Service Center: 866-400-2105

If you received a letter notifying you that your Vanguard IRA may be transferred to Retirement Clearinghouse (RCH), here is information you need to know.


Beginning in July 2023, some Vanguard IRA accountholders were notified that their accounts were scheduled to be transferred to RCH. If you have questions about this transfer ahead of the deadline included in your notification, you can still contact Vanguard for support at (855) 602-0922. If the deadline has passed, you can contact RCH Service Center at (866) 400-2105.

Q1: What is happening?
A: You currently have a retirement account with Vanguard that you may have started when you worked with a previous employer. We know that saving for retirement is a primary objective for many investors, but many retirement accounts are often left behind during life events, such as a change in employment. In order to help you make the most of your savings, your individual retirement account will be transferred to Retirement Clearinghouse (RCH). RCH has been an IRA administrator since 2007 and specializes in helping customers consolidate their retirement accounts. At RCH, we are pleased to assist you, a former Vanguard accountholder, in choosing the option that best meets your needs (see question #5 below).

Q2: Why do I have an account with Vanguard?
A: Most likely, you once participated in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), where Vanguard was the plan’s recordkeeper. Once you left that company, your account may have been moved to an IRA through a process known as an automatic rollover. This is an industry-wide provision allowed by law, and subject to regulation by the Department of Labor and the IRS.

RCH is an industry leader in managing these types of IRA accounts, and we stand ready to help you consolidate your savings into another retirement account.

Q3: Can I keep my account at Vanguard?
A: If the deadline included in your notification has not passed, you can contact Vanguard for support at 855-602-0922.

Q4: Can I move my savings back to Vanguard if they’ve already been transferred to RCH?
A: While your former account has been closed, you can establish a new Vanguard account online, and then request that RCH complete an IRA asset transfer to your new Vanguard account. For support with opening a new account, contact Vanguard at (855) 602-0922.

Q5: What fees will I pay if I keep my savings at RCH?
A: There is no cost to you for the transfer to RCH. If you keep your savings at RCH, RCH charges an account service fee of $1.50 per month. An account closing fee of $15 (or less if the balance is below $30) also applies.

If you keep your savings with RCH, a copy of the applicable IRA custodial account agreement is available for download here (traditional IRA) and here (Roth IRA).

Q6: What are my options with RCH?
A: Once your account has transferred to RCH, there are several options available to you:

  • You may be able to roll your RCH IRA over into an employer-sponsored plan, if you are currently participating in one through your current employer. We have a team of Consolidation Specialists that will help you through the entire process for a fee of $59.
  • Consolidate your RCH IRA to another, existing IRA through working with your provider and paying an account closing fee of $15 (or less if the balance is below $30).
  • Keep your savings in the RCH IRA. There are three ways that you can manage your RCH IRA, and we offer over 30 different investment options in five fund families, including Vanguard Target Retirement Funds. Once you choose the fund you’d like to invest in, call the RCH Service Center and we will process the exchange over the phone, at no cost to you.
  • Cashing out the account is also an option, but please note it comes with potential taxes and penalties depending on your age and income. We have a cash out calculator that will illustrate the short-term and long-term impacts of cashing out your account.

Q7: How can I manage my RCH IRA?
A: There are three ways to manage your RCH IRA account – on the web, by form, or by phone. Former Vanguard IRA accountholders can reach RCH at (866) 400-2105, Mon-Fri, 8am – 7pm ET.

Q8: ¿Hablas español?
Si ha recibido una carta o tiene una cuenta con RCH: Llame al Centro de Servicio de RCH para obtener ayuda con sus opciones, Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am a 7:00 pm ET. (866) 400-2105 - Para español, presione 2

Important Information:
For more information about Vanguard funds or Vanguard ETFs, visit Vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.
All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.
Taxes: Taking money from your retirement account can affect how much you’ll have to pay in taxes. You’ll owe taxes on pre-tax money. You won’t owe taxes on Roth earnings as long as you are age 59½ or older and it’s been at least five years since your first Roth contribution. You may need to pay a 10% federal penalty tax if you take money out early.
There are important factors to consider when rolling over assets to an IRA or an employer retirement plan account, or leaving assets in an employer retirement plan account. These factors include, but are not limited to, investment options in each type of account, fees and expenses, available services, potential withdrawal penalties, protection from creditors and legal judgments, required minimum distributions, and tax consequences of rolling over employer stock to an IRA.
Investments in Target Retirement Funds are subject to the risks of their underlying funds. The year in the Fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the Fund would retire and leave the work force. The Fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative ones based on its target date. The Income Fund has a fixed investment allocation and is designed for investors who are already retired. An investment in a Target Retirement Fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date.
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