Transferring Accounts between Schwab and Edward Jones
In this article, we’ll cover:
• Investment accounts can be moved between Schwab and Edward Jones.
• Fees may apply in certain situations when making these transfers.
• Cash can be moved by ACH transfer, while securities are generally transferred through the ACATS network.
If you’re with Edward Jones and want to move to Charles Schwab, or you’re heading in the opposite direction, it’s usually possible to make the change using electronic transfer methods. Here’s how to complete the transfer:
Moving from Schwab to Edward Jones
First Step: To move assets from Schwab to Edward Jones, you’ll first need to open a matching account at Edward Jones (technically, the assets are moved rather than the accounts themselves). The two accounts must have the same registration (for example, Roth IRA or trust) and the same name. The receiving Edward Jones account may be a brokerage or advisory account, depending on availability and eligibility.
Second Step: Once the Edward Jones account is open, get it ready to receive the incoming assets. If you have option positions or a margin balance coming from Schwab, these features must be approved at Edward Jones before the transfer.
Third Step: Prepare the Schwab account as well. Any assets that Edward Jones does not support must be handled in one of three ways:
• Move them to a second Schwab account.
• Close the position.
• Complete a partial transfer and leave the asset at Schwab.
Certain assets, such as forex and futures contracts, are not eligible for transfer to Edward Jones. Some mutual funds, bonds, annuities, and foreign securities may also be restricted, depending on the specific product and Edward Jones’ policies.
Fourth Step: Once both accounts are set up, submit the transfer request through the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) network. This step is initiated by the receiving firm, which in this case is Edward Jones. You’ll need to contact your Edward Jones advisor to request an ACATS transfer from your Schwab account and provide your Schwab account number.
Note about automated accounts: If the Schwab account is a robo-advisor account, only cash can be transferred out. Cash may be moved using ACATS or ACH. For ACH transfers, link a bank account to both the Schwab and Edward Jones accounts and use it to move cash between the two investment accounts.
Moving from Edward Jones to Schwab
The process in the opposite direction follows many of the same steps:
First Step: Visit the Schwab application page and open a new account if you don’t already have one. An existing account can be used as long as it matches the Edward Jones account in both name and registration. The receiving Schwab account can be a self-directed brokerage or an advisory account (including robo). If it’s an automated account, only cash can be transferred into it, which limits transfers to ACH or liquidated positions.
Second Step: Prepare the Schwab account to receive the assets. Enable options and margin if these will be transferred from Edward Jones.
Third Step: Prepare the Edward Jones account for the transfer. Any assets Schwab does not support must be handled in one of the three ways listed above. Some mutual funds held at Edward Jones may not be available for trading at Schwab, so it’s important to check Schwab’s platform for availability of specific funds before submitting the request.
Annuities cannot be transferred through ACATS because they are insurance products. Any annuities held at Edward Jones will need to be addressed separately before the transfer.
Fourth Step: Once both accounts are ready, submit the transfer request on Schwab’s website. After logging in, open the Move Money tab in the main menu and select the option to transfer an account. This will bring up the ACATS form. Select Edward Jones as the outgoing firm and enter the required details, including the Edward Jones account number and whether the transfer is full or partial. Review all information carefully before submitting the request.
After submitting the transfer request, you can track its progress on Schwab’s website under the Move Money section, where recent transfer activity is displayed.
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Cost of an ACAT Transfer
Edward Jones charges a $95 fee for a full outgoing transfer on brokerage and IRA accounts, although the fee may be waived in certain situations and does not apply to Edward Jones investment advisory accounts. Schwab charges $50 for a full outgoing ACATS transfer and does not charge for a partial outgoing transfer. Standard ACH transfers generally do not carry a fee, although Edward Jones can charge for same-day ACH and bank-related fees could apply in some cases.
How Long Does an ACATS Take?
Most ACATS transfers are completed in about 5 to 10 business days when there are no problems, although the timeline can vary based on the assets involved and the transfer details.
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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