ACAT Fees
How much do you need to pay for outgoing ACAT transfers in 2026? Are the ACAT fees at your current broker higher than at another? If you use Merrill Edge, Vanguard, Fidelity, Ally Invest, Webull, Robinhood, or another popular broker, you may be paying more than expected.
See how much ACAT fees are in 2026, and how you can get an ACAT reimbursement.
What Are ACAT Transfers?
The Automated Customer Account Transfers Service (ACAT/ACATS) lets you move brokerage accounts, either fully or partly, from one broker to another. This service is designed to make switching to a new broker easy.
Instead of selling all the securities in your account just to buy them again at another broker, an ACAT transfer moves everything automatically, saving you time and money. This convenience does come with a price, which is the outgoing ACAT fees charged by most brokers.
How Long Does ACAT Take?
The main advantage of ACAT transfers is how simple they are. You can move an entire account in one step and start using the new account much faster than if you sold assets, waited for settlement, transferred money to your bank, and then sent it to your new broker. Most ACAT transfers take about 5-10 days to finish.
Can You Get an ACAT Fee Reimbursement?
In most cases, outgoing ACAT transfer fees cannot be avoided, but they should not prevent you from making a switch. Many brokers that receive your account will reimburse the fee you had to pay. This means that sometimes an ACAT transfer can end up being free.
One well-known broker for
ACAT fee reimbursement is Robinhood.
If you move your account to Robinhood (minimum $7,500), you can get back up to $150 in ACAT fees.
Robinhood ACAT Reimbursement Link
Open Robinhood Account
List of Brokerage ACAT Fees
3 - A $2,500 minimum equity balance must remain in the account; otherwise the $75 full transfer fee will apply.
4 - Transfer a security through the Direct Registration Service (DRS).
ACAT Overview
The Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACAT/ACATS) lets you move cash and securities electronically from one investment firm to another. The big advantage is that you don’t have to sell your securities first, which could create tax issues in a taxable account.
Because selling positions can lead to unwanted tax consequences, the ACAT system is very helpful for investors who want to switch brokers without closing their investments. This way, you can keep your holdings and still move to another brokerage firm.
An ACAT transfer can also move cash between IRAs, avoiding the need to withdraw and redeposit funds (which could cause more IRS rules and paperwork).
Eligible Assets to be Moved
Cash and most securities can be transferred through ACAT. Securities include stocks, bonds, options, and mutual funds.
Some firms may not accept certain securities. For example, Interactive Brokers won’t take some micro-cap stocks, even though they can be traded there. Webull doesn’t accept foreign stocks because it doesn’t offer trading in them. These types of securities can still be transferred if the new firm accepts them. Always confirm with the receiving broker if it supports the asset type you want to move. Rules for over-the-counter stocks vary by firm.
Fractional shares of mutual funds can be moved through ACAT, but fractional shares of stocks and ETFs cannot. Those must be turned into cash first.
Anything other than cash and securities cannot be transferred with ACAT. Examples include cryptocurrencies, forex, and futures contracts.
Brokerage Participation
Most brokers today are part of the ACAT system, which makes it very convenient. There are some exceptions, such as Acorns, which does not allow ACAT transfers. Always check if a broker participates before starting a transfer.
Requesting an ACAT Transfer
Requesting an ACAT transfer is usually simple. Most brokers have transfer tools on their websites, and some have them in their mobile apps. Look for the transfer page, and then choose the option to move an account from another firm.
An ACAT transfer request is always started with the receiving broker. That firm will then contact the outgoing firm, and both will complete the process.
Cost of an ACAT Transfer
Usually, the outgoing firm may charge a fee, while incoming transfers are free. Outgoing transfer fees can vary a lot, so it’s best to check before starting.
Some brokers will reimburse the outgoing ACAT fee to win your business. There may be a minimum transfer amount required, so check the details before deciding.
Duration of an ACAT Transfer
Most ACAT transfers take about 5 to 9 business days once the request is made. The old account is often closed in 2 or 3 business days. Cash from fractional shares may take a few more days to arrive. If there are mistakes in the forms (which are usually digital now), the transfer could take more than 2 weeks.
Updated on 1/1/2026.