Your ACATS transfer can only be processed successfully if your account number matches your broker's required format — otherwise, the broker will reject the request.
- We recommend reviewing your account statement or confirming the correct account number format with your broker before initiating a transfer.
If You See an Account Format Warning at Transfer Entry
- For certain brokers whose required formats are known, IBKR has a validation system in place. If the account number you enter does not match the expected format or structure, you will receive an on-screen warning at the time of transfer entry, and you will need to correct the account number before your transfer can be submitted.
- If you receive this warning but believe your account number is entered correctly, please review the guidance below before resubmitting.
Your Account Number May Look Correct — Here is What Else to Verify
Account and broker/participant number must match your statement exactly
- Some brokers have similar names but different participant numbers. Confirm you have selected the correct broker/participant entry.
Your statement may not display your full account number
- Some brokers custody accounts on behalf of multiple financial institutions and may require additional characters to identify your specific account — or, conversely, may require certain characters to be removed. Check with your broker to see if any modification is needed.
Your account type may not be eligible for ACATS
- Certain account types (e.g., IRAs, 401(k)s) require a different transfer method.
Employee Stock Plan holders
- ACATS eligibility can depend on your country of legal residency. Confirm with your broker whether this transfer method applies to your account.
Examples of Common Brokers and Their Account Number Formats
- Below are example account number configurations for some commonly transferred-from brokers, which may help you validate your entry. Always confirm the correct format directly with your broker, as formats may change.
| Broker Name | Broker Participant Number (Part#) | Account Number Format | Special Considerations |
| JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association | Part#: 0902 | Nine characters, one alpha character followed by 8 numeric characters | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "JP Morgan." Please select the correct participant number for your account. |
| JP Morgan Securities | Part#: 0352 | Eight characters, all numeric | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "JP Morgan." Please select the correct participant number for your account. |
| E*Trade from Morgan Stanley | Part#: 0015 | 9 or 12 numeric characters, does not start with 0169 Note, "If you have a 8 or 9 numeric account number that starts with 0169 the account may be held with Participant 0050." | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "Morgan Stanley." Please select the correct participant number for your account. Employee Stock Plan account numbers starting with "MS" (e.g., "Shareworks" or "Morgan Stanley at Work") are usually not ACATS eligible. |
| Morgan Stanley Smith Barney | Part#: 0015 | 9 or 12 numeric characters, does not start with 0169 Note, "If you have a 8 or 9 numeric account number that starts with 0169 the account may be held with Participant 0050." | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "Morgan Stanley." Please select the correct participant number for your account. Employee Stock Plan account numbers starting with "MS" (e.g., "Shareworks" or "Morgan Stanley at Work") are usually not ACATS eligible. |
| Morgan Stanley (Private Wealth Management) | Part#: 0050 | 8 or 9 numeric characters, and starts with “0169” Note, "If you have a 9 or 12 numeric account number that does not start with "0169" the account may be held with Participant 0015." | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "Morgan Stanley." Please select the correct participant number for your account. |
| Fidelity | Part#: 0226 | Nine characters, first three characters can be alpha or numeric, last six characters are numeric only | Employee Stock Plan holders who are non-US residents usually have account numbers starting with "I" — these are typically not ACATS eligible and require a different transfer method. US residents with accounts starting with 'X' or 'Z' are usually ACATS eligible. |
| Pershing/ Pershing Advisor Solutions | Part#: 0443 | Nine characters, alpha and numeric | IRA and 401(k)/Employer-Sponsored Plan accounts are usually not ACATS eligible for this broker. |
| Wells Fargo Advisors | Part#: 0141 | Eight characters, all numeric | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "Wells Fargo." Please select the correct participant number for your account. |
| Wells Fargo Securities, LLC | Part#: 0250 | 8 digit alphanumeric | There are multiple similar brokers starting with "Wells Fargo." Please select the correct participant number for your account. |
| DriveWealth | Part#: 2402 | 17 characters, the first four are letters | DriveWealth is a custodian for multiple brokers, so your account number requires a 4-letter prefix identifying your specific broker (e.g., ADQB, BARA, BBGN), followed by your account number. This prefix is often missing from your statement — check with your broker if you're unsure which one applies to you. |
| Apex Clearing | Part#: 0158 | Eight characters, alpha and numeric. Eleven characters alpha-numeric that begins with “WEB” Fifteen digits long that begin with 268. * Seven characters alphanumeric | Apex Clearing is a custodian for multiple brokers. Your account number may require an added prefix not shown on your statement, or in some cases, removal of extra characters (usually the last 7, e.g., "16RR JBM"). |
| Charles Schwab | Part#: 0164 | Eight characters, all numeric | |
| TD Ameritrade | Part#: 0188 | Nine digits excluding non-alphanumeric characters. | |
| Vanguard | Part#: 0062 | Eight digits excluding non-alphanumeric characters. |