How to Transfer a Roth IRA from Fidelity to Ameriprise

Reassessing where you manage your retirement savings is a natural part of long-term financial planning. Whether you’re seeking broader investment strategies or more personalized advisory services, transferring your Roth IRA can help better align your portfolio with your evolving goals.

A direct transfer of your Roth IRA from Fidelity to Ameriprise can help you consolidate your retirement investments without triggering taxable events or early withdrawal penalties. This guide breaks down the precise steps to move your funds smoothly and protect your retirement savings in the process.

At Carry, we want to make financial decisions feel more manageable, even if you’re handling them outside our platform. Please note that while we try to provide the most up-to-date information, these processes are subject to change without notice, so be sure to check with your provider before moving forward. 

Step 1: Understand Your Roth IRA Transfer Landscape

Transferring a Roth IRA from Fidelity to Ameriprise is a strategic move that requires careful preparation. A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer ensures your retirement funds move securely without triggering taxes or penalties, preserving the tax-advantaged status of your account.

What You’ll Need:

✅ Your current Fidelity Roth IRA account details

✅ Personal identification documents

✅ Access to online banking for both Fidelity and Ameriprise

✅ Recent Roth IRA statements

✅ Your Social Security number

✅ Contact information for both financial institutions

Step 2: Prepare Your Account Transfer Documentation

Gather all necessary documentation before initiating the transfer. Ameriprise will require specific information to process your Roth IRA transfer. Most financial institutions use standardized transfer forms that streamline the process.

📝 Note: Double-check that all personal information matches exactly across both financial platforms to prevent potential transfer delays.

Step 3: Contact Ameriprise to Initiate the Transfer

Reach out to an Ameriprise financial advisor or their transfer department to begin the process. They will guide you through their specific transfer procedures and provide the necessary paperwork. Most transfers can be completed electronically, making the process relatively straightforward.

Step 4: Complete the Transfer Authorization Form

Fill out Ameriprise’s transfer authorization form with precise accuracy. This document will request:

📝 Note: Ensure all information exactly matches your Fidelity account to prevent potential transfer complications.

Step 5: Verify Transfer Details and Investment Selections

Confirm the exact investments you want to transfer. You can choose to:

📝 Tip: Clarify any transfer restrictions on proprietary or non-transferable investments.

Step 6: Understand the Transfer Timeline

Most Roth IRA transfers between financial institutions take approximately 5-10 business days. The Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) typically facilitates secure and efficient transfers.

📝 Reminder: Avoid buying or selling securities during the transfer window to prevent potential complications.

Step 7: Confirm Transfer Completion

After initiating the transfer:

✅ Monitor both your Fidelity and Ameriprise accounts
✅ Verify that the full balance and selected assets have transferred correctly
✅ Check for any unexpected fees or discrepancies

Step 8: Tax Considerations and Final Review

While Roth IRA transfers between custodians do not trigger taxable events, it’s crucial to maintain accurate records. The transfer should not impact your annual contribution limits or tax-advantaged status.

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Wrapping Up Your Roth IRA Transfer Journey

Transferring a Roth IRA from Fidelity to Ameriprise is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. The key takeaways include understanding the importance of a direct, trustee-to-trustee transfer to maintain your account’s tax-advantaged status and ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.

Additional next steps:

✅ Monitor the transfer closely, which typically completes within 5–10 business days
✅ Verify that all selected investments transfer correctly
✅ Confirm that no unexpected fees were applied
✅ Maintain detailed records of the entire transfer process for your personal financial documentation

Following these steps can help ensure your retirement savings continue growing without disruption as you transition to your new provider.

📌 Want to dive deeper? Here are some other helpful resources:

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Disclaimer:

The Carry Learning Center is operated by The Vibes Company Inc. (“Vibes”) and contains generalized educational content about personal finance topics. While Vibes provides educational content and technology services, all investment advisory services discussed on this website are provided exclusively through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carry Advisors LLC (“Carry Advisors”), an SEC registered investment adviser. The information contained on the Carry Learning Center should not be construed as personalized investment advice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or engage in a particular investment, accounting, tax or legal strategy. Vibes is not providing tax, legal, accounting, or investment advice. You should consult with qualified tax, legal, accounting, and investment professionals regarding your specific situation.

The accounts, strategies and/or investments discussed in this material may not be suitable for all investors. All investments involve the risk of loss, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment growth or profit is never a guarantee. All statements and opinions included on the Carry Learning Center are intended to be current as of the date of publication but are subject to change without notice.

To access investment advisory services through Carry Advisors, you must be a client of Vibes on an eligible membership plan. For more information about Carry Advisors’ investment advisory services, please see our Form [ADV Part 2A] (https://files.adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD/Content/Common/crd_iapd_Brochure.aspx?BRCHR_VRSN_ID=916200) brochure and [Form CRS] (https://reports.adviserinfo.sec.gov/crs/crs_323620.pdf) or through the SEC’s website at [www.adviserinfo.sec.gov] (http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/).