Most large banks offer medallion signature guarantees, but not all branches do, and you may need to meet account requirements first
A medallion signature may provide is a stamp and signature verification that certifies you are who you say you are when you transfer securities, mutual funds, or other valuable assets. It is not a notary public stamp — it carries legal weight in the financial industry and protects against fraud when large sums move between accounts.
Banks that participate in the medallion program include most national banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank), regional banks, credit unions, and brokerage firms. However, not every branch offers the service, and many require you to be an existing customer with an account in good standing. Some banks limit medallion guarantees to customers above a minimum account balance or net worth threshold.
The medallion may provide itself is free at most institutions, but the underlying requirement — maintaining an account or meeting a wealth threshold — may cost you money or restrict your options. If your bank does not offer it, you can often find one through a brokerage firm where you hold investments, or by calling your state's banking association for a list of participating institutions near you.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks and most credit unions offer medallion guarantees, but availability varies by branch and customer status.
- You typically must be an existing customer with an account in good standing, and some institutions require a minimum balance or net worth.
- The may provide itself is free, but you may need to open or maintain an account to access it.
- If your bank does not offer medallion guarantees, check with your brokerage firm, a credit union, or your state banking association for a nearby provider.
- The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires photo ID, the document to be may provide, and proof of the transaction or reason for the may provide.
Which types of institutions offer medallion guarantees
The medallion program is run by three separate programs: the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Medallion Program (SEMP), the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (STAMP), and the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (MSP). Most banks and brokerages participate in at least one of these, though the programs have slightly different coverage and rules.
National banks that commonly offer medallion guarantees include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and U.S. Bank. Regional banks and credit unions often participate as well, but you will need to call ahead to confirm your specific branch offers the service. Brokerage firms — including Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and E-Trade — almost always offer medallion guarantees to their account holders, even if you hold only a small balance.
Some institutions that do not traditionally offer banking services, such as insurance companies and investment advisors, may also be medallion providers. Your state's banking association or the Federal Reserve can direct you to participating institutions in your area.
Account requirements and may be able to access at major banks
Most banks require you to be an existing customer to receive a medallion may provide. This means you need to have a checking account, savings account, or investment account in good standing — typically meaning no recent overdrafts, fraud flags, or account closures.
Some banks impose additional thresholds. Wells Fargo, for example, may require a minimum account balance or net worth. Bank of America's requirements vary by region and account type. Chase typically offers medallion guarantees to customers with any active account, but some branches may have internal policies that differ. Credit unions often have looser requirements than national banks and may offer medallion guarantees to members regardless of account balance.
If you do not meet your bank's requirements, opening a basic checking account often qualifies you. The account does not need to stay open long after you receive the may provide, though some banks may require you to maintain it for a set period. Call your branch directly to ask what account type qualifies and whether there is a minimum balance requirement.
How to find a medallion may provide provider near you
Start by calling your own bank's main branch or customer service line and asking whether they offer medallion signature guarantees. If they do, ask which branches provide the service — not all locations may have a trained officer available. If your bank does not offer it, ask for a referral to a nearby institution that does.
If you hold investments through a brokerage, call that firm first. Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and most other brokerages offer medallion guarantees to their customers at no charge, and you can often schedule an appointment online or by phone. This is usually the fastest route if you already have an account.
Your state's banking association or the Federal Reserve's website lists medallion providers by state and county. You can also search the STAMP, SEMP, or MSP program websites directly for participating institutions. Credit unions in your area can be found through the Credit Union Locator on the CO-OP Network or Shared Branch websites.
What to bring and how long the process takes
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), the document that needs to be may provide (usually a stock power, mutual fund transfer form, or securities transfer instruction), and any paperwork related to the transaction or reason for the may provide. Some institutions may ask for proof of the transaction, such as a confirmation email or letter from the receiving institution.
The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The officer will verify your identity, examine the document, and then apply the medallion stamp and their signature. You will receive a copy of the may provide document, which you then send to the receiving institution or broker.
Some banks allow you to schedule an appointment in advance, which can reduce wait time. Others operate on a walk-in basis. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed, especially if you are traveling to a branch outside your home area.
Medallion guarantees at credit unions and smaller institutions
Credit unions often offer medallion guarantees to members with lower barriers than national banks. Many credit unions do not impose minimum balance requirements and may offer the service to any member in good standing. However, not every credit union participates in the medallion program, so you will need to call your local branch to confirm.
Smaller regional banks and community banks may also offer medallion guarantees, though availability is less consistent than at large national banks. Some smaller institutions partner with larger banks to provide the service, so they may refer you to a partner branch rather than offering it directly.
If you are a member of a credit union, start there — it is often your fastest and least restrictive option. If your credit union does not offer medallion guarantees, ask whether they can refer you to a partner institution or nearby bank that does.
What to do if you cannot find a medallion may provide provider
If no bank or credit union near you offers medallion guarantees, or if you do not meet their account requirements, contact the brokerage firm or financial institution that is receiving your securities transfer. Many brokerages can direct you to a medallion provider in your area or may accept alternative forms of verification, such as a notary public stamp combined with additional documentation.
Some institutions will waive the medallion may provide requirement if the transfer amount is below a certain threshold (often $10,000 to $25,000, though this varies). Ask the receiving institution whether a lower-cost alternative exists for your specific transaction.
As a last resort, you can contact your state's banking regulator or the Federal Reserve to request a list of medallion providers. This process takes longer but ensures you have a complete picture of your options in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary public provide a medallion signature may provide?
No. A notary public stamp certifies that you signed a document in front of them, but it does not carry the legal weight of a medallion may provide in the securities industry. Financial institutions require a medallion may provide specifically because it comes from a regulated financial provider and includes insurance backing. A notary stamp alone will not be accepted for securities transfers.
Do I need a medallion may provide to transfer stocks between my own accounts?
Usually not. If you are moving securities between accounts you own at the same institution, the bank typically does not require a medallion may provide. However, if you are transferring to a different institution or if the receiving institution requests one, you will need it. Ask the receiving institution before you begin the transfer process.
How much does a medallion signature may provide cost?
The medallion may provide itself is free at banks, credit unions, and brokerages. However, you may need to open or maintain an account to access the service, which could involve monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Call ahead to confirm whether any account-related costs apply.
Can I get a medallion may provide online or by mail?
No. Medallion guarantees require an in-person visit so the officer can verify your photo ID and witness your signature. Some institutions may allow you to schedule a video call with an officer, but this is rare and not standard practice. Plan to visit a branch in person.
What if my bank closed or merged and I no longer have an account there?
You will need to find a new medallion provider. If your old bank merged with another institution, that institution may honor your old account status and provide the may provide. Otherwise, open an account at a new bank or credit union, or use a brokerage where you hold investments. Most institutions will provide a medallion may provide once you become a customer.