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Job-hopping? Don’t forget to roll: Four options for rolling over your 401(k)

Rock the job, roll the funds.
Written byRobyn Conti
Robyn Conti
Robyn Conti is a freelance financial writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She has been writing about workplace retirement plans, investing, and personal finance for nearly 25 years.
Fact-checked byNancy Ashburn
Nancy Ashburn
As a 30+ year member of the AICPA, Nancy has experienced all facets of finance, including tax, auditing, payroll, plan benefits, and small business accounting. Her résumé includes years at KPMG International and McDonald’s Corporation. She now runs her own accounting business, serving several small clients in industries ranging from law and education to the arts.
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When you leave a job—whether by choice or not—rolling over your old 401(k) may be the last thing on your mind. Still, it’s an important step you shouldn’t overlook. The decisions you make about your 401(k) today could have a significant impact on your future and your ability to retire comfortably.

A 401(k) rollover is the process of moving your savings from your existing account to a new one. This simple guide will walk you through the four basic 401(k) rollover options.

Key Points

  • A 401(k) rollover is a straightforward process that involves moving your savings from your existing account to a new one.
  • When it comes to rollovers, you have options: Leave it where it is, roll over to a new 401(k), roll over to an IRA, or cash out.
  • Each choice has pros and cons.

When to consider a 401(k) rollover

You may be switching jobs and want to move your money to your new employer’s 401(k) plan. Or perhaps you’re retiring (or close to retirement) and want access to additional investment options that your current employer’s plan doesn’t offer. Or maybe you have multiple 401(k) accounts you want to combine so they’re easier to manage.

Four 401(k) rollover options

When it comes to the money in your old 401(k) account(s), you have four options:

1. Keep it where it is. Leave your funds in your former employer’s 401(k) plan.

Pros:

  • You don’t have to do anything right away.
  • Existing savings and investment earnings remain tax deferred until you withdraw the funds in retirement.
  • Fees may be lower than your new employer’s 401(k) plan or an IRA.

Cons:

  • You can’t make new contributions to, or take out a loan from, a previous employer’s 401(k).
  • Your investment choices may be limited.
  • Managing multiple 401(k) accounts can be complicated.

Consider this option if: You were happy with your old plan, don’t mind tracking multiple accounts, and promise yourself you won’t forget about it. (Yes, many people forget. If you’re a disorganized person by nature, you might choose another option.)

2. Roll it into a new 401(k). Move your old 401(k) to your new employer’s plan.

Pros:

  • You can streamline and consolidate your retirement savings.
  • It’s easier to track progress toward your retirement goals.
  • You’re typically allowed to take a loan from an existing employer’s 401(k).
  • The plan’s investment choices typically come with free or greatly reduced transaction costs.

Cons:

  • Your new employer might not offer a 401(k).
  • Your investment choices in a new plan may be limited.
  • Annual fees may be higher than your previous employer’s 401(k) plan.

Consider this option if: You’re happy with the investment choices in the new plan and you like having everything in one place.

3. Roll it into an individual retirement account (IRA). Transfer your 401(k) funds to an IRA.

Pros:

  • Your money can continue to get tax-advantaged growth.
  • You typically have access to a wider range of investment choices.
  • Generally speaking, you can consolidate several retirement accounts into an IRA.

Cons:

  • You can’t borrow against an IRA.
  • If your new company offers a 401(k), you’ll still have to juggle more than one account.
  • Transactions might require commissions and/or sales charges.

Consider this option if: You prefer a wider set of investment choices, or you’d like to consolidate multiple plans into one.

4. Cash out. Withdraw your savings in cash.

Pros:

  • You gain immediate access to some or all of your funds.
  • You can use—or invest—the money as you see fit.

Cons:

  • Your savings won’t be tax deferred anymore.
  • You’ll likely pay hefty taxes and penalties for early withdrawals.
  • You’re probably steering your retirement plans off track.

Consider this option if: You absolutely, positively need the money right away.

The bottom line

Rolling over your 401(k) is a straightforward process, but you need to be keenly aware of the benefits and disadvantages of each available option. If you’ve made your decision and are ready to start your 401(k) rollover, here’s a step-by-step guide to help walk you through the process.

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