How to invest

A seamless rollover experience

Learn how to roll over your employer-sponsored plan to Vanguard.

 

Follow these 3 easy steps

Step 1
Select an eligible Vanguard IRA for your rollover*

  • If you're rolling over pre-tax assets, you'll need a rollover IRA or a traditional IRA.
  • If you're rolling over Roth (after-tax) assets, you'll need a Roth IRA.
  • If you're rolling over both types of assets, you'll need two separate IRAs.

Note: You can roll over your assets to a new or an existing Vanguard account.

Step 2
Contact the financial institution holding your employer plan

Tell them you want to make a direct rollover from your employer plan to your Vanguard IRA®, and ask what information they need

Need a letter of acceptance?

You'll be able to create and print a letter of acceptance during our online rollover process.

Note: You may not be eligible to roll over a plan account that you're still contributing to. 

Step 3
Deposit the money into your Vanguard account

Rollovers typically take 2-4 weeks to complete. In many cases, the amount will be sent directly to us. However, if you receive a check from the financial institution, here is what to do

Note: Once we receive your assets, we'll place them in the settlement fund in your new or existing IRA. 

How to invest your assets

Determine your asset allocation

First, determine your asset allocation—how you divide your portfolio among stocks, bonds, and short-term reserves.

Not sure which asset allocation is right for you?

Take our investor questionnaire

Discover your investment options

Next, choose your investment options

Complement your portfolio with mutual funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds) from Vanguard and other companies.

View a list of Vanguard mutual funds

View a list of Vanguard ETFs®

Advice crafted especially for you

Our advisor services use powerful technology and human intuition.

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Learn more about rollovers 

Still have more questions before starting your rollover?

Rollover FAQs

Ready to get started?

New to Vanguard and looking to consolidate your savings?


Already a Vanguard client? Log in to roll over your employer plan.

Ready to get started?

New to Vanguard and looking to consolidate your savings?


Already a Vanguard client? Log in to roll over your employer plan.

Explore professional advice

We offer expert help at the low cost you'd expect from Vanguard.

*There are important factors to consider when rolling over assets to an IRA or leaving assets in an employer-sponsored plan account. These factors include, but are not limited to, investment options in each type of account, fees and expenses, available services, potential withdrawal penalties, protection from creditors and legal judgments, required minimum distributions, and the tax consequences of rolling over employer stock to an IRA. Please consult a qualified tax advisor about your individual situation.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Be sure to consider all of the available options and the applicable fees and features of each option, (stay with your former employer plan, rollover to a new employer plan, roll over to an IRA or cash out) before moving your retirement assets.

You must buy and sell Vanguard ETF Shares through Vanguard Brokerage Services (we offer them commission-free online) or through another broker (who may charge commissions). See the Vanguard Brokerage Services Commission and Fee Schedules for limits. Vanguard ETF Shares are not redeemable directly with the issuing Fund other than in very large aggregations worth millions of dollars. ETFs are subject to market volatility. When buying or selling an ETF, you will pay or receive the current market price, which may be more or less than net asset value.

Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company.

The services provided to clients will vary based upon the service selected, including management, fees, eligibility, and access to an advisor. Find VAI's Form CRS and each program's advisory brochure here for an overview.

VAI and VNTC are subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and affiliates of Vanguard Marketing Corporation. Neither VAI, VNTC, nor its affiliates guarantee profits or protection from losses.