Best Automated Customer Account Transfer Service Brokers 2025
Discover the best brokers with Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) following our rigorous hands-on tests.
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1Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top brokerage firm offering access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of investment services. With 40 years in the field, this company listed on Nasdaq strictly follows the rules set by authorities such as the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It's recognized as one of the most reliable brokers for global trading.
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Safety Comparison
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Mobile Trading Comparison
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Accounts Comparison
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Broker Popularity
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Broker | Popularity |
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Interactive Brokers |
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Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- IBKR provides a cost-effective platform for traders by offering low fees, narrow spreads, and clear pricing.
- IBKR, primarily designed for skilled traders, has expanded its appeal recently by eliminating its initial $10,000 deposit requirement.
- IBKR is a highly regarded brokerage, regulated by prime authorities. This ensures the safety and reliability of your trading account.
Cons
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- Customer service may take time to respond, and there may be delays in fixing problems based on tests. It could be difficult to reach the customer service promptly.
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What is ACATS?
The Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) is a system that helps traders move their stocks and other securities from one brokerage account to another more easily. It was created to replace the old manual method of transferring assets, making it quicker and more accurate.
How Does ACATS Work?
To use ACATS, a trader needs to sign some forms to approve the transfer. Once the new brokerage gets these forms, they ask the brokerage currently holding the assets to send them over. This whole process usually takes about 3 to 6 working days. The good news is that the value of your stocks and other assets stays the same during the transfer, so you don’t need to buy them again with the new broker.
Choosing the Best ACATS Brokers
To find the best brokers that offer ACATS transfers, we:
- Reviewed a large number of online platforms and removed those that don’t offer ACATS.
- Checked if they support ACATS for online trading.
- Ranked them based on various data and our own inspections.
How to Use ACATS for Transfers
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using ACATS:
- The trader starts the transfer by contacting the new brokerage they want to move their assets to, like Firstrade.
- The new broker sends a request to the current broker to transfer the assets, with all necessary details included.
- The current brokerage has one business day to confirm or deny the transfer request. If they don’t respond, ACATS notifies a financial authority, FINRA.
- The assets to be moved are reviewed; if changes are needed, this could extend the review period.
- The assets are then moved to the new brokerage, and the trader’s account is opened with them.
What Can Be Transferred Through ACATS?
Eligible securities for ACATS transfers include:
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs) from NSCC banks
- Publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Various account types like taxable accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), trusts, and brokerage 401ks
However, some securities cannot be transferred using ACATS:
- Annuities
- OTC funds
- Unlisted shares
- Proprietary and alternative investments
ACATS Fees
Some brokers might charge fees ranging from $50 to $100 to transfer assets using ACATS. For instance, JP Morgan Chase charges $75. These fees are meant to discourage traders from frequently moving their funds. However, some brokers, like Citibank, do not charge any fees for ACATS transfers. Occasionally, a new broker might even cover these fees to encourage traders to transfer to them.
How Fast is ACATS?
ACATS transfers usually take between 3-6 working days. This duration can vary slightly depending on any review modifications. Overall, this is much quicker than the manual transfer process, which could take up to a month.
ACATS vs. Manual Transfers
The main difference between ACATS and non-ACATS transfers is the time it takes and the minimized chance of human error. While both methods achieve the same goal, ACATS is automated and much faster, typically completing in 3-6 days compared to a month for manual transfers.
Pros and Cons of ACATS Brokers
Pros:
- Keep your investments as they are, without having to sell and repurchase them.
- You don’t need to inform your current broker if you’re unhappy; the new broker handles it.
- ACATS meets financial regulations ensuring compliance.
- Automated processes often lower costs for traders.
Cons:
- Potential fees for transferring, sometimes reaching $100 or more.
- Transfers aren’t guaranteed; failures can occur if there are issues on either side.
Using ACATS for Trading
ACATS is valuable for traders wanting to switch to a new broker without selling their current assets. It simplifies and speeds up the process, allowing traders to maintain their investments effortlessly.
Visit our recommended brokers offering ACATS to begin.