Follow these simple steps to begin your paperless ACATS transfer process to Betterment:
1. Connect Your Account
To start, make sure you have a connected account:
● Instant Connection: Log in to your Betterment account on a web browser.
● Scroll to the Connected Accounts section.
● Click on Connect accounts to link a new account.
2. Check Eligibility and Start the Transfer
● Select Transfers from your menu bar.
● Go to Rollover to Betterment.
For Individual Taxable Accounts:
● If your account is eligible for an ACATS transfer, you'll see arrows and the message Eligible for automated transfer under the connected account.
● Click this message to begin the process.
Note: If your account is only partially eligible or you want to transfer a portion of it, ACATS may still be possible with manual review. Email us at transfers@betterment.com to connect with a specialist.
For Traditional, Roth, or SEP-IRA Accounts:
● If your IRA is fully or partially eligible for an ACATS transfer, the same Eligible for automated transfer message will appear.
● Click it to start.
Note: If your IRA is only partially eligible, you’ll be prompted to complete paperwork electronically or by mail to finalize the transfer. Either option will result in the transfer being sent to Betterment by check.
If you prefer to transfer only the eligible portion, restart the process by selecting Eligible for automated transfer and choosing the partial transfer option.
For a Full Transfer as Cash:
● If you'd like to transfer your IRA in full as cash, sell your assets with your current provider first. Once the liquidation is complete, follow the steps above.
If your account isn’t showing as eligible for an automated transfer, email us at transfers@betterment.com for a manual review.
3. Accounts Requiring Manual Review
Some account types will always require manual review for an ACATS transfer. More information can be found in our Manual Review article, including:
● Joint accounts
● Trust accounts
● Partial individual taxable accounts
● Inherited IRAs
If you meet the requirements, our transfer specialists can still help process your request. For assistance, contact us at transfers@betterment.com.
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