Retirement account transfers can feel like navigating a complex maze, especially when you’re trying to optimize your investment strategy. Many investors find themselves weighing the benefits of moving their Roth IRA when they discover a new platform might offer better investment options, lower fees, or more personalized retirement planning tools.

A direct transfer from Fidelity to TIAA allows you to move your Roth IRA securely while preserving its tax-advantaged status. This guide walks you through the key steps to complete your transfer smoothly and maintain control over your retirement strategy.

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. 

The Roth IRA Handbook


Everything you need to know about investing and managing a Roth IRA

Table of contents

Step 1: Understand Your Roth IRA Transfer Requirements

Transferring a Roth IRA from Fidelity to TIAA requires careful planning to ensure a seamless, tax-free transition. A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer allows your funds to move securely between custodians without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties.

What You’ll Need

✅ Your current Fidelity Roth IRA account number

✅ Government-issued photo identification

✅ Most recent Roth IRA account statement

✅ Complete contact information for both Fidelity and TIAA

✅ Online access to both investment accounts

Step 2: Contact TIAA and Initiate the Transfer

TIAA typically handles most of the transfer process. You’ll want to contact their customer service and request a Roth IRA transfer authorization form. The receiving institution (TIAA) will guide you through their specific transfer requirements.

📝 Quick Tip: Confirm the latest transfer procedures directly with TIAA, as requirements may occasionally update.

Step 3: Complete Transfer Documentation

Provide accurate details on the transfer form, including:

✅Current Fidelity account information
✅Full or partial transfer instructions
✅Confirmation that the account type is Roth IRA
✅Personal identification information

📝 Reminder: Double-check all information before submission to prevent delays.

Step 4: Understand Transfer Timelines

Most Roth IRA transfers between financial institutions take approximately 3-5 business days. However, some transfers might extend up to six weeks depending on the complexity of your investments and the responsiveness of both financial institutions.

📝 Tip: Track your transfer through both Fidelity and TIAA platforms for real-time updates.

Step 5: Consider Investment Assets

Some investments might require special handling during transfer:

  • Proprietary mutual funds typically must be liquidated
  • Standard stocks and bonds can often transfer in-kind
  • Cash positions typically transfer the most easily

📝 Important Note: Avoid buying or selling securities during the transfer process to prevent complications.

Step 6: Verify Transfer Fees

While TIAA doesn’t charge for incoming transfers, Fidelity charges a $50 account closeout fee when you fully close your Roth IRA account.

Always confirm with both institutions to prevent unexpected charges.

Step 7: Understand Tax Implications

A direct trustee-to-trustee Roth IRA transfer does not generate any tax consequences. Your funds maintain their tax-advantaged status throughout the process.

Step 8: Final Verification

After initiating the transfer, follow up with both Fidelity and TIAA to confirm:

  • Transfer completion
  • Accurate transfer amount
  • Preservation of contribution history
  • Updated account statements

📝 Pro Tip: Store transfer documentation for at least three years for your records.

📌 If you need any additional guidance, be sure to check out these related articles:

Final Thoughts on Transferring Your Roth IRA

Transferring a Roth IRA from Fidelity to TIAA is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. The key takeaways include understanding the direct transfer method, which allows you to move funds between custodians without tax penalties, and ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.

Next Steps:

✅ Gather all required account information and identification documents
✅ Contact TIAA to initiate the transfer process
✅ Track the transfer status with both Fidelity and TIAA
✅ Maintain complete records of the transfer for your personal financial documentation

Following these steps will help protect your retirement savings and maintain your Roth IRA’s tax-advantaged growth potential.

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

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/).