This quick-reference article shows how long each way of funding your account typically takes, from initiating to funds being available to invest.
Steps / Explanation
Every funding path starts the same way: choose Add Funds in your portal (or contact the Service Team), complete the required form, and you'll receive funding instructions — typically within 24 hours. From there, timing depends on the method.
At a glance
Method | Typical timeline | The clock starts when |
Contribution by wire | Posts within about 3 business days | Your bank sends the wire |
Contribution by ACH | Up to 7 business days | Your signed ACH form and bank verification are on file |
Contribution by check | About 48–72 hours to post | The check is received |
IRA transfer | A few business days to a few weeks | Your signed transfer form + statement are in good order |
In-kind transfer | Somewhat longer than a cash transfer | Same as above |
Rollover | Varies by plan administrator | You initiate with your current plan |
Roth conversion | About 3 business days | You sign the conversion form |
Wires are generally the fastest option; your bank may charge a fee to send one. ACH pulls require a one-time form plus a voided check or bank verification letter before the first pull. Checks add mail time on top of posting time.
One rule that applies to everything
Funds don't post until the required signed form for that method is complete and in good order. If money arrives before the paperwork, it waits — which is the most common source of perceived delays. If your timeline has passed, see My funding is delayed — what to do.
Common questions
Which method is fastest? A wire, typically posting within about 3 business days of your bank sending it.
When does the prior-year contribution deadline matter? Prior-year contributions must be completed by the tax-filing deadline (without extensions) — start early enough for your chosen method's timeline to finish in time. See Contributions — limits, deadlines, and how to make them.
Do these timelines include my current custodian's processing? For transfers and rollovers, no — the sending institution's processing is the biggest variable. See How long does a transfer or rollover take?
Need more support? Contact our Service team
Select "Start a Conversation" from the Chat menu or call us at 1-800-RETIRED