Someone asks: I will likely do an ACAT to Fidelity. Anybody have experience with this process? What does Fidelity charge to transfer stocks? Will Fidelity cover the ACAT transfer fees?
Fidelity ACAT Transfer Fee: Who Charges What
An ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) is the standard way to move a brokerage account from one firm to another. Fidelity calls this a transfer of assets, or TOA, so you may see either term.
“We don’t charge a fee to move assets from another institution; however, your current firm may charge to transfer your assets to us.”
Fidelity, Transfer Your Assets
Outgoing ACAT fees vary by brokerage. Many firms charge a flat fee somewhere in the $50–$100 range, and $75 is common. The fee is usually taken from the account you are closing, so check your old broker’s fee schedule for the exact amount before you start.
Does Fidelity Reimburse Transfer Fees?
Often, yes, but with conditions. Fidelity has stated publicly that transfers of more than $25,000 may be eligible for reimbursement of the fee your old firm charges. Fidelity’s terms can change, so confirm the current policy with a representative before you rely on it.
Transferring $25,000 or more
This is the group Fidelity says may be eligible. Readers who moved accounts to Fidelity report getting the fee credited back after asking and showing the fee on their old broker’s statement (see the community comments below).
Transferring less than $25,000
Fidelity has not published a reimbursement guarantee for smaller transfers, so treat it as discretionary. Call Fidelity Customer Service before you start and ask whether your transfer qualifies for TOA fee reimbursement. If you are still deciding whether to switch, our guide to moving to Fidelity walks through the process.
Fidelity also runs new-account promotions from time to time. Those are separate from fee reimbursement; see our Fidelity Starter Pack promotion guide for details.
How to Get Your ACAT Fee Reimbursed (Step by Step)
If your assets are already at Fidelity, skip to step 3.
- Start the transfer. Go to Fidelity’s account transfer page and start a new transfer request.
- Wait for the transfer to finish. Fidelity moves your stocks, options and other assets from the old brokerage. Your old firm’s outgoing fee is charged during this step.
- Save proof of the fee. Download the final statement or confirmation from your old broker that shows the transfer fee.
- Contact Fidelity. Call Fidelity Customer Service at 800-343-3548.
- Ask for the reimbursement. Say you recently transferred to Fidelity and would like the ACAT (TOA) fee reimbursed. Provide the statement if they ask, and note the representative’s name or a reference number.
- Check your account. Readers report the fee being credited back to their Fidelity account. Fidelity does not publish a timeline that we could find, so follow up if you do not see it.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Ask before you transfer if you are moving less than $25,000, so you know what to expect.
- Keep the statement that shows the fee. One reader below says Fidelity asked to see it.
- Request it for each account. The same reader received $75 for an individual account and another $75 for a Roth IRA that came over from Robinhood.
- Ask soon after the transfer completes, while the statement is easy to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fidelity charge a fee to transfer in?
No. Fidelity says it does not charge a fee to move assets from another institution. Your old firm is the one that may charge an outgoing ACAT fee.
Does Fidelity reimburse ACAT transfer fees?
It may. Fidelity has said transfers over $25,000 may be eligible for reimbursement. You need to request it after the transfer, and it helps to have the fee statement from your old broker.
What if my transfer is under $25,000?
Reimbursement is not guaranteed. Call Fidelity before you start the transfer and ask whether your account qualifies.
How long does reimbursement take?
Fidelity does not publish a timeline that we could find. Ask the representative when to expect the credit, and follow up if it has not appeared.
Considering a transfer to Fidelity from another brokerage? Check out our dedicated guides below.
- Robinhood to Fidelity
- Stash to Fidelity
- M1 Finance to Fidelity
- Webull to Fidelity
- Edward Jones to Fidelity
- Vanguard to Fidelity
💬 Community Discussion
Aaron C:
I am moving my playing around account from another brokerage to join my 401k I’ve had from work and a Fidelity Go account I’ve just opened. Does anyone know if Fidelity will refund the transfer fee for moving the account? Thanks!
Andrew L:
Definitely message Fidelity and ask them to reimburse you for the fee. I had to show them a statement with the fee on it, after the transfer was completed, and they paid me back to make up for the fee.
If you’re moving from Robinhood to Fidelity, and Robinhood charges a transfer fee, Fidelity will refund that amount. I personally received $75 for my individual account and another $75 for my Roth IRA.
Mike R:
They should. I’ve transferred several accounts over the years, and they reimbursed all fees. Call and talk to them about it. They’ll likely tell you, yes, just make the transfers and then contact them again about reimbursement.
This is untrue. Your account must be >$25,000. I was handed a nice fat $75 fee to transfer $200 of assets. Get clapped.
+1 to above comment. Fidelity does not mention this clearly anywhere. I was cheated. Transferred two accounts into Fidelity and lost 400$ with transfer fees