An ACAT transfer moves securities and cash from one brokerage account to another without requiring you to liquidate positions. The process runs through DTCC's Automated Customer Account Transfer Service and typically completes within a week. This article explains how ACAT transfers work, what qualifies for transfer, how long the process takes, and how to initiate one.
Transferring Your Account to tastytrade (ACAT)
The ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) process allows you to transfer cash and securities—including options positions—from another brokerage directly to your tastytrade account.
How Long Does an ACAT Transfer Take?
Most ACAT transfers are completed within 3–5 business days, though the process can take up to a week in some cases.
The most common cause of delays is options positions expiring within 7 days of the transfer request—the delivering firm will typically reject those positions, which can slow things down.
If your transfer is coming from a mutual fund company (a "non-ACAT" transfer), expect the process to take up to four weeks due to the additional manual processing involved on the delivering firm's side.
What Account Types Can be Transferred by an ACAT?
ACATs must be completed between like account types.
For example, a Traditional IRA can only transfer to another Traditional IRA. The one exception is transfers between individual and joint accounts (or vice versa), which can be accommodated with a Letter of Authorization (LOA) found on page 2 of the tastytrade ACAT form.
Is an ACAT Transfer Taxable?
No. ACAT transfers—including retirement account transfers—are not reportable or taxable events. This makes the ACAT process a popular choice for moving retirement assets between institutions.
How do I Submit an ACAT Request?
Individual and retirement account transfers can be submitted electronically through the tastytrade platform under Manage > My Money > Transfer > External.
Paper forms are also available under Forms & Agreements if you prefer to submit that way.
A current statement from your delivering account is required with every submission. This allows us to verify account registration, confirm the accuracy of transfer details, and identify any assets that may not be eligible for transfer.
What Happens to my Cost Basis?
Cost basis for transferred positions typically arrives within a few business days of your transfer completing, though in some cases it can take up to four weeks. Once we receive it, your account will be updated automatically with no action needed on your end.
A Few Other Things to Keep in Mind
- When a full ACAT request is received, the delivering firm will freeze the account for the duration of the transfer. For partial transfers, be mindful of any minimum balance requirements at your current firm.
- Cryptocurrency and futures positions are not ACAT-eligible and cannot be included in either a full or partial transfer request. Please factor this in when deciding what to transfer.