Investors may periodically need to move their assets from one platform to another. Perhaps a new platform offers better incentives or has features better suited to them.
In this article, we provide an in depth review on how to transfer from TD Ameritrade to Vanguard.
Vanguard is a popular option for many investors due to its impressive and long track record, free trades, and access to lost cost mutual funds and ETFs.
If you are looking to perform this transfer, then this is the article for you!
Moving your investments would be an annoying process if it weren't for ACATS transfer. ACATS, or automated customer account transfer service, is a way for investors to move their assets from one platform to another without liquidating first.
With this process, you are not actually selling off any assets and repurchasing, instead, you are simply moving them to another platform.
In order to transfer from TD Ameritrade to Vanguard, you will need to complete the steps below:
Let's jump into each of these steps in more detail!
If you already have a Vanguard account, then you can move on to the next step.Â
Vanguard is one of the top options for investors for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Vanguard has been around for many years. Since its inception, it has had a great track record. And when looking to invest your money, this is critical - knowing that your funds are safe.
Other benefits include low cost ETFs and Mutual funds, commission free trades, and an excellent customer service team.
Now, before you create an account, you need to make sure you are eligible. To create an account, you will need to have the following:
If you are eligible to open an account, then follow these steps:
Once you have completed the account application, you will be able to start investing in 3 business days.
There are only a few required inputs to execute an ACATS transfer. You will need the following:
When performing an ACATs transfer, you need to make sure your account types match between your old and new brokerage. If they don't, your transfer may get delayed or canceled entirely.
Use the steps below to find your TD Ameritrade account number and account type:
With the account number, login information, and account type, you are ready to set up the transfer.
Actually initiating the transfer in Vanguard's platform is pretty quick and will take just 10-15 minutes to complete. While the funds may take 4-6 weeks to appear in your Vanguard account, the process is usually completed much sooner.
Vanguard does not charge for incoming ACATS transfers, but TD Ameritrade does charge for outgoing transfers. For a full account transfer, TD Ameritrade will charge you $75 while a partial transfer is free.
Before you start the transfer, you should also know about the assets that you can and cannot transfer to Vanguard.
Investments you can transfer:
Investments you can't transfer:
Any investments that you have that cannot be transferred must be liquidated first.
To initiate this ACATS transfer, follow the steps below:
Be aware that this transfer can take up to 4-6 weeks to complete, though typically is completed much sooner.
As you can see, this transfer is actually pretty simple to execute.
You need to ensure you have a Vanguard account set up that matches the account type from TD Ameritrade. Following the prompts in Vanguard to initiate this transfer will take just a few minutes to complete. In order for the online process to go smoothly, be sure to be prepared with your TD Ameritrade login information or account number.
Once you have completed the survey, the transfer will take 4-6 weeks to complete. You can track the progress in your Vanguard account.
If you have additional questions, be sure to reach out to Vanguard's customer support team.