The two ways to transfer money from Edward Jones

Edward Jones lets you move money out of your brokerage account in two ways: an electronic transfer to a linked bank account (usually 1 to 3 business days), or a check mailed to you (usually 5 to 10 business days). Electronic transfer is faster and more reliable. You initiate it through your Edward Jones account online or by calling your local branch, and the money goes directly to the bank account you've already registered with them.

Before you can transfer anything, Edward Jones needs to know which bank account to send the money to. If you haven't linked one yet, you'll need to add it first—this requires your routing number and account number, and Edward Jones may verify the account by depositing two small test amounts (which you then confirm back to them). This verification step can add a few days to your first transfer.

The amount you can transfer may be limited by Edward Jones's daily or monthly caps, which vary by account type and your account history. Your Edward Jones advisor or the support line can tell you what your specific limits are before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Electronic transfer to a linked bank account is the fastest method and usually takes 1 to 3 business days from the time Edward Jones processes your request.
  • You must register your bank account with Edward Jones first, and they may require you to verify it by confirming two small test deposits.
  • Transfers initiated online or by phone are processed during Edward Jones's business hours, so timing your request matters for when the clock starts.
  • Edward Jones may impose daily or monthly transfer limits based on your account type, so check your limits before requesting a large transfer.
  • If your transfer does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact Edward Jones immediately—delays are usually caused by incorrect routing or account numbers.

How to set up a linked bank account at Edward Jones

Go to your Edward Jones online account and look for the "Transfer" or "Funding" section—the exact name depends on which version of their platform you use. Select the option to add a new bank account. You'll be asked for your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank), your account number, and the account type (checking or savings).

Edward Jones will then send two small deposits to that account, usually within 1 to 2 business days. Check your bank statement for these deposits—they'll be labeled with a code or reference number. Log back into Edward Jones and enter the exact amounts of both deposits to confirm you own the account. Once verified, that bank account is linked and ready for transfers.

If you don't know your routing number, your bank's website has it, or you can call your bank's customer service line. Do not guess or use a number from an old check—routing numbers can change, and an incorrect number will cause your transfer to fail or go to the wrong place.

Initiating an electronic transfer online or by phone

To transfer money online, log into your Edward Jones account, navigate to the transfer section, and select the linked bank account you want the money to go to. Enter the amount you want to transfer. Edward Jones will show you a confirmation screen with the receiving bank, account ending, and estimated arrival date. Review this carefully—once you confirm, the transfer is submitted.

If you prefer to transfer by phone, call your local Edward Jones branch or their main customer service line. Have your account number and the amount ready. The advisor will walk you through the transfer and may ask security questions to verify your identity. Phone transfers are processed the same way as online transfers and take the same amount of time.

Transfers submitted before Edward Jones's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern, but check your local branch) are processed that same business day. Transfers submitted after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. This affects when the clock starts on your 1- to 3-day timeline.

What happens after you submit the transfer

Edward Jones debits the money from your brokerage account immediately or within one business day, depending on what you're selling to fund the transfer. If you're transferring cash that's already in your account, the debit happens right away. If you need to sell securities (stocks, mutual funds, bonds) first, that sale settles in 1 to 2 business days, and then the transfer begins.

Once Edward Jones has sent the transfer, your bank receives it through the ACH network (Automated Clearing House), which is the system that moves money between banks electronically. The ACH system typically processes transfers overnight, so a transfer sent on Monday morning usually arrives by Tuesday or Wednesday. Transfers sent on Friday may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday of the following week.

You can check the status of your transfer in your Edward Jones account or by calling your branch. They can tell you whether the transfer has been sent, is in transit, or has been delivered to your bank. If there's a problem—like an incorrect account number—Edward Jones will contact you, usually by phone or email.

Transfers by check instead of electronic transfer

If you want a check instead, request it through your Edward Jones account or by calling your branch. Edward Jones will mail a check to the address on file for your account. Checks typically take 5 to 10 business days to arrive, depending on mail delivery in your area. Once you receive it, you'll need to deposit it into your bank account yourself—either by mailing it to your bank, depositing it at an ATM, or using your bank's mobile app to photograph it.

Checks are slower and require an extra step on your end, but they can be useful if you need a paper record or if your bank account information has changed and you haven't updated it with Edward Jones yet. Checks are also useful if you're transferring to a bank account at a different institution that Edward Jones doesn't have a direct connection with, though this is rare.

Once your bank receives and processes the check, the funds are yours. Most banks clear checks within 1 to 5 business days of deposit, though some may hold checks longer if the amount is large or if it's from an unfamiliar source.

Troubleshooting a transfer that doesn't arrive

If your transfer doesn't arrive within the timeframe Edward Jones gave you, first check your bank account to make sure it didn't go through without you noticing. Then log into your Edward Jones account and check the transfer status. If Edward Jones shows the transfer as "sent" or "pending," contact your branch or customer service to find out where it is in the ACH system.

The most common reason a transfer fails is an incorrect routing number or account number. If Edward Jones tells you the transfer was rejected, they'll usually ask you to verify the bank account information and resubmit. Double-check your routing number against your bank's website or a recent statement, not from memory.

If the transfer was sent to the correct account but your bank says it never received it, ask your bank to search their incoming ACH transfers for the date and amount. Banks can sometimes misroute transfers internally. If your bank finds it, they can move it to the correct account. If they don't find it, Edward Jones may need to file a trace with the ACH network, which can take 10 to 15 business days to resolve.

Transfer limits and hold periods

Edward Jones sets transfer limits based on your account type and history. New accounts may have lower limits than established ones. Some account types (like certain retirement accounts) may have restrictions on how often you can transfer out. Check your account documents or call your branch to find out what your specific limits are.

Edward Jones does not typically place a hold on the money after you request a transfer—the money leaves your account and is on its way to your bank. However, your bank may place a hold on the incoming transfer, especially if it's a large amount or if you're depositing a check. This is your bank's decision, not Edward Jones's. If your bank holds the transfer, contact them to ask how long the hold will last.

If you need to transfer more than your daily or monthly limit, you can make multiple transfers over time, or you can call your branch and ask whether your limit can be temporarily increased for a one-time transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take for money to show up in my bank account?

Electronic transfers usually arrive within 1 to 3 business days from when Edward Jones processes your request. The exact timing depends on when you submitted the transfer (before or after Edward Jones's cutoff time) and how quickly your bank processes incoming ACH transfers. Weekends and bank holidays add extra days. Checks take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, plus 1 to 5 business days for your bank to clear the check.

What if I entered the wrong bank account number?

If you catch the mistake before Edward Jones processes the transfer, log into your account and cancel it, then resubmit with the correct information. If Edward Jones has already sent the transfer, contact them immediately. They may be able to recall it, but this depends on how far along the transfer is in the ACH system. If the transfer reaches the wrong bank, that bank will reject it, and it will bounce back to Edward Jones, which then returns it to your brokerage account—this can take 5 to 10 business days.

Can I transfer money out of a retirement account like an IRA or 401(k)?

IRAs held at Edward Jones can be transferred out, but 401(k)s are usually held by your employer's plan administrator, not Edward Jones directly. If Edward Jones is holding your IRA, the transfer process is the same. If you have a 401(k), you'll need to contact your plan administrator or employer's benefits department. Some retirement accounts have restrictions on transfers or require you to wait until you reach a certain age.

Do I need to pay taxes on money I transfer to my bank account?

Transferring money from a regular brokerage account to your bank account is not a taxable event—you're just moving money you already own. However, if you sold securities to fund the transfer, you may owe capital gains tax on the profit from that sale. Transfers from retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s may be taxable or subject to penalties depending on your age and the type of account. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

What if Edward Jones is closed when I want to transfer?

You can submit a transfer request online at any time, even outside business hours. Edward Jones will process it during their next business day. If you call to request a transfer outside business hours, your call will go to voicemail or an automated system, and someone will follow up with you during business hours. Transfers submitted on weekends or holidays are processed on the next business day.