You can easily move money to, from, or between your M1 accounts using the Move Money button under the Home tab. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for each type of transfer, explains related limits, timing, and fees, and offers troubleshooting advice.
Transfer Types: Comparison Overview
Transfer Type | Schedule | Limits/Fees | Processing Time | Best For |
One-time Transfer | Manual, as needed | ACH: $10 min, $50,000 daily max/ACH | 1–2 business days | Depositing or withdrawing funds |
Recurring Transfer | Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly | Max 5 per week, same as one-time per transfer | 1–2 business days per pull | Automating regular funding |
Smart Transfer | Automatic on trigger | No minimum; follow account/program limits | Usually 1 business day | Moving cash based on account rules |
Wire Transfer | As initiated by user | Varies; incoming wires: $0 M1 fee; sending fees at bank; $25 outgoing fee | Same or next business day | Fast, high-dollar transfers |
Account Transfer (ACAT) | Manual, by request | Subject to brokerage limits (see receiving/transferring rules) | 4–7 business days | Moving investments/cash from another brokerage |
Direct Deposit | Payday schedule | No M1 limit | 1–2 pay cycles to set up | Depositing from paycheck |
Step-by-step: how to create or manage transfers
1. One-time transfers (ACH Deposit/Withdrawal)
To create a one-time transfer:
Log in to your M1 account.
Go to the Home tab and select Move Money.
Choose One-time Transfer.
Select the account you're transferring from and the account receiving the funds.
Enter the amount (ACH deposit minimum is typically $10).
Choose the transfer direction (into or out of M1).
Review transfer details and confirm.
Processing time: 1–2 business days (ACH transfers; wires are faster).
Limit: $50,000/day per transfer (ACH).
Fee: No M1 fee for ACH transfers.
2. Recurring transfers
To set up a recurring transfer:
Click Move Money > Recurring Transfer.
Select source and destination accounts.
Set amount, frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly), and start date.
Maximum of 5 active recurring transfers at a time.
Review and confirm.
Processing time: 1–2 business days per scheduled transfer.
Limit: Matches one-time transfer limits.
Fee: No M1 fee.
3. Smart Transfers
To set up a Smart Transfer:
From Move Money, select Smart Transfer.
Choose source and destination accounts.
Set the balance threshold that triggers the rule.
Choose transaction frequency or endpoints if desired (e.g., "No more than $500 per week").
Review and complete setup.
Processing time: Transfers run automatically, typically 1 business day after the trigger.
Limits: Follow account rules and contribution maximums (especially for IRAs).
Fee: No M1 fee.
Learn more: Smart Transfers
4. Wire transfers
To wire money into M1:
Click Move Money, select the account (Invest, Earn, Crypto).
Choose Wire Transfer (if available).
You will be shown the required M1 wire instructions, including your account/routing numbers.
Provide these details to your external bank to initiate the wire.
To wire money out of M1:
Learn more about How to Create a Wire Transfer from your M1 Earn Account
Learn more about How to Create a Wire Transfer from your M1 Invest Account
Wire requirements:
M1 only delivers and receives wire transfers to and from US Institutions.
Make sure the sender and recipient names match exactly.
Processing time: Usually same or next business day.
Limit: Set by your external bank.
Fees: M1 does not charge for incoming wires; your sending bank may charge a fee. A $25 fee is assessed for outgoing wire transfers.
5. ACAT or Rollover account transfers (from another brokerage)
Click Move Money > Transfer from another brokerage.
Follow the prompts to enter account information, specify full or partial transfer, and upload any required documents/statements.
Submit your request and track the status under All Activity > Pending Brokerage Transfers.
Processing time: 4–7 business days (ACAT); rollovers may take longer.
Fee: M1 does not charge incoming transfer fees; your old broker may.
6. Direct Deposit
For Invest accounts:
Available via iOS app only.
Select account, follow steps to generate direct deposit details, and provide to your payroll provider.
Only one individual Invest account can receive direct deposits at a time.
Direct deposits begin within 1–2 pay cycles after setup.
For Earn (Savings) accounts:
Available via web and app.
Select High-Yield Savings, view “Account Details”, and provide to your payroll provider.
Change or cancel by contacting your payroll provider.
Timing: Determined by your employer/payroll provider, not M1.
How to cancel or change a Pending Transfer
M1 allows only one pending transfer at a time per account.
To cancel:
Go to the Home screen.
Click All transfers.
Select the pending transfer and choose Cancel.
Note: Cancellations are best-efforts only—transfers close to completion may not be cancelable.
Check deposits & withdrawals
Cannot deposit or send checks from M1 Earn or Invest accounts under most circumstances.
Exceptions:
Disbursement due to divorce or account holder passing—contact M1 support.
Depositing a rollover check into an M1 IRA—see full guide: Deposit a rollover check.
Troubleshooting common issues
Transfer not showing/processing:
Confirm you’re using the latest app version.
Make sure you have not exceeded transfer or account limits.
Transfer delayed/failed:
Check for email notifications from M1 regarding holds or returned funds (commonly due to name mismatches or bank issues).
Wire transfers require name and addresses to match exactly—otherwise funds will be returned.
Direct deposit not received:
Confirm setup with your payroll provider; check if the correct M1 account and routing numbers were used.
Allow 1–2 pay cycles for changes to take effect.
Recurring transfer issues:
Only 5 are allowed each week—delete or pause others if you need to add a new one.
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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