does fidelity charge to transfer stocks

Does Fidelity charge to transfer stocks?

Short answer: Fidelity’s published fee schedule lists "Account transfer out" as $0, so Fidelity does not charge a routine outgoing ACAT fee. However, the practical cost of moving positions can include outgoing fees charged by the losing broker, special handling fees (for DWAC or transfer-agent services), and limitations on certain securities that may force a sale. This article explains the main transfer methods, Fidelity’s stated policies, who may actually charge you, how reimbursement commonly works, timing and exceptions, and practical recommendations.

As of 2026-01-15, according to Fidelity's published pricing and fee pages, Fidelity lists "Account transfer out" as $0 and advertises no fee for standard outgoing ACAT transfers. As of 2025-11-30, community reports and brokerage guides indicate many brokers historically charged outbound transfer fees (often around $50–$100), and some receiving firms — including Fidelity at times — offer reimbursement promotions or automatic reimbursements under specific conditions.

Note for readers: this guide addresses the question "does fidelity charge to transfer stocks" in the context of moving stock positions or whole brokerage accounts between broker‑dealers. It is focused on procedures common in the U.S. brokerage industry and explains differences between ACAT, DWAC, cash/wire movements, and special cases.

Overview of transfer types

Moving stocks between brokerages can occur in several ways. Choosing the right method affects timing, cost, and whether positions move in‑kind (without selling). Below are the common methods:

ACAT/ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service)

• ACAT is the standard electronic service for transferring most brokerage assets between U.S. member firms. It moves securities in‑kind when possible, keeping positions intact (including many common U.S. equities, most mutual funds that transfer, and many option positions provided requirements are met).
• Typical use cases: moving full accounts, partial account transfers of selected holdings, or closing an old account when the full transfer completes.
• ACAT transfers are initiated by the receiving broker (the firm you open or designate to receive the assets). The receiving broker submits the transfer request, and the losing firm reviews and validates.

DWAC and transfer‑agent methods

• DWAC (Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian) is a transfer method used to move registered shares electronically between transfer agents and broker custodians. DWAC is often used for shares registered in the owner’s name (direct registration) or when dealing with restricted, newly issued, or non‑standard certificates.
• DWAC differs from ACAT because it interacts with transfer agents and registries rather than the ACAT central system. It is common for IPO shares, direct‑registration transfers, and certain restricted transfers.
• Some transfer agents or firms may charge DWAC or other transfer‑agent fees. These are separate from ACAT fees and depend on the security and transfer‑agent policies.

Cash transfers, EFTs and bank wires

• Cash balances move by wire or ACH (EFT). Wire transfers may incur bank or broker wire fees. ACH/EFT transfers are often free or low cost but take longer to settle.
• If you withdraw by cash instead of moving securities in‑kind, you may face tax consequences (selling securities) and market‑timing risk.

Sell‑and‑transfer (liquidation)

• If a security cannot be moved in‑kind (for example, certain fractional shares, some foreign listings, or proprietary products), the losing broker may require that those positions be sold prior to transfer. This may generate trading commissions, tax events, and short‑term market risk.

Fidelity’s stated fees and pricing for transfers

Transfer‑out fees (Fidelity’s policy)

• Does Fidelity charge to transfer stocks? According to Fidelity’s official pricing resources as of 2026-01-15, the published fee for "Account transfer out" is $0. That means Fidelity does not list a standard ACAT outgoing fee when it is the firm closing or transferring assets out.
• Fidelity publicly lists many account services as $0 in its pricing schedules and positions itself as having straightforward pricing for account transfers in many scenarios.

Fees for other services (wires, EFTs, options on fees)

• While Fidelity’s ACAT transfer‑out charge is $0, other service fees may still apply in related areas:
  • Wire transfers of cash can carry fees (both incoming and outgoing) depending on the type of wire and currency.
  • Expedited services, overnight check requests, or certain special processing may have fees.
  • Mutual fund redemption fees, short‑term trading fees, or commissions on specific products may apply when you sell assets to move cash out.
• Check Fidelity’s current wire and EFT fee sections for up‑to‑date details and any exceptions.

Third‑party and originating‑broker fees

A crucial distinction: Fidelity’s $0 transfer‑out fee applies to Fidelity as the losing broker. But the firm you are leaving (the originating broker) may charge an outbound transfer or ACAT fee.

Typical outgoing fees at other brokers

• Industry practice varies. Historically, many brokerages charged an outgoing ACAT fee in the range of about $50–$100 for full account transfers. The exact amount depends on the firm, account type, and promotional status.
• Some firms waived outbound fees for accounts under certain balance thresholds or during promotions, while others kept a standard flat fee.

Who actually charges what

• When you see a charge for “Account transfer out” on an old firm’s statement, that fee was charged by the losing firm — not the receiving firm. That means even if Fidelity lists $0, the originating broker may deduct its fee from your account balance as part of the transfer process.
• Because the losing firm is the one processing the outgoing transfer, its fee policy determines whether a charge appears.

Reimbursement and promotions for transfer fees

Many receiving brokers run promotions to reimburse outgoing transfer fees to attract new customers. Fidelity has historically offered to reimburse transfer fees in many cases, though policies and thresholds change over time.

Typical reimbursement conditions (what to confirm)

• Reimbursements are often conditional: for example, they may require a minimum deposit or transfer amount, a new account opening, and submission of proof of the outgoing fee. Reported community thresholds have varied; one common pattern mentioned in user reports and brokerage guides is reimbursement eligibility when transferring $25,000 or more, but this is not a fixed rule from Fidelity.
• Reimbursement policies change frequently, may be offered as limited promotions, and can differ by account type (individual, IRA, etc.). Always confirm current reimbursement terms with Fidelity before you initiate a transfer.

How to claim reimbursement

• Typical steps customers report:
  1. Complete the incoming transfer into your Fidelity account.
  2. Obtain documentation showing the outgoing transfer fee charged by your old broker (a statement or fee receipt).
  3. Contact Fidelity customer service via phone or secure message and request reimbursement, providing the required documentation and account details.
  4. Fidelity will review and, if eligible, credit the amount per their current reimbursement process.
• Keep clear records and screenshots in case additional verification is required.

Timing, process, and limitations

Typical timelines

• ACAT transfers usually complete in approximately 5–10 business days for standard transfers, though actual timing varies by firms and complexity. Some transfers clear faster; others, especially those with exceptions, can take several weeks.
• DWAC and transfer‑agent processes depend on the transfer agent’s responsiveness and can be slower or involve more steps.

Assets that may not transfer in‑kind

Common exceptions where in‑kind transfer is not possible or is complicated:

• Fractional shares: Some brokers represent fractional shares internally; they may need to be sold before transferring.
• Certain mutual funds: Proprietary or no‑load funds that are not accepted by the receiving firm may require liquidation.
• Restricted or unregistered securities: Some restricted shares, recent IPO allocations, or securities held in special registries may need DWAC handling or may be ineligible.
• OTC or foreign‑listed securities: Non‑standard listings or foreign securities may not be transferable in‑kind.
• Cryptocurrency: Most traditional brokerages do not transfer cryptocurrency tokens via ACAT; crypto usually transfers via blockchain wallets and requires a different process.
• Open options positions or complex derivatives: These may have special requirements; partial transfers can leave positions in place but may require closing or exercising.

Steps to initiate a transfer

1. Open the receiving account (ensure account type and registration match the originating account).
2. Verify which assets you want to transfer (full account vs partial list).
3. Provide required details to the receiving broker (account numbers, statements, and specific asset lists).
4. The receiving broker initiates the ACAT or appropriate transfer method.
5. Monitor transfer status and respond to any exception requests promptly.
6. After transfer completion, verify all assets and balances.

DWAC, transfer agents, and special cases

• DWAC and transfer‑agent transfers can be used for direct registration, IPO shares, and certain restricted transfers.
• Some transfer agents or broker custodians may impose fees for DWAC processing. Fidelity operates a stock transfer function for these cases and often manages many DWAC transfers without charging customers a transfer‑out fee, but transfer‑agent fees or third‑party charges may still apply.
• If you hold restricted stock or recently issued shares, contact Fidelity’s transfer team and the security’s transfer agent in advance to confirm procedures, timing, and any fees.

Practical considerations and recommendations

• Before initiating a transfer, explicitly ask both firms (the firm you’re leaving and Fidelity) the following:

  • Will any outbound/ACAT/DWAC fees be charged?
  • Does Fidelity currently offer reimbursement for outgoing transfer fees for my account type and transfer size?
  • Which assets will and will not transfer in‑kind?
  • What is the expected timeline and any special steps for my holdings?

• If you hold a small account: compare the cost of paying an outgoing fee versus liquidating and moving cash (accounting for potential tax consequences). If your account balance is below common reimbursement thresholds, the net cost of transfer may outweigh the benefit unless the receiving firm offers a promotion.

• If you hold unusual assets (restricted stock, international holdings, or crypto): speak with both firms in advance. For crypto specifically, use a proper Web3 wallet. If you need a recommended wallet in this article, consider Bitget Wallet to store on‑chain assets safely before or after moving funds (note: crypto moves via blockchain and is separate from ACAT/DWAC processes).

• Keep documentation of all fees, confirmations, and communications. If a receiving firm promises a fee reimbursement, confirm the process in writing or via secure message and keep proof of the outgoing charge.

• Consider timing and market risk: if transfer requires selling positions, be mindful of taxes and short‑term gains or losses. Selling to move cash may expose you to market movement between sell and re‑purchase.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Fidelity ever charge an ACAT fee?

A: Fidelity’s official published fee for "Account transfer out" is $0. That means Fidelity does not typically charge a routine ACAT outgoing fee. However, special services (wires, expedited options) may have fees.

Q: Will Fidelity reimburse my old broker’s transfer fee?

A: Many receiving brokers, including Fidelity at times, offer reimbursement for outgoing transfer fees if conditions are met. Reimbursement offers and thresholds change frequently. Confirm current policies with Fidelity before initiating a transfer and follow their stated process for submitting documentation.

Q: How long does an ACAT transfer take?

A: Standard ACAT transfers often finish in about 5–10 business days but can vary depending on exceptions and the firms involved. DWAC or transfer‑agent transfers can take longer.

Q: Which assets cannot be moved via ACAT?

A: Common exceptions include fractional shares, certain mutual funds, restricted or unregistered securities, many foreign‑listed equities, and cryptocurrencies. Special handling (DWAC, sell‑and‑transfer) may be required.

Q: If I see a transfer fee on my old statement, who charged it?

A: That fee was charged by the losing broker — the firm you are leaving. Fidelity’s $0 transfer‑out listed on its pricing is Fidelity’s policy; it does not prevent the losing firm from charging its own outbound fee.

References and further reading

Sources referenced in this article (no external links provided here):

• Fidelity — Straightforward and Transparent Pricing (Fidelity published pricing & account transfer out = $0). As of 2026-01-15, Fidelity lists "Account transfer out" as $0.
• Fidelity — Commissions, Margin Rates, and Fees (official fee schedule and related details). As of 2026-01-15, wire and EFT fees and other service fees are described in Fidelity’s fee schedule.
• Fidelity Stock Transfer (Fidelity’s transfer‑agent and stock transfer information pages). Useful for DWAC and transfer‑agent processes.
• Broker guides and community reporting summarizing ACAT behavior and transfer fees (examples from industry broker review pages and community help sites). As of 2025-11-30, community reports describe typical outgoing fees and reimbursement practices.
• General transfer guides from personal‑finance resources summarizing ACAT, DWAC, and sell‑and‑transfer best practices.

Notes and caveats

• Brokerage fee schedules and reimbursement promotions change over time. The factual references above were checked as of the dates indicated; policies may differ after those dates. Always confirm current Fidelity fee and reimbursement policies with Fidelity customer service or in Fidelity’s up‑to‑date published fee schedule before initiating a transfer.
• This guide is informational and neutral. It does not constitute investment advice.