If you have an existing investment account at another banking institution, you can transfer it into Wealthsimple.
Transferring an account into a self-directed trading account is a good choice if you’re looking to actively manage your portfolio yourself. If you’d prefer an automated investing service that manages your investments for you, consider transferring your funds into a managed account instead.
For a full list of supported transfers, see the table below:
| Account type |
Available to transfer into a self-directed trading account |
Available to transfer into a managed account |
Average transfer timeline |
| Yes | Yes | 2-4 weeks | |
| TFSA | Yes | Yes | 2-4 weeks |
| RRSP | Yes | Yes | 2-4 weeks |
| No | Yes | 2-4 weeks | |
| No | Yes | 2-4 weeks | |
| RESP | No | Yes | 6-8 weeks |
Before you begin
- Make sure you’re not transferring a chequing or savings account. If you’d like to transfer funds from either of those accounts, consider making a deposit instead.
- You can't transfer fractional shares into a trading account.
How we handle USD cash and dual-listed securities when you transfer an account to Wealthsimple
USD cash
If you're a Basic subscriber transferring an account with a USD cash balance, we'll automatically convert it into CAD upon receipt.
Plus subscribers can transfer USD into their trading accounts without converting it into CAD.
Dual-listed securities
If you hold a security on a U.S. exchange that is dual-listed on a Canadian exchange, we'll automatically convert it to the Canadian version. This is because Wealthsimple doesn't support dual-listed securities.
Set up your transfer
There are three steps to transferring an account from another institution to Wealthsimple:
- Download a statement from your investment account
- Decide how to transfer your account
- Request a transfer in your Wealthsimple profile
For all other eligible transfers, continue with the instructions listed in this article.
Step 1. Download a statement from your investment account
Download an account statement from the investment account you’re looking to transfer into Wealthsimple. We’ll ask you to upload this when you request a transfer.
Double-check that your current information matches the details on your investment account statement. If the information we have doesn’t match what your bank has, they may reject the transfer request. If needed, consider asking them to update your information before requesting a transfer.
Step 2. Decide how to transfer your account
We'll ask you to choose between the following options when you request a transfer:
- Entire account as cash
Your institution will sell your holdings and move the money to us. - Entire account as is (in-kind)
Your institution will transfer your holdings to us as they are today. You can choose which holdings you'd like us to sell or keep. If you are opening a managed account, your holdings will be sold once they are transferred to Wealthsimple. - Part of the cash in your account
Your institution will transfer a cash amount that is in your account.
Step 3. Request a transfer in your Wealthsimple profile
- Sign into the Wealthsimple app on your mobile device
- Tap the Move tab at the bottom of the screen
- Select Transfer from another institution
- Tap Sounds good
- Follow the prompts to complete your account transfer. Once completed, submit your transfer request.
If you don't see the Move tab at the bottom of your screen, follow these steps instead:
- Sign into the Wealthsimple app on your mobile device
- Tap the dollar sign icon at the bottom of your screen
- Tap the Move option
- Select Transfer from another institution
- Tap Get started
- Follow the prompts to complete your account transfer. Once completed, submit your transfer request.
Transfer an account into a managed account
- Head to my.wealthsimple.com and sign into your Managed Investment & Save account
- Select Move funds from the top menu
- Select Transfer an account
- Choose an account type to transfer
- Enter your account number at the relinquishing institution
- Choose whether you’d like to transfer your funds in cash or as is
- Enter an estimated value of the account you’re transferring in
- Upload an account statement
- Review and digitally sign your transfer request
Note: You cannot transfer an account into a trading account with Wealthsimple on the web.
Tips for a successful transfer
- Make sure the information in your Wealthsimple account matches the information your bank has on file
Double-check the account number, full name, SIN, residential address and date of birth. Ask your bank to update your details if the information doesn’t match. Alternatively, send us an email and we can amend the transfer form for you. - Create the most accurate digital signature you can
If you notice that the signature on your transfer form is drastically different from your regular signature, then it is possible that your financial institution may reject our request. - Be aware of transfer fees from your institution
Your institution may charge a transfer fee up to $150, and this will be deducted from your account value. You can request a transfer fee reimbursement for transfers over $5,000. - Make sure you’re transferring into the same type of account
When transferring investment accounts, it is important that the account you have with your bank matches the investment account you have at Wealthsimple. For example: if you're transferring a RRSP, make sure you open a RRSP at Wealthsimple.
If you want to check on the status of your transfer, you can find it directly through your account.
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