Fidelity 401(k) Rollover
How to Roll a Fidelity 401(k) into a Gold IRA
If your employer's 401(k) is administered by Fidelity, you can roll it into a self-directed gold IRA. Here is how the transfer works with Fidelity as the releasing provider.
The mechanics
How a Fidelity 401(k) gold rollover works
Fidelity is a recordkeeper/administrator for many employer 401(k) plans. To move that money into physical gold, you open a self-directed IRA elsewhere and request a direct rollover from your Fidelity-administered plan — Fidelity releases the funds trustee-to-trustee to your new custodian.
A direct (trustee-to-trustee) rollover moves money straight from your old plan to your new self-directed IRA custodian — you never take possession, so it is never treated as a taxable distribution. An indirect rollover sends the money to you first; you then have 60 days to redeposit the full amount into the new IRA, and the plan typically withholds 20% up front. Miss the 60-day window and the IRS can treat it as a taxable distribution, potentially with a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. The direct method avoids all of that, which is why it is the standard path for a gold IRA rollover.
Direct beats indirect, every time
Eligibility
Who is eligible
- ✓A Fidelity-administered 401(k) from a former employer is fully rollover-eligible.
- ✓For a current-employer plan on Fidelity's platform, in-service rollover availability depends on your employer's plan rules — not Fidelity's — so confirm with your plan administrator or via your Fidelity NetBenefits account.
What it costs
Taxes & penalties
- §A direct rollover out of a Fidelity-administered 401(k) is not a taxable distribution and carries no early-withdrawal penalty.
- §Pre-tax balances remain tax-deferred in a traditional gold IRA; Roth 401(k) balances should roll into a Roth self-directed IRA.
See our deep references on rollover penalties and gold IRA rules for the full rulebook.
The process
Step-by-step: Fidelity 401(k) to gold
- 01
Open a self-directed gold IRA
Set up the receiving SDIRA with a metals-capable custodian.
- 02
Request a direct rollover from Fidelity
Your new custodian coordinates a trustee-to-trustee transfer; Fidelity may issue a check made payable to the new custodian FBO your IRA, which still counts as direct.
- 03
Confirm funds and buy metals
Once the transfer settles, purchase IRS-approved gold.
- 04
Store at an approved depository
Metals held insured and in your name.
Questions
Fidelity 401(k) rollover FAQ
Does Fidelity offer a physical gold IRA itself?+
Fidelity is primarily a brokerage and 401(k) administrator; a self-directed IRA holding physical bullion at an approved depository is a separate type of account opened with a specialized custodian. The rollover simply moves your Fidelity-administered 401(k) funds into that self-directed account.
Will this rollover trigger taxes or an early-withdrawal penalty?+
Done as a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer, a rollover into a self-directed gold IRA is not a taxable event and carries no 10% early-withdrawal penalty, regardless of your age. Taxes and penalties generally only become a risk with an indirect rollover that misses the 60-day redeposit window. This is general education, not tax advice — confirm your specifics with a licensed tax professional.
What gold is actually allowed inside the IRA?+
The IRS requires IRA gold to meet a minimum 99.5% (.995) fineness — with the American Gold Eagle as a long-standing statutory exception — produced by an approved mint or refiner, and held by an approved depository rather than at home. Silver (.999), platinum (.9995), and palladium (.9995) have their own purity thresholds. Collectible or graded 'numismatic' coins are generally not eligible.
This content is for general education only and is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Investing in precious metals carries risk, including loss of principal. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.
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