How to Roll Over Your Child's 530A Account

If you've decided to move your child's Section 530A account away from the default Robinhood custodian, this guide walks you through the entire rollover process. Not sure whether to rollover? Read our guide on whether to keep your account at Robinhood first.

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

• Your child's current Robinhood 530A account number (found in the app under Settings → Account Information)
• An account at the receiving institution (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc.) — you'll need to open one if you don't have one already
• Your child's Social Security number
• About 15 minutes

Step 1: Open a 530A Account at the New Institution

Contact your preferred brokerage and ask to open a Section 530A custodial account. Most major brokerages now support these. You can typically do this online:

• Fidelity: Log in → Open an Account → Section 530A Custodial Account
• Vanguard: Log in → Account Setup → 530A Account for a Minor
• Schwab: Log in → Accounts → Open New Account → 530A Youth Investment Account

You'll need your child's SSN and date of birth. The new account must be a 530A account — a regular custodial or brokerage account won't work for a tax-free transfer.

Step 2: Initiate the Transfer

The transfer should always be initiated from the receiving institution (the brokerage you're moving to), not from Robinhood. This is called an ACAT transfer.

1. Find the "Transfer Assets" or "Move Money" section on the new brokerage's website
2. Select "Transfer from another brokerage"
3. Choose "Robinhood" from the list (or enter Robinhood's DTC number: 6769)
4. Enter your child's Robinhood account number
5. Select full account transfer (moves everything) or partial transfer (moves specific holdings)
6. Submit the request

Step 3: Wait for Processing

• Typical timeline: 5-7 business days for a full ACAT transfer
• During the transfer: Your account is frozen at Robinhood — you can't buy or sell
• After completion: All holdings and cash appear in the new account

You'll receive confirmation emails from both Robinhood and the new institution.

Step 4: Choose Your Fund

Once the transfer lands, your holdings will either transfer in-kind (same fund) or be liquidated to cash, depending on whether the new brokerage supports the same fund.

If your money arrives as cash, you'll need to reinvest. Popular low-cost options:

• Fidelity: FSKAX (Total Market, 0.015% expense ratio) or FXAIX (S&P 500, 0.015%)
• Vanguard: VTI (Total Market ETF, 0.03%) or VOO (S&P 500 ETF, 0.03%)
• Schwab: SWTSX (Total Market, 0.03%) or SWPPX (S&P 500, 0.02%)

See our expense ratio comparison for a deeper look at the cost differences.

Common Questions

Is there a fee to transfer?

Robinhood charges a $75 ACAT transfer fee. Some brokerages (Fidelity, Schwab) will reimburse this fee if you ask — it's worth calling.

Will I owe taxes on the transfer?

No. A direct transfer (ACAT) between 530A accounts is not a taxable event. The money moves tax-free as long as both accounts are 530A accounts.

Can I transfer to any brokerage?

The receiving institution must support Section 530A custodial accounts. Most major brokerages do. Check with the brokerage before initiating if you're unsure.

How many times can I transfer?

There's no limit on transfers, but each one takes 5-7 business days and may incur a fee. We recommend choosing a brokerage you're happy with long-term.

What if I have multiple children?

Each child's account is transferred separately. You'll need to repeat this process for each child.