Check one more item off the to-do list by rolling over your old 401k into a TD Ameritrade IRA. Our team of New Account Representatives make it easier by answering questions about the rollover process, providing an overview of low-cost investment choices, and even helping you take the next steps when you're ready to roll over your old 401k. Get started online, or give us a call at 800-454-9272.
Roll over your old 401k to TD Ameritrade in three simple steps:
1. Open a TD Ameritrade IRA
2. Fund your account
3. Build your portfolio
Why choose a TD Ameritrade IRA
Helpful support
Our New Account Representatives can answer questions about the 401k rollover process and explore available investment choices. And when you're ready, they can help you take the next steps to roll over your old 401k.
Investment choices
From commission-free exchange traded funds (ETFs) and no-transaction fee mutual funds, to a robust offering of fixed income products and annuities, you'll have access to an array of investment products.
Tools and calculators
We offer a Retirement Calculator that calculates if you're on track with your retirement goals. And if you're not sure what type of IRA is right for you, check out our IRA Selection Tool.
Education
Browse our exclusive videos, test drive our tools and trading platforms, and listen to our webcasts to help create the retirement strategy that makes sense for you.
Review your retirement plan rollover choices
There are advantages and disadvantages to rolling over your assets into a TD Ameritrade IRA. See below to help determine if rolling over is right for you. If you have questions, call 800-454-9272 to speak with a New Account Representative, or you can also download the helpful Rollover Pocket Guide for easy reference.
Roll over your old 401k into a TD Ameritrade IRA
Advantages
- Your investments will remain tax-deferred until you withdraw them
- You will have access to a wide range of investments, including mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, options and more
- You will have access to a wide range of tools, resources, and services
- You may have the flexibility to convert to a Roth IRA
- You may still have the option to move assets to a future employer’s plan later
- You may be able to take penalty-free withdrawals prior to age 59½ in special circumstances (such as higher education expenses, health insurance premiums or a first-time home purchase)
- Your TD Ameritrade IRA will not incur an annual account maintenance fee
Disadvantages
- You will not be able to take a loan against your account
- Any outstanding plan loan balances would need to be repaid prior to rolling over or you may incur income taxes and potentially a 10% tax penalty
- Your investment activity may incur trading-related expenses, including commissions
- You may not have access to the exact same investments in an IRA that you had in your plan
- The level of protection from creditors for assets in an IRA is lower than in a plan
- If you hold appreciated employer stock in your former employer's plan account, there may be tax consequences. You should consult with a tax advisor
Leave the assets in your former employer’s plan
Advantages
- Your investment plan choices may include low-cost, institutional-class products
- Your total costs may be lower than other alternatives
- Your investments will remain tax-deferred until you withdraw them
- You may be able to take loans against your account
- You may not have to take any action or complete additional paperwork
- You may be able to take penalty-free withdrawals if you left your old employer between age 55 and 59
- Your retirement plan balances may be protected from creditors and legal judgements under federal law
- You may still be able to roll over to a future employer's plan later
- You would still have access to investor education, guidance and planning provided to plan participants
- The investment choices on your plan menu were selected by a plan fiduciary
Disadvantages
- Your investment choices would be limited to those in the plan
- Your former employer may pass certain plan administration or recordkeeping fees through to you
- Even though you would still participate in the plan, you would not be able to contribute any new funds
- Managing your investments among multiple accounts can be a lot of work
Roll over the assets into a new employer’s plan
Advantages
- Your total costs may be lower than other alternatives
- Your investments will remain tax-deferred until you withdraw them
- You may be able to take loans against your account
- You may be able to take penalty-free withdrawals if you leave your new employer between age 55 and 59
- Your retirement plan balances may be protected from creditors and legal judgements under federal law
- Your plan investment choices may include low-cost, institutional-class products
- You may have access to investor education, guidance and planning that your new employer provides to plan participants
- The investment choices on your plan menu were selected by a plan fiduciary
- If you roll over to a new employer's plan you may not have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) if you decide to keep working
Disadvantages
- Your investment choices would be limited to those in the plan
- Your new employer may pass certain plan administration or recordkeeping fees through to you
- You may be required to complete paperwork to have your assets moved over
- If you hold appreciated employer stock in your former employer's plan account, there may be tax consequences. You should consult with a tax advisor.
Take a cash distribution
Advantages
- Your money (after any taxes and applicable penalties) will be immediately available to you
Disadvantages
- Your retirement savings will be depleted
- The amount that you cash out will be subject to mandatory 20% withholding for federal taxes if under age 59½
- Your distribution will be subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes
- You may be subject to a 10% penalty if you are under age 59½