Transferring your investments can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it's a straightforward process. If you're looking to move your stocks from E*TRADE to Interactive Brokers, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth transition for your portfolio.
Ready to consolidate your portfolio and experience the advanced features of Interactive Brokers? Let's get started!
Step 1: Prepare for Your Transfer – The Crucial Groundwork
Before initiating any transfer, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing delays and headaches. Think of this as laying the foundation for a successful move.
1.1 Understand the ACATS System: The Backbone of Your Transfer
Most brokerage transfers in the US happen through the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS). This is an electronic system designed to standardize and automate the transfer of customer accounts between brokerage firms. It's generally faster and more efficient than manual transfers.
Key takeaway: ACATS streamlines the process, but both brokers must participate in it for a seamless electronic transfer. Both E*TRADE and Interactive Brokers are ACATS participants, which is great news for you!
1.2 Gather Necessary Information: Your Transfer Toolkit
You'll need specific details for both your E*TRADE and Interactive Brokers accounts. Having these handy will make filling out forms much quicker.
E*TRADE Account Information (Delivering Firm):
Your full account number
Account type (e.g., Individual, Joint, IRA, Roth IRA, Trust)
Account title (must exactly match your Interactive Brokers account)
Most recent ETRADE statement* (This is often required by the receiving firm to verify account details).
Interactive Brokers Account Information (Receiving Firm):
Your full Interactive Brokers account number
Account type (must exactly match your ETRADE account)*
Account title (must exactly match your ETRADE account)*
Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID Number (TIN)
1.3 Review Your Holdings: What Can and Cannot Be Transferred?
While ACATS handles a wide range of assets, there are exceptions. It's vital to know what might cause a snag.
Generally Transferable via ACATS:
Stocks (equities)
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Corporate and Municipal Bonds
Options (with some caveats)
Mutual Funds (if offered by both brokers and supported by ACATS Fund/SERV)
Cash
Potential Issues or Non-Transferable Assets:
Fractional Shares: Many brokers do not support transferring fractional shares. These may need to be sold and the cash transferred.
Proprietary Mutual Funds: If E*TRADE offers mutual funds that aren't available through Interactive Brokers, these might not transfer in kind and could require liquidation.
Illiquid or Micro-Cap Stocks: Interactive Brokers might have restrictions on accepting certain micro-cap or illiquid stocks.
Expiring Options: Options in their expiration week typically cannot be transferred.
Complex Investments: Structured products or limited partnerships might not be ACATS eligible.
Margin Balances: Ensure your margin account is in good standing and that Interactive Brokers will accept your margin positions. You might need to adjust your margin balance before transferring.
1.4 Check for Fees: The Cost of Moving
E*TRADE generally charges an outgoing account transfer fee.
E*TRADE Outgoing Transfer Fee: Expect a fee, typically around $75 for a full account transfer. This can vary, so always confirm the latest fee schedule directly with ETRADE*.
Interactive Brokers Inbound Transfer Fee: Interactive Brokers does not typically charge inbound ACATS transfer fees.
Some receiving brokers may offer to reimburse transfer fees from the delivering broker, especially for larger accounts. It's worth checking with Interactive Brokers if they have such a program.
1.5 Settle Any Outstanding Issues at E*TRADE: Clear the Decks
Before you initiate the transfer, ensure your E*TRADE account is in good order.
Pay any outstanding fees.
Resolve any pending trades or unsetteled transactions.
Make sure no holds or restrictions are on your account.
Step 2: Initiate the Transfer with Interactive Brokers – The Receiving Firm
The receiving firm (Interactive Brokers in this case) is almost always the one to initiate the ACATS transfer. This means you'll start the process on the Interactive Brokers platform.
2.1 Log In to Your Interactive Brokers Account
Access your Interactive Brokers Client Portal. If you don't have an account, this is your first step: open an Interactive Brokers account at
2.2 Navigate to the Account Transfer Section
Once logged in, look for a section related to "Transfer & Pay," "Fund Your Account," or "Transfer Positions." The exact wording may vary, but you're looking for where you can initiate a transfer of assets from another brokerage.
2.3 Select "Transfer an Account" or "ACATS Transfer"
Within the transfer options, you'll typically find a choice to transfer an entire account or perform a partial transfer.
Full Transfer (Recommended if you want to close your E*TRADE account): This moves all eligible assets and cash.
Partial Transfer (If you only want to move specific holdings): You will need to specify the exact securities (stock symbol, quantity) you wish to transfer.
2.4 Provide E*TRADE Account Information
You will be prompted to enter details about your E*TRADE account, the "delivering firm."
Brokerage Name: Select "E*TRADE" from the list or manually enter it.
E*TRADE Account Number: Carefully input your ETRADE account number*. Double-check for accuracy.
Account Type: Ensure this exactly matches the account type at E*TRADE.
Account Title/Registration: This is extremely important. The name(s) on the Interactive Brokers account must precisely match the name(s) on the E*TRADE account. Even a minor discrepancy (e.g., middle initial vs. full middle name) can cause a rejection. If there's a discrepancy that you can't easily resolve (e.g., a maiden name change), you may need to provide a "one-in-the-same" statement or other documentation.
2.5 Specify Transfer Type (Full or Partial) and Assets
If you chose a full transfer, you typically don't need to list individual assets.
If you chose a partial transfer, you'll be given fields to add each asset you wish to transfer, including the ticker symbol and the exact number of shares/units. Be meticulous here!
2.6 Review and Electronically Sign the Transfer Initiation Form (TIF)
Interactive Brokers will generate a Transfer Initiation Form (TIF) based on your inputs.
Read this form thoroughly! Verify all account numbers, names, and asset details are correct.
You will typically sign this form electronically. In some cases, especially for joint accounts or trusts, a "wet signature" (physical signature) or a Medallion Signature Guarantee might be required, though ACATS transfers generally aim to be paperless.
2.7 Upload Supporting Documents (If Required)
You might be asked to upload your most recent ETRADE account statement*. This helps Interactive Brokers verify the account details and holdings. Have a digital copy ready.
Step 3: The Waiting Game – Monitoring Your Transfer
Once you've submitted the request, the ACATS system takes over. This is where patience is key.
3.1 Processing Time
ACATS transfers typically take 4 to 8 business days to complete, though some sources suggest it can be up to 10 business days.
Factors that can affect the timeline include: the accuracy of your submitted information, the responsiveness of both brokerage firms, and the complexity of the assets being transferred.
3.2 What Happens During the Transfer?
Interactive Brokers (the receiving firm) sends the ACATS request to E*TRADE (the delivering firm).
E*TRADE has a set period (usually three business days) to either validate the transfer or take exception to it (e.g., account details don't match, fees are due).
If an exception is taken, you will be notified by Interactive Brokers, and you'll need to address the issue. Common reasons for rejection include:
Account title mismatch
Account type mismatch
Outstanding fees or negative cash balance at ETRADE*
Assets not supported by Interactive Brokers or not ACATS eligible
Shares held in physical certificate form (these require special handling)
During the transfer period, your assets might temporarily appear as "unavailable" or "in transit" at both brokerages. Avoid trading these specific assets during this time.
3.3 Monitor Your Transfer Status
Both E*TRADE and Interactive Brokers will likely have tools or sections where you can track the status of your transfer.
Interactive Brokers Client Portal: Check the "Transfer & Pay" and "Transaction History" sections for updates.
E*TRADE: You might receive email notifications or be able to check your statements/online portal for transfer activity.
Step 4: Verify Your Assets and Cost Basis – The Final Check
Once the transfer is complete, it's crucial to confirm everything arrived as expected.
4.1 Confirm All Assets Have Arrived
Log in to your Interactive Brokers account and meticulously compare your new holdings against your last E*TRADE statement and your own records.
Ensure all transferred stocks, ETFs, and other assets are present and the quantities are correct.
Verify that any cash balance has also transferred over.
4.2 Verify Cost Basis Information
This is a critically important step for tax purposes. While ACATS transfers the shares, the cost basis information (the original purchase price of your assets) sometimes needs to be manually updated or confirmed.
Interactive Brokers should receive the cost basis information electronically, but it's not always instantaneous or perfectly accurate.
Check the cost basis of your transferred securities in your Interactive Brokers account.
If the cost basis is missing or incorrect, you may need to provide ETRADE statements or trade confirmations to Interactive Brokers to ensure accurate reporting. Keep good records of your original ETRADE transactions for this reason.
4.3 Address Any Discrepancies Immediately
If you notice any missing assets, incorrect quantities, or inaccurate cost basis information, contact Interactive Brokers customer service immediately. Provide them with all relevant documentation to help resolve the issue.
Variety of Styling Throughout
As requested, I've incorporated a variety of styling:
Bold text for emphasis on key terms and instructions.
Italic text for important notes, explanations, and engagement.
Headings with "Step X:" format and sub-headings for clear structure.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, formatted as "How to" with quick answers:
How to Check the Status of My E*TRADE to Interactive Brokers Transfer?
You can typically check the status through the "Transfer & Pay" or "Transaction History" sections within your Interactive Brokers Client Portal. E*TRADE may also provide updates via email or within your account statements.
How to Handle Fractional Shares When Transferring Between Brokers?
Fractional shares are usually not transferable via ACATS. They will likely be liquidated by E*TRADE, and the cash proceeds will be transferred to your Interactive Brokers account.
How to Resolve an ACATS Transfer Rejection?
If your transfer is rejected, Interactive Brokers will usually inform you of the reason. Common solutions include updating account titles to match, paying outstanding fees at E*TRADE, or selling unsupported assets. Contact Interactive Brokers customer service for guidance.
How to Ensure My Cost Basis Transfers Correctly?
While ACATS aims to transfer cost basis electronically, always verify it in your Interactive Brokers account after the transfer. If it's missing or incorrect, provide E*TRADE statements or trade confirmations to Interactive Brokers to update it for tax purposes.
How to Transfer Only Specific Stocks from E*TRADE to Interactive Brokers?
When initiating the transfer on the Interactive Brokers platform, select the "partial transfer" option. You will then be prompted to specify the exact ticker symbols and quantities of the stocks you wish to move.
How to Avoid Delays During the Transfer Process?
Ensure all account information (name, account number, account type) matches exactly between ETRADE and Interactive Brokers. Resolve any outstanding fees or issues with ETRADE before initiating the transfer, and avoid trading the assets during the transfer period.
How to Know if My Account Type is Compatible for Transfer?
Your account type at E*TRADE (e.g., Individual, Joint, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Trust) must exactly match the account type you open or already have at Interactive Brokers for a direct ACATS transfer.
How to Transfer Options from E*TRADE to Interactive Brokers?
Options can generally be transferred via ACATS, but avoid initiating a transfer if options are in their expiration week, as they typically won't transfer and may be exercised or expire.
How to Find My E*TRADE Account Number for the Transfer?
Your ETRADE account number can be found on your monthly statements, in the online account summary when you log in, or by contacting ETRADE customer service.
How to Get Reimbursed for E*TRADE's Transfer Fees?
Some receiving brokers, including potentially Interactive Brokers for larger account transfers, may offer to reimburse the outgoing transfer fee charged by E*TRADE. Inquire with Interactive Brokers' customer service about their transfer fee reimbursement policies.