How to Transfer a Roth IRA from Fidelity to Merrill Edge

As your financial plans evolve, you might consider moving your retirement savings to a platform that better fits your current investment strategy. Whether you’re looking for different research tools, a new asset mix, or a more integrated account experience, transferring your Roth IRA can help realign your long-term goals.

A direct transfer from Fidelity to Merrill Edge allows you to move your Roth IRA securely without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties. This guide walks you through each step to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, while keeping your account’s tax-advantaged benefits intact.

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 Goals

When transferring a Roth IRA from Fidelity to Merrill Edge, the goal is to move your funds without triggering taxes or penalties. A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer ensures your account remains intact and maintains its tax-advantaged status.

✅ Seamless movement of assets between institutions
✅ No taxable distribution or early withdrawal penalties
✅ Preservation of contribution and investment history

What You’ll Need

✅ Fidelity Roth IRA account number

✅ Social Security Number

✅ Government-issued photo ID

✅ Most recent Roth IRA account statement

✅ Online account access for both Fidelity and Merrill Edge accounts

Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method

Financial institutions generally recommend initiating the transfer through the receiving provider (Merrill Edge) to help streamline the entire process and reduce potential administrative complications.

Transfer Options

✅ Direct transfer (recommended)
✅ Manual transfer via check (less common)
✅ Partial asset transfer
✅ Full account transfer

📝 Note: Always confirm transfer type and requirements with both institutions before proceeding.

Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documentation

Gather all required paperwork before starting the transfer. Merrill Edge will need:

📝 Tip: Having documents ready speeds up approval and processing.

Step 4: Initiate the Transfer

To initiate the transfer:

✅ Contact Merrill Edge’s transfer team at 1-888-MERRILL
✅ Submit the completed ACAT form
✅ Provide your Fidelity account number and asset details
✅ Authorize the transfer of full or partial assets as preferred

Step 5: Understand Transfer Timelines and Considerations

Most transfers typically take 5–10 business days, but factors that could affect the timeline include:

✅ Complexity of your asset types
✅ Volume of transfer requests
✅ Additional verification or documentation needs

📝 Note: Be prepared for potential temporary restrictions on buying or selling securities during the transfer. Avoid making any significant changes to your investment positions during the transfer window.

Step 6: Verify Transfer Completion

After submitting your request:

✅ Monitor both your Fidelity and Merrill Edge accounts
✅ Confirm the full balance and assets have transferred
✅ Check for any unexpected transaction fees

✏️ Hypothetical Example:  Sarah confirmed her entire Roth IRA transferred correctly to Merrill Edge within seven business days.

Step 7: Tax Implications and Considerations

✅ Direct Roth IRA transfers do not create taxable events
✅ Your account’s tax-deferred growth and contribution history stay intact
✅ There is no impact on your annual Roth contribution limits

📝 Tip: Save your transfer confirmation documents for your tax and personal records.

Step 8: Final Account Setup

Once the transfer is complete:

✅ Review and update your beneficiary designations
✅ Set up online access and account preferences
✅ Rebalance or adjust your investment allocations as needed

📝 Tip: Take time to review Merrill Edge’s investment tools and options to align with your updated retirement strategy.

Wrapping Up Your Roth IRA Transfer Journey

Transferring your Roth IRA from Fidelity to Merrill Edge can be a smooth and straightforward process with proper preparation. Your main goals during the transfer are to preserve the tax-advantaged status of your Roth IRA and minimize potential administrative delays or errors

The key points to keep in mind are:

✅ Initiate the transfer through the receiving institution (Merrill Edge)
✅ Use a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to avoid taxes or penalties
✅ Maintain accurate documentation throughout the process

Most transfers typically complete within 5–10 business days when documentation is accurate and account information matches.

Next steps:

✅ Monitor both Fidelity and Merrill Edge accounts to confirm transfer completion
✅ Update your account information and beneficiary designations
✅ Verify that all intended assets have been successfully transferred

Take your time, double-check the details, and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support at either institution if you need assistance. Careful attention now helps ensure your retirement savings continue growing without interruption.

📌 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/).