Best Brokers That Reimburse Transfer Fees 2025
If you’re looking to transfer funds between brokerage accounts without paying hefty fees, see our top brokers for transfer fee reimbursements – selected for their great terms and top-notch trading experience.
Filters
How We Chose The Best Brokers Reimbursing Transfer Fees
We searched our evolving database of online brokers to find those that reimburse broker-to-broker transfer fees through Automated Customer Account Transfer Services (ACATS) or similar mechanisms.
We then ranked these brokers based on their overall ratings, which combine over 200 individual data points across 8 core categories — including deposits and withdrawals.
Our rankings also reflect the results of our hands-on platform tests.
What To Look For In A Top Broker That Pays Back Transfer Fees
Reimbursement Policy
Switching brokers can be a hassle – we know we’ve been through it. And one of the biggest annoyances is transfer fees. Some brokers charge you just for moving your account over, and depending on where you’re coming from, those fees can stack up.
That’s where a broker’s reimbursement policy makes all the difference.
Not all brokers make this process smooth. Some will cover the fee only if you jump through hoops, like uploading account statements, emailing support, or even calling in.
Others offer a more streamlined approach, crediting your account automatically once the transfer clears. So, if you’re looking to minimize friction, this part matters.
Top Pick: QTrade stands out because its reimbursement policy is one of the cleanest in the game. If you’re transferring in and out of an account worth at least $25,000, they’ll automatically cover up to $150 in transfer fees: no forms, no screenshots, no chasing down your old broker’s invoice. Just initiate the transfer, and once it’s processed, QTrade takes care of the rest.
Coverage Limits
So, you’ve found a broker that reimburses transfer fees. But before you pop the champagne, it’s crucial to understand the fine print: How much will they cover?
Not all brokers are equally generous; knowing the reimbursement limits can save you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Some brokers cap the reimbursement amount per transfer, while others may have monthly limits. Additionally, minimum transfer amounts might be required to qualify for the money back. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Top Pick: Firstrade offers a competitive reimbursement policy for account transfer fees. They will rebate the account transfer fee (ACATS only) up to $250 charged by another brokerage firm when completing a Full or Partial Account Transfer for $2,500 or more (excluding mutual funds and fixed income products). For wire transfers, Firstrade will rebate the wire fees charged up to $25 per wire, with a maximum of 3 rebates per month.
Processing Time
So, you’ve switched to a new broker and are eagerly awaiting the promised reimbursement for transfer fees. But how long will it actually take for those funds to hit your account?
Top Pick: Firstrade is the speediest from our analysis, processing the credit within 30 days of receiving the required documentation. As a comparison, QTrade does so within 60 days of the account transfer. Therefore, if a quicker reimbursement is a priority for you, Firstrade is the more suitable choice.
Fine Print
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a broker offering to reimburse your transfer fees, but before you hit that “transfer” button, it pays (literally) to know the conditions attached. Most brokers aren’t handing out cash without expecting something in return.
Some common fine print traps include:
- Minimum funding requirements to qualify for reimbursement
- Deadlines for submitting proof of fees
- Limited eligibility based on account types
- Inactivity fees or penalties that could eat into your account if you go dormant
Top Pick: Firstrade’s transfer reimbursement policy is pretty straightforward, but yes, a few strings are attached. To get reimbursed, your transfer must be $2,500 or more (excluding mutual funds and fixed income products). The reimbursement applies only to ACATS transfers, not wire transfers or manual asset moves. You must submit proof (a statement showing the fee from your old broker) within 60 days of the transfer.
Pro Tip: Always double-check the terms before transferring; promotions like these can change, and eligibility rules might vary slightly based on your account type or residency.
FAQ
What Is A Brokerage Transfer Reimbursement Fee?
A reimbursement fee is what brokers might charge when you shift your investments to cover the costs involved. Some brokers will pay back these fees either fully or partially, saving you money.
How Much Do Transfers to Another Broker Cost?
Typically, transfer fees can cost anywhere from $0 to $250. While many brokers don’t charge for incoming transfers, some reimburse fees from your previous broker, making them a cost-effective choice.