Depositing shares into your E*TRADE account

You can move shares you own into E*TRADE from another brokerage through a process called an Automated Account Transfer (ACAT). E*TRADE receives the shares directly from your old broker — you don't sell them, mail certificates, or handle them yourself. The transfer typically takes five to seven business days once your old broker releases them.

The alternative is a Direct Stock Transfer, where you physically own stock certificates and deposit them by mail. This is less common now because most shares live in electronic accounts rather than as paper, but the option exists if you hold actual certificates.

Key Takeaways

  • An Automated Account Transfer (ACAT) moves shares electronically from your old brokerage to E*TRADE without you selling or handling the shares.
  • You need your old account number, the brokerage name, and a list of which shares you want to move before you start the transfer.
  • E*TRADE charges no fee to receive shares via ACAT, though your old broker may charge an outgoing transfer fee.
  • The transfer takes five to seven business days after your old broker releases the shares, and you keep the same cost basis and purchase dates.
  • If you hold physical stock certificates, you can mail them to E*TRADE, but electronic transfer is faster and more find.

Starting an Automated Account Transfer (ACAT) on E*TRADE

Log into your E*TRADE account and navigate to the Transfers section, usually found under Account or Accounts & Trade. Select "Transfer Securities In" or "Move My Shares." E*TRADE will ask you to name the brokerage where your shares currently sit and provide your account number there.

Next, you'll list which shares you want to move. You can transfer all of them or pick specific holdings. E*TRADE will then send an electronic request to your old broker asking them to release those shares. Your old broker has a set window (usually two to three business days) to approve or deny the request.

Once your old broker approves, the shares move to E*TRADE. This leg of the journey takes another two to four business days. You'll see the shares appear in your E*TRADE account once they arrive, and they'll show the same purchase date and cost basis they had at your old broker.

What information you need before starting

Gather these details before you begin the transfer: the name of your current brokerage (the one holding the shares now), your account number there, and a list of the securities you want to move. If you're moving everything, you can say so. If you're moving only certain stocks or funds, write down the ticker symbols or security names.

You'll also need to know whether your old account has any restrictions — for example, some retirement accounts (like IRAs) can only transfer to the same type of account at E*TRADE. A Traditional IRA can move to another Traditional IRA, but not to a regular taxable account. E*TRADE will flag this during the process if it's an issue.

Fees and what they cover

E*TRADE does not charge you to receive shares via ACAT. However, your old brokerage may charge an outgoing transfer fee, typically between $25 and $75. Some brokers waive this fee if you ask, and some waive it automatically if you're moving a large account. Check with your old broker before you start.

The transfer itself — the movement of shares from one broker to the other — costs nothing. You are not selling the shares, so you don't pay trading commissions. You also don't owe taxes on the transfer because you're not realizing a gain or loss; the shares straightforward move to a new location.

Transferring physical stock certificates by mail

If you hold actual paper stock certificates, you can deposit them with E*TRADE by mailing them. This process is slower and riskier than electronic transfer because certificates can be lost or damaged in transit. E*TRADE will provide you with a mailing address and instructions specific to your account.

You'll need to sign the back of each certificate or provide a separate document (called a stock power) that authorizes the transfer. E*TRADE's instructions will specify exactly what paperwork they need. Once they receive and process the certificates, the shares appear in your account. This can take two to four weeks depending on mail time and processing.

If you're concerned about mailing certificates, ask your old broker whether they can convert them to electronic shares first, then do an ACAT transfer instead. Most brokers can do this in a day or two, and it's safer than mailing paper.

What happens to dividends and cost basis during the transfer

Your cost basis — the price you originally paid for each share — transfers with the shares. E*TRADE will record the same purchase date and price your old broker had on file. This matters for taxes: when you eventually sell, your capital gain or loss is calculated from that original cost basis, not from the transfer date.

If a dividend is declared before the transfer completes but paid after it completes, the dividend goes to E*TRADE (your new broker) because you'll own the shares there on the payment date. If a dividend was already paid at your old broker and you're transferring after the ex-dividend date, you keep that dividend — it doesn't transfer with the shares.

Troubleshooting a transfer that's taking too long

Most transfers finish within five to seven business days. If yours hasn't arrived after ten business days, contact E*TRADE's transfer team. They can check the status with your old broker and find out whether the transfer is stuck or delayed.

Common delays happen when account information doesn't match exactly (your name or account number is slightly different at each broker), when your old broker is processing a high volume of transfers, or when there's a restriction on the account that needs to be cleared. E*TRADE can usually resolve these with a phone call to your old broker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer shares while I'm still buying and selling at my old broker?

Yes. You can transfer some shares while keeping others at your old broker, and you can keep trading at the old broker during the transfer. However, don't sell the specific shares you're transferring — if your old broker can't find them, the transfer will fail or be delayed.

What if my old broker won't release my shares?

This is rare, but it can happen if your account has a restriction (like a margin debit or a hold for a recent deposit). Contact your old broker and ask why the transfer was rejected. Once you resolve the issue, you can start a new transfer request.

Do I pay taxes when I transfer shares to E*TRADE?

No. A transfer is not a sale, so there's no taxable event. You don't owe capital gains tax, and you don't report it on your tax return. Your cost basis and holding period stay the same.

Can I transfer shares from a retirement account like an IRA?

Yes, but only to the same type of account at E*TRADE. A Traditional IRA transfers to a Traditional IRA, a Roth IRA to a Roth IRA. You cannot move shares from a retirement account to a regular taxable account through a transfer — you'd have to withdraw them, which has tax consequences.

What if E*TRADE receives shares I didn't ask for?

Contact E*TRADE right away. If you listed specific shares and others arrived, there may have been a mistake at your old broker. E*TRADE can help you send unwanted shares back or sort out what happened.