Rollover comparison

VoyaFidelity 401(k) rollover

If you're rolling a 401(k) FROM Voya TO Fidelity, here are the practical mechanics: what forms you'll fill out, how long it takes, whether ACATS is supported, and what specific gotchas to watch for at each custodian. This page documents the process; it does not recommend one custodian over the other.

Side-by-side

Voya vs Fidelity 401(k) rollover comparison
FieldVoyaFidelity
ACATS eligibilityPaper-based transfers only — typical processing 10–14 business daysACATS (electronic) eligible — typical processing 3–5 business days
Processing time14-21 business days (paper-based)3-5 business days (ACATS); 7-10 days for paper
Transfer formDistribution / Rollover Election (plan-specific)Transfer of Assets (TOA) request — initiated at receiving institution
Customer-service phone1-800-584-60011-800-343-3548
Customer-service hoursMon-Fri 8am-9pm ETMon-Fri 7am-11pm ET, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm ET

Known pitfalls at Voya

  • Warning: Voya is the rebranded ING US — if your old statement says ING, you're now at Voya. The login at my.voya.com works for legacy ING accounts.

  • Warning: Voya almost always requires a Medallion Signature Guarantee for rollovers (NOT a notary). Get this in person at a bank you have a relationship with — they want to see photo ID and your most recent statement.

  • Warning: Voya is known for slow rollover processing — plan for 3 weeks, not 2. If your 60-day window is tight, initiate IMMEDIATELY and use certified-mail tracking. Many Voya rollovers fail the 60-day deadline because customers underestimate processing time.

Known pitfalls at Fidelity

  • Warning: Fidelity defaults to mailing a paper check if you initiate the transfer FROM their side — call the receiving custodian first to initiate an ACATS pull instead.

  • Warning: If you have employer stock in the 401(k) (NUA-eligible), do NOT roll it directly — separate the basis cost first or you lose the NUA tax treatment forever.

  • Warning: Fidelity will ask whether to liquidate or transfer in-kind. For mutual funds, in-kind only works if the destination custodian supports the same funds; otherwise it's liquidate + cash transfer (the default).

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Related

This comparison is informational only — it documents the procedural mechanics of rolling over a 401(k) between Voya and Fidelity. nesthelm is not an investment adviser or broker-dealer; we do not recommend either custodian over the other. Consult a CPA or licensed financial advisor for advice on your specific situation.