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Maybe you want to switch brokers because another one has lower fees or provides access to investment types that your current broker doesn’t. Whatever the case, you can use the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) to transfer assets like stocks from one broker to another directly.
What is an ACATS transfer?
An ACATS transfer moves assets like stocks or cash from one brokerage account to another without requiring you to sell your assets and buy new ones with your new broker. This is called an “in-kind” transfer. The assets stay as-is and just transfer from one broker to another.
However, not all securities are eligible for transfer using ACATS. For instance, your new broker may not offer certain types of securities like alternative investments. In this case, you’d need to liquidate those assets and transfer the proceeds to your new account to purchase available investments.
How does ACATS transfer work?
An ACATS transfer involves a few steps and can be completed entirely online.
Open the same account type at your new broker. Before you start an ACATS transfer, open an account that matches the one you’re transferring from — taxable brokerage to taxable brokerage, Traditional IRA to Traditional IRA, Roth IRA to Roth IRA. Account types must match for a standard in-kind ACATS transfer because the IRS requires regular IRA contributions to be made in cash, not securities. Moving assets from an IRA to a taxable brokerage account is treated as a taxable distribution (with taxes and a 10% early-withdrawal penalty applying to traditional pre-tax retirement accounts if you’re under age 59½), not a transfer. Converting between types — for example, Traditional IRA to Roth IRA — is a separate process with its own tax implications.
Request the transfer of assets. Once you’ve opened your new account, initiate an ACATS transfer and fill out a Transfer Initiation Form (TIF) carefully.(2) Provide the requested information exactly as it appears on your old account, as errors can have the form rejected and cause delays. Have a copy of your old account’s most recent statement ready to attach to your TIF if necessary.(3)
Wait for validation. After you submit your TIF, your new broker sends it to your old broker via the ACATS platform. Under FINRA Rule 11870, the old firm has one business day to validate or reject the transfer request.(4) If the old broker validates the request, your old account is frozen so the broker can send transferable assets to the new account.
Transferring assets via ACATS lets you easily move assets from one broker to another. The two brokers work together within the ACATS system to complete the process. But it’s important to keep in touch with both.
How long does an ACATS transfer take?
Under FINRA Rule 11870, the carrying broker has one business day to validate the transfer request and must complete the transfer within three business days of validation.(4) In practice, an ACATS transfer typically takes approximately five to eight business days from initiation to settlement. The National Securities Clearing Corporation removed the Settle Prep stage from the ACATS process effective October 17, 2025, which shortened the overall cycle by approximately one business day.(5) The actual time depends on the account types, the brokers involved and the securities you want transferred.
When it comes to mutual funds, for example, the receiving broker must submit mutual fund re-registration forms.(3)
If the transfer involves non-eligible securities or institutions not in the ACATS system, the process must be done manually. This route involves similar procedures but can take longer than electronic transfers, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).(2)
Who is eligible for ACATS?
ACATS is administered by the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), a subsidiary of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC).(2) Broker-dealers must be NSCC members to use the system. The ACATS platform is designed for broker-dealer-to-broker-dealer transfers, so banks typically don’t use the system directly — their broker-dealer subsidiaries do.
How to transfer your brokerage account using ACATS
If you’re ready to switch brokers and move assets through an ACATS, follow these steps:
Open an account at a new broker. Make sure you gather the necessary information like your Social Security number, income documentation and government ID number.
Initiate an account transfer request. Follow your new broker’s account transfer steps and fill out the form carefully, as errors can delay the process.
Choose a partial or full account transfer. Use a partial account transfer to move select assets or a full transfer to move all eligible assets.
Allow time for the transfer to complete. A standard ACATS transfer typically takes approximately five to eight business days from initiation to settlement.
Your outgoing broker will likely charge an ACATS transfer fee that ranges from $50 to $100, though some brokers (including Fidelity Investments, Vanguard and Interactive Brokers for qualifying accounts) charge nothing for outbound transfers. This information should be available on your old broker’s website and in its disclosure documents.
Some receiving brokers may reimburse you for your old broker’s transfer fee. Depending on the broker, they may reimburse a portion or the full transfer fee amount. Check with your new broker ahead of scheduling a transfer for details on any potential reimbursement.
What is the difference between ACH and ACATS?
The Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a money-transferring platform that typically involves the movement of money across banks, individuals and businesses.
Common ACH transactions include paycheck direct deposits from companies and government benefits programs, as well as bill payments between individuals and businesses.(6)
On the other hand, ACATS focuses on the transfer of assets like stocks and ETFs from one account to another.
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An ACATS transfer lets you easily move assets from one broker to another without needing to sell your investments and transfer the proceeds. So, if you’re ready to switch brokers, check out the best brokerage account bonuses.
Javier Simon is a freelance finance writer at Finder and a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF).
He’s featured on NerdWallet, Bankrate, Yahoo Finance and Fox Business, where he’s shared his expertise on personal finance topics, such as investing, retirement planning, taxes, budgeting and savings.
He has also covered breaking news, such as student loan forgiveness initiatives, the housing market and inflation’s impact on consumers’ wallets.
His passion is turning complex financial concepts into actionable content that can help people improve their financial lives.
Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism from SUNY Plattsburgh.
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