Flash

Rollover IRA

No Fee IRA¹

Annual custodial and maintenance fee waived for all IRAs

What is it?

A Rollover IRA is an account that allows you to consolidate retirement savings from previous employer-sponsored plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), while maintaining the tax-deferred status of your retirement savings.

Why Choose Us?

We know you’ve got options when it comes to selecting a Rollover partner. Here are five reasons why we believe we are an excellent choice:

We're Here to Help

Our Retirement Help Desk has associates that can answer your questions, guide you through the paperwork, and even call your previous employer’s plan administrator with you to initiate your Rollover once your account has been opened.

Simplified Management

It’s easier to track your progress and make more informed investment decisions when your retirement savings are all in one place. And now, when you log on to view your savings or checking account, you’ll be able to view and access your retirement account information on the same page.

More Investment Choices

From our comprehensive mutual fund offering of more than 13,000 funds, plus other investment products like stocks, bonds, and ETFs, to bank products such as money market savings and CDs, we offer an array of products that are designed to fit your needs2. To review your choices, see Ways to Invest.

No Fees

Did you know your company may be charging you to maintain your old 401(k)? Annual custodial and maintenance fees are waived for all our IRAs1.

Easy Access to Your Money

When you’re ready to begin taking distributions for your life in retirement, a flexible plan can easily be established for regular distributions at whichever frequency suits your needs.

How Do I Roll Over to an IRA?

There are 3 steps to completing a Rollover.
Step 1: Open a Rollover IRA account.
Step 2: Move Your Assets from your former employer’s 401(k), 403(b) or other employer-sponsored plan once your Rollover account has been opened.

Step 3: Invest your assets. Choose from investment products such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and ETFs or savings products such as money market savings and CDs. See Ways To Invest for more information.

4 Common IRA Rollover Pitfalls

1. Getting a check made out to you
If you receive a check made out to you, your former employer is required to withhold 20% of the total amount, and when you deposit the check you must make up that percentage from your own resources. You can apply at tax time to get the withheld 20% back, but it could be a long way off. A better approach is to roll the money over without ever receiving it directly.

2. Taking the money and spending it
Think carefully before “cashing out”—taking your 401(k) retirement savings and spending it. You instantly lose a percentage to taxes, plus a 10% penalty if you are under age 59 ½, and your money doesn't maintain its tax-deferred status. See the hypothetical example below.


Hypothetical example³: This chart depicts the difference in the after-tax value at age 65 of a $40,000 401(k) balance cashed out at age 35 and invested in a taxable account, vs. the value if the balance continued to grow in a tax-deferred Rollover IRA.

3. Relying on employers to provide advice
They probably mean well. But they may not be financial experts and may not help you see the complete picture or tell you about all your options. They may also suggest a course of action that’s easiest for the company, such as leaving your money in their 401(k), which may not be appropriate for you.

4. Going it alone
It pays to be aware of all aspects of the Rollover process. An important one, for example, is knowing how to move your money without losing a significant percentage to taxes. You’ve worked hard over the years to accumulate these funds – by managing them wisely you could enjoy a comfortable retirement. The time you invest in informing yourself could prove well worth it, and we’re always here to help.

Our Rollover Specialists can help you navigate these pitfalls and make the overall process easier. Call the Retirement Help Desk for assistance.

For more information about Rollover IRAs, see Common Questions.

Call our Rollover Specialists

1.800.774.4724
Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET
Saturday: 9am-5:30pm ET
How to Open Your IRA

Have a Question?

Call our Retirement Help Desk.

1.800.774.4724
Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET
Saturday: 9am-5:30pm ET



Privacy & Security Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender House © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved

¹ Banc of America Online Investing, Powered by Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, N.A. charge no annual IRA custodial or maintenance fees, however, fees and expenses are subject to change. Please note that other fees and expenses may apply, including early withdrawal penalties, trustee transfer fees, and standard brokerage fees. For Banc of America Online Investing, Powered by Merrill Lynch's standard brokerage fees, please see the Self-Directed Miscellaneous Fees schedule or speak with your full service Financial Advisor. For Bank of America N.A.'s fees, see your Personal Schedule of Fees.

Banc of America Online Investing, Powered by Merrill Lynch is the brand name for an online investing business offered through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

² Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Investment products are provided by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and:

Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

³ The data illustrated in the bar graph is hypothetical not indicative of the performance of any particular investment. Chart assumes the after tax value of the Rollover at age 65 in a 28% tax bracket. Cash out value assumes a 28% tax bracket with a 10% early distribution penalty for cashing out before age 59 ½, reinvested in a taxable account. Each assumes an annual rate of return of 8% on a non-FDIC insured brokerage investment and tax-deferred compounding in the IRA. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. An account may earn more, may earn less, or may incur a loss. Additional taxes and fees may be due upon distribution. You may be subject to a 10% penalty if you withdraw prior to age 59½. Investing in this manner does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. Investing in securities involves risks due to price fluctuations.

Brokerage IRAs (non-FDIC insured) are available through Banc of America Online Investing, Powered by Merrill Lynch. Bank IRAs (FDIC insured) are available through Bank of America, N.A.

Investing involves risks, including the loss of principal invested.

Neither Bank of America, N.A. nor any of its subsidiaries are tax or legal advisors. It is suggested that you consult your personal tax or legal advisor before making tax or legal-related investment decisions.