Investing and Retirement Help

Top Questions

How can I start working with a Financial Advisor?

If you are interested in investing with Wells Fargo Advisors, call us at 1-866-243-0931 or schedule a consultation.

What types of accounts does WellsTrade^® support?

Wells Fargo Advisors offers standard WellsTrade investment accounts and accounts for Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). When you open a WellsTrade IRA, you have the option to transfer assets from another IRA, or to roll over assets held with a former qualified employer sponsored retirement plan (QRP) such as a 401(k), 403(b) or governmental 457(b).

Please keep in mind that rolling over your QRP assets to an IRA is just one option. Each option has advantages and disadvantages and the one that is best depends on your individual circumstances. You should consider features such as investment choices, fees and expenses, and services offered. Investing and maintaining assets in an IRA will generally involve higher costs than those associated with a QRP. We recommend you consult with your current plan administrator and a professional tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your retirement assets.

What are the WellsTrade account fees and commissions?

For complete information regarding fees and commissions go to WellsTrade Commissions and Fees.

Where can I find specific forms that I need?

Many forms are available at WellsTrade Account Forms.

If you do not see the form you need, you can:

1. Sign on to your investment account
2. Go to Customer Service > Forms
3. Select the appropriate category tab: Account, Money & Securities, IRA, or Tax
4. Select the desired form to print and complete

If you prefer, you can call us at 1-800-TRADERS (1-800-872-3377) and we can email required forms to you.

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Top Questions

What is an IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is designed to help you save for retirement and take advantage of tax benefits. There are two main types of IRAs: Traditional and Roth IRAs.

What is the difference between a Traditional and Roth IRA?

The primary difference between a Traditional IRA and Roth IRA is the type of tax benefit each offers. Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth potential. Investment earnings are distributed tax-free, if a five-year waiting period has been met and you are at least age 59½, or you are disabled, or using the qualified first-time homebuyer exception ($10,000 lifetime maximum), or the payment is made to your beneficiary after your death. Since contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, there is no tax deduction regardless of income. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth potential. You pay no taxes on any investment earnings until you withdraw or “distribute” the money from your account, presumably in retirement. Additionally, depending on your income, your contribution may be tax deductible. Deferring taxes allows for a potentially greater accumulation of wealth. For more information about these IRAs, including details about eligibility, visit the Traditional vs. Roth section of our IRA Center.

How do I roll over my QRP to an IRA?

Rolling over your QRP to an IRA takes just three steps. Learn how to roll over.

How do I open an IRA?

The first step in opening an IRA is to select the option that fits your individual investment style. It’s important to know that application instructions vary based on the type of investing style you choose. For additional details on brokerage options, you can also call us at 1-877-493-4727.

How do I update my IRA beneficiaries?

Your beneficiary designations generally determine who will inherit your IRA and supersede instructions in your will or trust. To update your beneficiaries, have your account number available and call us at the phone number listed on your IRA statement (to access your statement simply sign on to Wells Fargo Online and select Statements and Documents in the More menu).

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