How Long Should a Pension Transfer Take?

There are many reasons why you might want to transfer your retirement savings, but one of the questions that concerns people before they go through with a pension transfer is the process and how long it is likely to take.

Whether you’re transferring between pension schemes in the UK, are combining your pensions into one pot, or are transferring to a pension overseas, the pension transfer timeline can vary.

So there isn’t an exact answer, but it is possible to get an indication of how long it might take.

How long should a pension transfer take?

The timescales vary but, according to research carried out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the average time it takes to complete a pension transfer is 16 days.

Consider that a guide, as there have been cases where transfers have taken over six months (indeed, this is about average for a defined benefit transfer). It’s also thought that final salary pension transfers can take the longest of all to transfer.

If you have any concerns about pension transfer timescales we advise speaking to one of the pension transfer advisors that we work with. They can give you an estimation of how long it might take, though keep in mind the length is usually determined by the provider, their process and the type of pension scheme in question.

What factors can affect the timescale?

The process for transferring a pension varies between schemes and providers, so being aware of the following protocols is beneficial:

How long should a defined benefit pension transfer take?

Defined benefit (DB) transfers can take longer than defined contribution transfers – around six months is average for these schemes.

They can take longer because your pensions advisor is legally obliged to ensure that you fully understand the implications of leaving a defined benefit scheme. Most experts would not recommend exiting a DB plan, except in exceptional circumstances.

Expect your advisor to be thorough during the fact find and present you with in-depth information about the pros and cons of the transfer.

How long does an expat pension transfer take?

If you’re moving overseas and want to transfer your pension to a scheme that’s based in the country you’re moving to, then there are processes in place which need to be completed before you transfer into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) that may impact on the pension transfer time.

For example, depending on where you move to, you may have to pay a tax. If you’re moving between the European Economic Area (EEA countries) there isn’t a tax, and there are other exclusions too, like if your UK expat pension transfer is to a pension that’s run by your employer – these are aspects that can add on time to how long the transfer takes.

Is it possible to speed things up?

The average time to transfer a pension can vary. If there’s a delay it can have an effect on what you can spend while you’re waiting.

If you’re worried you might be affected by waiting, it’s best to speak to one of the expert pensions advisors we work with first. Make them aware of your concerns about the pension transfer timeline before it happens as they may be able to ensure a quicker transfer.

Generally speaking every provider should operate a timescale that they deem to be ‘reasonable’.

If you can do the transfer online, it’s generally quicker than completing a paper application, so bear that in mind too and ask your provider if an online transfer is possible.

How to find out more about pensions transfers

If you have further queries and are keen to speak to an expert, give us a call today on 0808 189 0463 or arrange a free, no obligation chat with one of the expert advisors we work with who really understand the pensions market.

So sit back and let us do all the hard work in finding the pension advisor with the right expertise for your circumstances. Remember, we don’t charge a fee and there’s absolutely no obligation.