This guide explains how to set up your M1 account before transferring investments from another brokerage, how to initiate the transfer, what to expect during the process, fees, how to track progress, and what to do if issues arise.
Steps to prepare your M1 account
Review your current investments.
Make a list of all the securities (stocks and ETFs) in your current brokerage account that you want to transfer.
Build or update your Pie.
Add each security you’ll be transferring to your Pie.
Assign each Slice a target percentage allocation (must be at least 1% per slice). These percentages are for ongoing investing and do not affect what arrives during the transfer.
If you do not add certain securities to your Pie, they will appear as “Received Securities” outside your Pie after the transfer.
Tip: Setting your preferred target percentages now can save you time later but doesn't impact the transfer’s value.
How to start a brokerage account transfer
Log in to your M1 account.
Click Move Money in your M1 dashboard.
Select Transfer from another brokerage.
Follow the prompts:
Choose the M1 account to receive the assets.
Select your external brokerage from the provided list.
Enter your external account number exactly as it appears on your statement.
Upload a recent statement from your external account if requested.
Indicate if you are transferring the full account or specific assets (partial transfer).
Review all information and submit your transfer request.
Brokerage transfer timeline
Submission: Instantly after you submit your request.
Review: 1–3 business days for internal and outgoing firm checks.
Processing (ACATS): 4–7 business days for most assets. Some may take up to 14 days.
Finalization: Securities/cash typically appear in your M1 account within 7–10 business days.
Cost basis details may update within 30 days.
Residual Sweep: Leftover securities or cash usually arrive within 1–2 weeks.
Longer delays can occur if there are mismatches or issues with the transfer request.
Fees
M1 does not charge to receive transfers.
Your outgoing brokerage may charge an outgoing ACAT or account closure fee. Check with your previous broker for exact amounts.
Unsupported securities (such as mutual funds, options, or bonds) may stay at your old brokerage, be liquidated into cash, or require additional actions.
How to track your transfer
Log in to your M1 account and visit the Move Money or Transfers section.
Your transfer status appears with notes such as “Initiated,” “In Progress,” or “Complete.”
You’ll also receive email updates if action is required or once your transfer arrives.
Common issues & troubleshooting
Transfer not started: Double-check your account number and brokerage information. Make sure your account is active and not restricted.
Delay or rejection: Most common causes include mismatched account holder names, incorrect account numbers, or unsupported assets.
Missing cost basis: Data often arrives up to 30 days after your securities. For unsupported brokerages (e.g., Computershare, Shareworks), contact your old broker for documentation and forward it to M1 Support.
Leftover cash/securities: These are typically swept to M1 within 10 business days. After 90 days, contact M1 Client Success.
Mutual funds, bonds, or options: These aren’t supported. M1 will reject unsupported assets, or your previous broker may liquidate them separately.
If your issue isn’t addressed above, reach out for help: Contact M1 Client Success
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my Pie percentages affect my transfer?
No. Target percentages do not change the amount or value of assets transferred.
Can I change my Pie allocations after transferring?
Yes. Edit your Pie any time. Changes only trigger trades if you remove a slice or set a slice below 1%.
What if I want to transfer cash only, or prevent auto-invest?
If you transfer cash and want to keep it as cash, turn off Auto-Invest under account settings before the transfer.
When will my cost basis show for my transferred securities?
Usually within 30 days. For some providers (e.g., Betterment, Computershare), request a cost basis statement from your previous institution and send it to M1.
Why do I still see assets at my old broker?
Sweeps can take up to 10 days after the initial transfer. Contact M1 Client Success if it takes longer than 90 days.
Brokerage accounts on the M1 platform are either fully disclosed to APEX Clearing or cleared through M1 Finance LLC. Please look at your account statement to determine how your account is cleared.
All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Using margin can add to these risks. Users utilizing APEX cleared margin accounts should review the APEX margin account risk disclosure before borrowing. Users utilizing M1 cleared margin accounts should review the M1 margin account risk disclosure before borrowing. M1 Margin Loans are available on margin accounts with at least $2,000 invested per account. Not available for Retirement or Custodial accounts. Margin rates may vary.
Brokerage products and services are offered by M1 Finance LLC, Member FINRA / SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of M1 Holdings, Inc.
This content was generated using artificial intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy, AI-generated outputs may omit key context; and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Users should independently verify all information and consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
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