.1

Resume or track statusLog In Required of an existing transfer request.

Is an account transfer right for you?

Yes, if you want to transfer:

All or part of an investment account, including specific investments in-kind

Retirement or health savings accounts, like IRAs and HSAs

Liquidated annuities, CDs, or holdings from an investment account

No, if you want to transfer:

don't transfer Cash from a checking or savings account
Instead, start an electronic funds transfer (EFT)Log In Required by linking your bank.

don't transfer A workplace savings account
Instead, use our designated rollover process for 401(k)s or 403(b)s.

How it works

You submit your transfer request to Fidelity.
5-7 minutes

 

Fidelity contacts your current firm, requesting the account assets.

 

After processing the request, your current firm sends the account assets to Fidelity.

 

We deposit your assets into your selected account.
5-14 days2

You submit your transfer request to Fidelity.
5-7 minutes Fidelity contacts your current firm, requesting the account assets. After processing the request, your current firm sends the account assets to Fidelity. We deposit your assets into your selected account.
5-14 days2

To start an online transfer, you'll need:

  • A statement from your current firm to reference
  • Your current firm's name and account details
  • Additional ownership information, if multiple account owners
  • Details on individual investments you're transferring

Note: In some cases, your current firm may require you to mail in a signed transfer form. If so, we'll conveniently prefill a PDF for you to simply print, sign, and mail.

FAQs

  • Can I complete the entire transfer request to Fidelity online without needing a printer?

    It depends on the specifics of your transfer. As part of Fidelity's online transfer process, we'll determine if your current firm accepts an electronic request to release your assets to us. If your firm does not, we'll provide a prefilled Transfer assets to Fidelity form that you can quickly print, sign, and mail to Fidelity.

  • What if my account at Fidelity is not compatible with the type of account I want to transfer?

    As part of our online transfer process, we'll help open new account types that you may need.

  • What if the account at my current firm has more than one account owner?

    In some cases, your current firm may require all owners on both the account you are transferring as well as the Fidelity account receiving the assets to sign the Transfer assets to Fidelity form.

  • How do I know if all my current holdings can transfer to Fidelity without needing to be sold?

    This depends on the specific kinds of investments you hold. Some mutual funds may need to be sold and transferred over as cash. Most stocks will transfer over in-kind, but if you own stocks trading at less than $1.00 a share, these securities may need to be sold as well and transferred over as cash.

  • How will I know that my transfer is complete? And when will I be able to access my money?

    The exact time frame depends on the type of transfer and your current firm. If your current firm accepts electronic requests, the transfer will take approximately 5 days to process. Transfer requests that must be mailed to your current firm may take 2 to 4 weeks to complete. You should receive an email notification when your assets are in your Fidelity account. Once the assets are here, you'll have full access to your cash and securities. You can track the progress of your transfer online at any time with our Transfer TrackerLog In Required.

  • Are there taxes or fees?

    In most cases, if you're moving a retirement account to a Fidelity retirement account of the same type, you likely won't incur taxes. We don't charge a fee to move assets from another institution; however, your current firm may charge to transfer your assets to us.

  • When is additional documentation needed?

    If you've experienced a major life event, like marriage, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, you may be asked to provide additional documentation as part of the transfer process.

    The table below shows the paperwork you'll need if the name information registered on your current external accounts differs from what you have at Fidelity.

    If your accounts: You'll need to provide:
    Have different last names Marriage certificate or divorce decree
    Have different first or middle names One-and-the-Same Letter (PDF)

    If you are transferring assets after the loss of a loved one, our Inheritance checklist can walk you through any additional steps you may need to take.

  • Can I transfer an HSA from another provider?

    If you have an existing HSA at another firm, you are eligible to open a Fidelity HSA and transfer your existing account to Fidelity at any time.

    When transferring an HSA, it’s important to note that your existing HSA may be in 2 separate types of accounts:

    • A bank account holding your cash balance
    • A brokerage account holding your investments

    Both account types are eligible to be transferred, however, a separate transfer request may be required for each one. Your current HSA provider can help you determine the right process and discuss your options. Note: Some financial institutions don't allow in-kind transfers of investments held in an HSA.

  • Can I roll over my ABLE or 529 accounts in this experience?

    Currently, online transfers are not offered for ABLE or 529 accounts. Please download and complete the 529 rollover form (PDF) or ABLE rollover form (PDF) to proceed.

  • What is required to be approved for margin or options trading?

    To be approved for margin trading at Fidelity, you'll need to complete and submit our margin agreementLog In Required. To be approved for options trading, you'll need to complete and submit a separate options agreementLog In Required. If you're seeking Level 3—5 options trading, you'll need to submit both a margin and options agreement. Keep in mind: Until Fidelity has the appropriate, completed agreement on file, we cannot accept transfers of margin or option positions from another firm.

  • Will my assets transfer to Fidelity all at once?

    For most transfers, your current firm will send the assets to Fidelity all at once. However, if your transfer includes assets that must be sold first or if you have pending activity, your current firm may send those assets once they are settled. In instances like that, your assets will be transferred to Fidelity in batches and you may see a balance with your current firm until the transaction is completed.

Ready to get started?

Resume or track statusLog In Required of an existing transfer request.