If you have other eligible retirement plans or IRAs, you may be able to rollover those funds into your active Guideline 401(k) account.
You can start the inbound rollover process in your Guideline dashboard, but you’ll also need to work with your prior service provider to complete the request.
When to start your inbound rollover
You can initiate the request to rollover your funds to Guideline any time after the plan’s start date (for newly established plans) and once you’ve created your account. Starting a rollover before these steps occur could result in processing delays or returned funds.
We’ll send you an email after your first contribution with the plan to let you know it’s time to rollover your funds. You can also check your employer’s plan start date on the Plan Details page of your Guideline dashboard.
How to move money into Guideline
Step 1: Start the process
After logging into your Guideline account, click on the Money Movement button in the main menu of your dashboard and navigate to Move money in.
In the rollover page, select the “+ Add a rollover” button.
Step 2: Add your previous account details
Enter the requested information regarding the account type and balances you would like to roll over to Guideline. If any info changes, you will be able edit the details later.
We’ll need to know:
Previous brokerage firm: Financial institution where your funds are currently held
Account type: IRA, 401(k), 403b, 457b, defined benefit, etc.
Pre-tax balance: Total pre-tax amount to roll over, including employer contributions
Roth balance: Total Roth amount to roll over, including employer contributions
Roth basis: The total contributions made to your the Roth 401(k), excluding earnings or losses
The workflow will request both the pre-tax and Roth amounts. If you are only rolling over one type of contribution, enter $0 in the other to allow submission of the request.
If you’re rolling over from an IRA, we’ll also need to know the account type, such as SIMPLE, SEP, or traditional. Please note that you cannot rollover Roth IRA assets into a 401(k) plan. Learn which types of retirement accounts are eligible for a rollover.
401(k) plans at Guideline also cannot accept non-Roth after-tax contributions in an eligible retirement plan or non-deductible contributions held in a traditional IRA.
Step 3: Review rollover instructions and contact prior provider
Once you have completed the process, instructions for requesting the rollover from your previous provider and sending the funds to Guideline will be displayed. You will also receive a confirmation of your request and a copy of the rollover instructions in your email.
You will be able to see the rollover instructions again and view, edit, and track the status of your rollover from the “Roll Over an Account to Guideline” page at any time.
Request a check from your prior provider
At this point, you must contact your previous provider to request a release of the funds via check. Guideline does not support rollovers via a wire or ACH transfer at this time. Additionally, Guideline cannot accept in-kind rollovers where the investments are not liquidated before being rolled over.
Typically, you can request the funds be sent either directly to Guideline or to your address with a check made payable to Benefit Trust Company (BTC)/Guideline for your benefit.
💡 Note that Benefit Trust Company (BTC) is the name of the custodian who holds all Guideline retirement funds.
You may also request an indirect rollover where the check will be made payable to you or deposited directly into your personal bank account. However, indirect rollovers have mandatory tax withholding as well as strict time constraints and require additional steps.
When working with your previous provider, please share with them the following information:
Checks should be made payable to “BTC for GDL FBO [your full name]” (this stands for "Benefit Trust Company* for Guideline for the benefit of [your full name]").
Include your Guideline account ID on the check. This can be on a memo line, the check payable line, or in an attached check stub or statement. Failure to include your account ID may lead to a processing delay or the check being rejected and returned to the sender.
Checks should be mailed directly to the custodian, Benefit Trust Company, at the address outlined within the rollover instructions. To view the address, locate the email you received after initiating the request or access the Move money in page and click "View Instructions."
⚠️ Please note: Checks mailed directly to Guideline's address may experience significantly longer processing times, as they will require rerouting to the correct department before processing can begin.
In the event your previous provider mails the check directly to you, we recommend making copies of it for your financial records. Then, mail the check and all supporting documents to the custodian at the address above. Please do not endorse or sign the check before sending it.
Inbound rollover processing timeline
The delivery time for your rollover check to reach the custodian can vary depending on the mailing option you select.
Standard USPS mail generally takes 7-10 business days, but if you prefer tracking or quicker delivery, consider using USPS Priority Mail, USPS First Class, USPS Priority Express, or a service by FedEx or UPS.
You will receive an email notification within 5-7 business days after BTC receives your check. It will then take approximately 10 business days for the funds to be applied to your 401(k) with Guideline. You can track the rollover's progress on your dashboard under Money Movement > Move money in.
Please note, processing delays may occur if any information is missing, incorrect or requires verification. In cases where we cannot verify the information or when required information is missing or incorrect, the rollover check may be returned.