How to Transfer Stocks From One Brokerage Account to Another | The Motley Fool (2024)

Unsatisfied with your online broker? Feel free to shop around for a better one. The right brokerage account earns you the most on your investments. Once you're ready to switch, you can transfer stocks between brokers so that you still have your previous investments.

Transferring stocks isn't hard, but if you don't do it correctly, you could end up paying extra. To avoid that, move stocks from one account to the other the right way.

How to transfer stock between brokers

The best and most common way to transfer stock between brokers is by direct transfer. Most brokers use the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) to directly transfer investments.

Here's how a direct transfer works:

  1. You start the process by filling out a transfer initiation form. This form should be available on your new broker's website, but you can call them if you need help.
  2. Your new broker communicates with your old broker. They set up the transfer.
  3. Your old broker must confirm, reject, or change your transfer information within three business days.
  4. Assuming your old broker confirms the transfer and there are no issues, the transfer should be completed within six business days.

Your old brokerage firm may charge a transfer fee. Fortunately, the best online brokers frequently pay these for you (they want your business). Before you move your investments, check if there will be a transfer fee and if your new brokerage firm will cover it.

Note that some brokers sell proprietary investments (like mutual funds) that they forbid you to transfer to a new broker. Your new broker will notify you of any investments it can't transfer.

Even small mismatches can delay the process when you move stock between brokers. For example, if your new broker has your full middle name on file and your old broker only has your middle initial, it can take additional time to validate the transfer. Your old broker will also need to resolve any outstanding margin loans if you have a margin account.

Despite the time it takes to transfer stock between brokers, it's by far the most cost-effective option. Technically you could just sell your investments and repurchase them, but that can be very expensive -- we'll go over why.

Top Brokers of 2024

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Why you shouldn't sell your investments

For convenience's sake, it's tempting to just sell all of your investments and withdraw the proceeds from your brokerage account. Then, you can take that money, deposit it into your new brokerage account, and purchase the same investments.

That strategy may be simple, but it comes with a big drawback: investing taxes. If you're transferring a standard taxable brokerage account (as opposed to a retirement account like an IRA) and you sell off your assets, you'll pay taxes on any profits you've earned.

Your brokerages may charge you trading fees for shuffling investments around. This is less likely now that so many popular brokers offer zero-commission trading, but it's something to watch out for.

Some brokers actually pay you to transfer them your investments. But take care to read the fine print on these deals -- typically, you must roll over thousands of dollars to qualify.

If you're unhappy with your broker, it doesn't make sense to stay in a bad financial relationship. Better to transfer stocks between brokers, so you can use an account you like.

READ MORE: Explore how a brokerage account can best meet your needs.

The Ascent's best stock brokers

Uncover the names of the select brokers that landed a spot on The Ascent's shortlist for the best online stock brokers. Our top picks pack in valuable perks, including some that offer $0 commissions and big bonuses.

Best Stock Brokers

FAQs

  • Yes. Brokers will directly transfer your investments from one account to another. This is typically easier and more profitable than manually selling stocks and repurchasing them.

  • Start by filling out a transfer form for your new brokerage. You can typically find these on the website, but you can also call them for instructions. It can take about six business days for stocks to transfer, but mismatched records can make things take longer.

  • Depends on your brokerage. Sometimes, your new brokerage will cover the cost of transferring stocks from one account to another because the company wants your business.

  • Yes. Request direct transfers to avoid paying capital gains taxes.

How to Transfer Stocks From One Brokerage Account to Another | The Motley Fool (2024)

FAQs

Can I transfer stock from one brokerage account to another? ›

Considerations: Moving stocks from one broker to another

You have two options: In-cash: Your original institution will liquidate your assets and transfer the funds to the receiving institution. In-kind: You have your account transferred "as-is" and assets are moved over in the same form.

How do I switch from one broker to another? ›

How to Transfer a Demat Account From One Broker to Another?
  1. Go to the CDSL website and click the 'Register Online' option to register.
  2. Complete the form with the required information.
  3. Select the option to print the form from the drop-down menu.
  4. The Demat Account is transferred to the Depository Participant.

How hard is it to switch brokerage accounts? ›

After you submit the form, the transfer process is mostly a hands-off affair. The action happens behind the scenes, as your new broker communicates with your old broker to get your investments moved over. It usually takes six business days to transfer a brokerage account.

How to transfer ownership of stocks? ›

Contact your broker to get the appropriate forms to complete. The process will be simpler if the new owner also has or will have an account with the same broker, because no change in the actual registration of the shares will be necessary. The broker will simply make the transfer on its own internal books.

What are the charges for stock transfer? ›

Transfer charges of 0.03% of turnover or ₹25 per ISIN, whichever is higher + 18% GST is applicable.

Where can I get a stock transfer form? ›

You must complete a stock transfer form if you're transfering shares you own to another person or company. HMRC do not issue stock transfer forms, but you can get a stock transfer form from people such as a: broker or company registrar. lawyer or an accountant who deals with share transfers.

What happens when you switch brokers? ›

You will still most likely get your commission for sales in progress. But your current listings usually stay with your current brokerage. Still, you should tell your clients how they can follow you to your new broker. Once you're at your new broker, you'll want your book to settle in.

How do you tell your broker you are switching? ›

Writing a resignation letter, email, or message to tell your real estate broker you are leaving is a standard practice. The goal of such a letter isn't just to convey the decision but to do so in a manner that maintains a good relationship and respects the professional bond shared.

Can I have 2 trading accounts with different brokers? ›

A trader can have multiple Demat and trading accounts. There is only one condition in this situation, you cannot open multiple Demat and trading account with the same stockbroker or same depository participant. You can only have one Demat and trading account with one stockbroker.

How long does it take to transfer from one brokerage to another? ›

How long should I expect my transfer to take? The transfer process typically takes between 5-7 business days from the time your transfer is submitted if your current brokerage uses the ACATS system. If your current firm does not support ACATS, transfers may take 30-60 days to complete.

Is there a downside to having multiple brokerage accounts? ›

While there are advantages to having accounts at multiple brokerage firms, managing these accounts responsibly and staying organized is essential. Tracking investments and monitoring your portfolio's performance becomes more challenging when dealing with multiple platforms.

Is Charles Schwab or Fidelity better? ›

Fidelity is generally better for lower account balances (accounts less than $25,000) and direct crypto exposure. Charles Schwab is better for higher balances and offers a more comprehensive selection of advanced charting tools like the thinkorswim platform.

Can I transfer stocks from one brokerage to another? ›

The right brokerage account earns you the most on your investments. Once you're ready to switch, you can transfer stocks between brokers so that you still have your previous investments.

Can you transfer stock without paying capital gains? ›

In other words, both the giver and receiver could avoid paying capital gains altogether on stock that's been appreciating for years. (Learn more about how capital gains taxes work.) That's not the only route to giving stocks, though. You can also buy stocks or other securities you don't already own, then gift them.

How long does it take to transfer ownership of shares? ›

Share transfer requests usually take up to two business days to process. CommSec and your share registry will verify your details, such as your account and stock details. You can check on the status of your request in the Service Centre.

Can you move stocks from Robinhood to Fidelity? ›

Moving stocks Robinhood or Fidelity brokerage firms is accessible and is free. +1(747)205-0398 Simply sign up for a Fidelity account and keep your Robinhood account number, and then choose the assets you wish to transfer based on Fidelity's guidelines for submitting the request.

Can you transfer stocks from Robinhood to Charles Schwab? ›

An account transfer is the easier option to move your money from one institution to Schwab as is. For example, if you have a brokerage account with stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds, you can move over the entire account to Schwab while keeping the investments as they are (or, in-kind).

Can I move stocks from one Schwab account to another? ›

Narrator: Looking to transfer securities to another one of your accounts? You can transfer positions between your Schwab brokerage accounts online quickly and easily.

Can you transfer stock to another person without paying taxes? ›

"When you decide to gift it, there's nothing to be taxed," says Owens. Still, transferring stock from one person to another won't completely eliminate capital gains tax. Someone will have to pay it eventually or, at the very least, report the gain.

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