How long does account opening take?
For most account holders, the online application takes 10 to 15 minutes, identity verification clears in minutes to a few hours, and the account is open and ready for funding within one business day. This article walks through the typical timeline at each step and what can cause it to be delayed.
Steps / Explanation
Account opening at Retired.com is broken into steps, each with its own typical timing. The full sequence from "I'm starting the application" to "I'm ready to fund my account" usually takes a single sitting plus a short verification wait — most account holders are ready to fund within 24 hours of starting. The timeline that matters more often is on the funding side, which is largely outside Retired.com's control (transfers and rollovers depend on the sending custodian or plan administrator).
For the full step-by-step flow, see "Step-by-step: How to open an account".
Phase 1 — Online application: 10 to 15 minutes
The online application itself typically takes 10 to 15 minutes for most account holders. The exact time depends on:
How much information you have ready. Account holders who've gathered the items in "What to have ready before you apply" before starting move fastest.
Whether you've decided on the account type. If you're still deciding between Traditional and Roth, or between SEP and Solo 401(k), the application time can stretch. A short conversation with an Account Representative before applying often saves time overall.
Whether you're naming a trust or other complex beneficiary structure. Trust beneficiaries take longer to enter than individual beneficiaries.
Whether you're opening multiple accounts. Each account is its own application, though personal information typically pre-fills across applications opened together.
The application saves progress, so you can step away and resume later if needed.
Phase 2 — Identity verification: minutes to 1 business day
Identity verification is the next step after the application is submitted. Two timeline scenarios:
Automated clearance: A few minutes. For most account holders, the automated check completes quickly and you can proceed to the custodial agreement immediately.
Manual review (additional documents): Typically 1 to 2 business days after Retired.com receives the additional documentation requested. This happens for a minority of account holders — common reasons include recent name changes, recent address changes, or limited identifying records in U.S. databases. See "Identity verification — what to expect" for what triggers manual review.
If your automated check doesn't clear within a few hours, the Service Team or your Account Representative will reach out with what's needed.
Phase 3 — Custodial agreement signature: a few minutes
Once identity verification clears, you sign the custodial agreement electronically. This step usually takes a few minutes — the document is presented in the application interface, and you sign with an electronic signature.
The custodial agreement is worth reading rather than just clicking through. It defines what Digital Trust, the custodian for your account, does and what is your responsibility as account holder — all coordinated through the Retired.com platform. The full responsibility split is described in "Your responsibilities vs. Retired.com's and Digital Trust's responsibilities".
Phase 4 — Account activation: same business day
After the custodial agreement is signed, the account is activated. Activation is generally immediate or within the same business day; you'll receive confirmation by email and through the account portal.
At this point, the account exists, has its account number, and is ready to accept funding.
Phase 5 — Funding: highly variable
This is where the timeline becomes less predictable, because funding depends on which path you're using and on third parties Retired.com doesn't control:
New contribution from a linked bank account: typically a few business days, depending on bank ACH timing.
Transfer from another IRA at another custodian (cash): typically 5 to 10 business days via the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS), longer if the sending custodian processes manually.
Transfer from another IRA (in-kind, public securities): typically 5 to 10 business days.
Transfer from another IRA (in-kind, alternative assets): can take several weeks, depending on title-transfer requirements, third-party signatures, and the sending custodian's processing speed.
Direct rollover from an employer plan: typically 1 to 4 weeks, most of which is on the plan administrator's side.
Indirect rollover from an employer plan: depends on when you redeposit (you have 60 days from when the funds reach you).
See "How long does a transfer or rollover take?" for more detailed timelines by funding method.
Summary timeline
For a typical day-one path — Traditional or Roth IRA, automated identity clearance, new contribution from a linked bank account — the full sequence from application start to invested funds usually runs:
Phase | Typical time |
Online application | 10–15 minutes |
Identity verification (automated) | A few minutes |
Custodial agreement signature | A few minutes |
Account activation | Same business day |
First funding via bank ACH | A few business days |
Total — application start to first funded balance | Roughly 3–5 business days |
For accounts being funded via transfer or rollover, the funding phase extends the total accordingly. The account itself is open and ready quickly; the funds take longer to arrive.
What can extend the timeline
The most common reasons account opening takes longer than the typical window:
Identity verification doesn't clear automatically — adds 1 to 2 business days for manual review.
Incomplete information on the application — corrections may require contacting the Service Team and re-submitting.
Complex beneficiary structures — trust beneficiaries, multiple primary and contingent designations, or non-U.S. beneficiaries may require additional documentation.
SEP, SIMPLE, or Solo 401(k) accounts — these require business documentation (employer identification number, plan documents) in addition to the personal application; total time is typically a few days longer than a Traditional or Roth IRA.
Slow funding on the sending side — for transfers and rollovers, the sending custodian or plan administrator drives the timeline. Some institutions process within a week; others can take a month or more.
If your opening process is taking longer than expected, contact the Service Team or your Account Representative to check status. Most delays have a specific cause and can be moved forward with a brief outreach.
Common questions
Can I invest before my account is fully funded?
No. The account needs cash or available holdings before any investment can be made. You can decide what you want to invest in while waiting for funds to arrive, but the investment direction itself happens after funding.
Can I start the application without finishing it the same day?
Yes. The application typically saves your progress, so you can step away and resume later. If you've been away for an extended period, you may need to refresh some data (re-confirm your address, re-upload an ID) before submitting.
Why does a rollover take so much longer than a contribution?
A rollover involves the sending plan administrator's process, often a check produced and mailed (sometimes overnight, sometimes regular mail), then deposited and reconciled. A contribution from a linked bank account moves through standard ACH and is typically settled within a few business days. The rollover path involves more institutions and more documentation.
Is there a fast-track option if I'm in a hurry?
Account opening itself is already fast — most of the timeline lives in the funding phase. For an urgent rollover, the fastest path is typically a direct rollover via wire transfer (not check), which the sending plan must support. Your Account Representative can advise on the fastest available path for your specific situation.
Need more support? Contact our Service team
Select "Start a Conversation" from the Chat menu or call us at 1-800-RETIRED