Charles Schwab Reimbursing ACAT Transfer Fees
Charles Schwab does not officially promote a standard reimbursement for ACAT transfer fees when moving
a brokerage or IRA account from another firm. However,
if you open a
Charles Schwab account, you may be able to request a transfer-fee credit from customer service
after completing the transfer. In some cases, Schwab may provide a courtesy reimbursement, particularly for larger account balances.
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How to Transfer Stocks to Charles Schwab Takeaways
• Stocks and other securities can be transferred into a Charles Schwab brokerage account without much difficulty.
• Schwab does not charge a fee for incoming asset transfers.
• There are several ways to move securities into a Schwab account.
Overview of Transferring Stocks to Charles Schwab
Shares of stock and other investments can generally be transferred quickly into a Schwab brokerage or managed account. The firm supports multiple transfer methods. The most common ones are outlined below:
ACATS Method
The most common way to move securities into Schwab is through the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS). This electronic system can transfer stocks, options, mutual funds, and other assets. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1:
To start an ACATS transfer into Schwab from another brokerage, the first step is to
open a Schwab investment account.
This can be either a standard brokerage account or a managed account (robo accounts generally accept cash only).
The receiving account must have the same owner as the account being transferred. The account types should also match. For example, a custodial account must be transferred into another custodial account. Existing Schwab accounts can be used if these requirements are met. Note that Schwab Bank checking or savings accounts cannot receive stock transfers, and futures accounts are not eligible destinations either.
Step 2:
After opening the correct account, ensure it is properly configured. If the outgoing account has a margin balance, margin trading should be enabled at Schwab. Likewise, if options positions are being transferred, options trading approval must be added to the account.
Step 3:
Confirm with Schwab that any unusual holdings, such as OTC stocks or certain foreign securities, are eligible for transfer. While Schwab supports many of these assets, it’s best to verify ahead of time.
Step 4:
Prepare the outgoing account if necessary. This could include paying down margin balances or moving certain holdings to a separate account if you plan to leave them behind.
Step 5:
Once everything is ready, initiate the transfer. Log into the Schwab website, go to the Move Money tab, and select the option to transfer an account. Follow the instructions and provide details such as the delivering firm and account number.
On Schwab’s transfer form, you can choose to transfer specific positions (a partial transfer) or move the entire account.
After Schwab receives the ACATS request, it coordinates with the delivering firm to complete the transfer. In most cases, the assets arrive in the Schwab account in about 5 to 10 business days.
Instead of using the online process, you can also complete a transfer by submitting
a paper transfer form to Schwab.
Transfer from another Schwab Account
If your securities are already held at Schwab, they can be moved between accounts using an internal transfer. In the Move Money section, choose the option for an online transfer. These internal transfers are typically completed within one to two business days.
Paper Certificates
The transfer methods above apply to securities held electronically (“street name”) at another brokerage. If you have physical stock certificates, you can transfer them by delivering the certificates to a Schwab branch, where the firm will handle converting them into electronic form.
Sell and Repurchase
Another option is to sell your holdings at the current brokerage, withdraw the proceeds, deposit the cash into your Schwab account, and then repurchase the investments. This approach may trigger taxable events, so it’s important to understand the potential tax consequences before proceeding.
Pricing
Schwab does not charge fees for incoming transfers of electronic or physical securities into a brokerage or advisory account. Some firms may charge an outgoing ACATS fee, which is often around $75–$100. Selling securities at the delivering firm could involve commissions, while Schwab may charge a commission for certain trades, such as OTC securities.
Written by Alex Bost
Updated on 4/29/2026.
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