If you have other eligible retirement plans or IRAs, you may be able to rollover those funds into your active Guideline 401(k) account. Consolidating your savings into one place can make it easier to keep track of your retirement progress and may help lower overall account fees.¹

You can start the rollover process with Guideline using the mobile app, then work with your prior service provider to complete the request. If you'd like to start the inbound rollover process using the desktop version of Guideline, view step-by-step instructions here.

After logging into the Guideline mobile app, tap on the Account button in the menu at the bottom of your screen, then select Move funds to Guideline.

If your employer’s 401(k) plan is not yet active, you’ll be able to see the date you can begin your rollover. If your plan is active, you can initiate your rollover by clicking “Get started.”

If you exit the rollover process at any time, your progress will be saved, and you’ll see a draft state in the Active rollovers page.

Tap the “Start” button to enter the information about the account type and funds you’d like to transfer to Guideline. Then, enter the requested details.

If you’re rolling over from an IRA, we’ll also need to know the contribution 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.

Next, you’ll need to gather details from your previous retirement provider regarding your balances and to request your check be sent. 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.

When you tap the “Start” button, you’ll see the information needed regarding your account types and balances. Additionally, you’ll find instructions on how the check should be made out and where it should be sent to ensure Guideline receives it.

If the provider can only mail the check to your address, you can forward it to the address outlined within our instructions once you receive it. Please do not endorse the check before sending it to us.

It is crucial that your check includes your Guideline account ID, so we can allocate it to your account properly. If your prior provider is unable to accommodate this request, please have the check mailed to you. Once you receive it, add your account ID, then forward it to the address within the rollover instructions. Failure to include your account ID may lead to a processing delay or the check being rejected and returned to the sender.

On the next screen, you’ll need to enter the amounts of your pre-tax and Roth balances that will be transferred to Guideline. If you’re only transferring one type of account, you can leave the other blank.

If you enter a Roth balance, you’ll also need to enter the Roth basis, or the total contributions made to your previous Roth 401(k) without earnings.

Hit "Save" when you're ready to move on.

Finally, you’ll want to confirm your rollover information is accurate. If not, tap the “Edit” button to make adjustments. Otherwise, click the “Submit Rollover” button to complete the process with Guideline.

On the next screen, you’ll receive confirmation and some tips for keeping your rollover on track with your prior provider. You can also review the required check details and mailing address.

It typically takes about 7-10 business days for mail to reach the custodian (BTC) if sent via USPS. You will be notified by email within 5-7 business days, when BTC has received your check.

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Funds will be attributed to your Guideline 401(k) account within 10 business days after receipt of your rollover check, provided no information is missing. Please note, there may be delays in processing if specific information is not included on the check and, therefore, must be verified. In cases where we cannot verify the information or when required information is missing or incorrect, the rollover check may be returned.

You can view the status and details of your rollover at any time within the Move funds to Guideline page, under the Account tab of the mobile app or in the desktop version under Transfers > Move Funds to Guideline. You can also edit or cancel the rollover from this screen until processing begins.

If we have not yet received the check or your rollover is still in process, it will show as “Pending.” Once the funds have been allocated into your Guideline account, the status will show as “Complete.”

You can tap the “View details” button for any rollover to see the amounts of your transactions.

¹ This information is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be taken as investment or tax advice. The average investment expense of plan assets for 401(k) plans with 25 participants and $250,000 in assets is 1.60% of assets, according to the 24th Edition of the 401k Averages Book, with data updated through September 30, 2023, and is inclusive of investment management fees, fund expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, sub-transfer agent fees, contract charges, wrap and advisor fees or any other asset based charges. The managed portfolios have blended expense ratios ranging from 0.067% to 0.069% of assets under management. When combined with an assumed account fee of 0.15%.), the estimated total AUM fees for one of the managed portfolios can be under 0.22%. Alternative account fee pricing is available ranging from 0.15% to 0.35%. Expense ratios for custom portfolios will vary. These expense ratios are subject to change by and paid to the fund(s). View full fund lineup. See the Form ADV 2A Brochure for more information regarding fees.

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