Transferring Accounts between Wealthfront and Fidelity
Thanks to online transfer systems, moving investment accounts between firms is much easier now. Here’s how to do it with Fidelity and Wealthfront:
Transfer from Wealthfront to Fidelity
First Step: To move an investing account into Fidelity, the first step is to open a Fidelity account. The account at the old firm does not move over by itself; instead, the assets inside the account are transferred into an account at the receiving firm.
The account at Fidelity can be a brokerage (self-directed) account or a managed account, such as Fidelity Go. In either case, the account must have the same registration (such as joint, IRA, or trust) and the same ownership name as the Wealthfront account. If an existing Fidelity account meets both of these requirements, it can be used.
Second Step: The Wealthfront account may require some preparation, depending on the assets held and the type of Fidelity account you plan to use. If you are transferring into a Fidelity Go account, securities can generally be transferred in, but they are typically liquidated and reinvested according to the managed strategy. If you are moving assets from a robo account at Wealthfront into a self-directed Fidelity brokerage account, keep in mind that the assets will arrive unmanaged unless you take action.
If you have a debit balance through Wealthfront’s portfolio line of credit, securities used as collateral generally cannot be transferred while the loan is outstanding. The outstanding balance may need to be paid down before the transfer can proceed. Contact either firm for guidance on how to handle this situation.
Third Step: Time to submit the transfer request. The transfer is handled through the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS), which operates electronically. To begin, log into the Fidelity website or mobile app. On the website, go to the transfer area and follow the prompts to begin a transfer of assets request.
On the transfer form, list RBC Clearing & Custody as the delivering firm and provide the other requested information, including your Wealthfront account number. In some cases, DTC number 0235 may also be requested. Once everything is filled in, submit the transfer request.
Transfer from Fidelity to Wealthfront
Moving assets in the other direction follows many of the same rules, although there are some important differences.
First Step: Open a Wealthfront account. An existing account can be used if it meets the same requirements regarding ownership name and tax structure. The account can be either a robo-advisor or stock-investing account.
Second Step: The Wealthfront account may require some preparation. Any cash transferred into a Wealthfront account may be applied to an outstanding portfolio line of credit balance if one exists.
Third Step: This can be the most involved step. Many assets held at Fidelity are not supported at Wealthfront. These positions may need to be sold before the transfer, left behind in a partial transfer, or moved to another Fidelity account. Wealthfront supports both full and partial ACATS transfers, depending on account type and asset eligibility. A full transfer may result in closure of the Fidelity account, while a partial transfer leaves the original account open.
Examples of investments that may not transfer cleanly from Fidelity into Wealthfront include unsupported mutual funds, many bonds and other fixed-income products, options, and certain securities that are not actively traded on a U.S. exchange. Fidelity crypto accounts are held separately and are not eligible for ACATS transfers.
If you plan to move assets into a robo-advisor account at Wealthfront, some transferred ETFs may be incorporated into the portfolio, while many other holdings may be sold after they arrive so the account can be aligned with Wealthfront’s strategy. If you are transferring from a managed account at Fidelity, you may need to remove the managed-account service before the transfer can be submitted. Wealthfront’s stock investing platform does not support every U.S.-listed stock, so some equities may not be transferable.
Fourth Step: Request the transfer on Wealthfront’s mobile app or website. In the app, tap the transfer option and select the choice to bring over investments. Choose Fidelity as the delivering firm and follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked to link your Fidelity account to complete the request.
Cost of an ACAT Transfer
Wealthfront does not charge fees for incoming or outgoing ACATS transfers. Fidelity does not charge a fee for outgoing ACATS transfers, although other fees unrelated to ACATS may still apply.
How Long Does an ACAT Take?
Incoming ACATS transfers to Fidelity often take about 3 to 5 business days once accepted. Wealthfront notes that transfers can take about 5 to 10 business days. Actual timelines can vary depending on asset eligibility, account type, and whether any issues arise during processing.
Updated on 4/6/2026.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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