A Direct Transfer is a way to move money from one retirement account to another without taking possession of the funds yourself. It’s often used when switching financial institutions or moving between types of retirement accounts, like from one IRA to another, or from a 401k to an IRA. Because the money goes directly from one account provider to the next, it avoids taxes and potential penalties that can happen if the funds are sent to you first. Direct transfers are a simple, secure way to keep your retirement savings moving without interrupting your investment timeline.