How to Transfer a Roth IRA from Fidelity to Vanguard

As your retirement goals evolve, it’s common to reassess which platform best supports your investment strategy. Whether you’re exploring new fund options, consolidating accounts, or looking for lower fees, transferring a Roth IRA can help align your savings with your long-term plans.

Moving your Roth IRA between these major providers might seem complex, but a direct transfer can preserve your account’s tax-advantaged status while giving you access to potentially better investment choices.

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 Basics

Moving your Roth IRA from Fidelity to Vanguard requires careful planning. A direct, trustee-to-trustee transfer allows you to move funds securely between financial institutions without triggering taxes or early withdrawal penalties. 

In a direct transfer, Fidelity will send your funds directly to Vanguard. This method protects your retirement savings and maintains the tax-advantaged status of your Roth IRA.

Step 2: Prepare Your Account Information

Gather the necessary documents before starting the transfer:

✅ Your current Fidelity Roth IRA account number

✅ Vanguard account information

✅ Most recent Roth IRA statement

✅ Personal identification documents

✅ Social Security Number

📝 Note: Double-check that all personal information matches exactly to prevent transfer delays.

Step 3: Choose Your Transfer Method

At Vanguard, you can choose between:

✅ Online Transfer: Start and manage your transfer through Vanguard’s website

✅ Paper Transfer: Fill out and mail traditional transfer forms

📝 Note: Online transfers are generally faster and more convenient.

Step 4: Initiate the Vanguard Transfer

Contact Vanguard to start the transfer process. They typically recommend initiating the transfer from the receiving end (Vanguard) rather than the sending institution (Fidelity).

Vanguard will:

✅ Request your Fidelity Roth IRA information
✅ Verify your identity
✅ Coordinate directly with Fidelity to move your assets

📝 Note: Most direct Roth IRA transfers complete within 5-10 business days.

Step 5: Be Aware of Investment Limitations

Not all assets transfer seamlessly. Some investments may need to be liquidated before transfer.

📝 Note: Fidelity’s proprietary mutual funds cannot transfer in-kind and must be sold before moving to Vanguard.

Step 6: Consider Transfer Timing and Taxes

With a direct Roth IRA transfer:

✅ No taxes are triggered
✅ Your Roth contribution dates stay intact
✅ Your investment growth history is preserved

Step 7: Monitor and Confirm Your Transfer

After initiating the transfer:

✅ Track activity on both Fidelity and Vanguard platforms
✅ Confirm that your full balance transfers correctly
✅ Check for any unexpected fees or adjustments

📝 Note: Keep all transfer documentation for your personal records.

Step 8: Select Your New Investments

Once your Roth IRA funds arrive:

✅ Review available low-cost index funds, ETFs, or target-date retirement funds
✅ Align your investments with your long-term goals and risk tolerance
✅ Consider rebalancing your portfolio if needed

Vanguard offers numerous low-cost index funds and ETFs for retirement savings:

Final Thoughts on Your Roth IRA Transfer

Transferring your Roth IRA from Fidelity to Vanguard can be a smart move if it better aligns with your long-term financial goals. The most important steps are:

✅ Choosing a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer
✅ Preparing all necessary documents beforehand
✅ Monitoring the transfer carefully until complete
✅ Selecting investments that fit your retirement strategy

With preparation and attention to detail, the transfer process should be smooth, and your Roth IRA savings will continue to grow with your future in mind.

.📌 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/).