Fact-checkedEditorially independentUpdated March 2026Sources cited
Life Events
Information

Nationwide 401(k) Rollover: Transfer Guide

How to roll over your Nationwide retirement plan to an IRA. Complete instructions for former employees.

By Thomas Richardson|Updated March 20, 2026|Reviewed by Editorial Board|8 min read

To roll over a Nationwide 401(k), visit nationwide.com/retirement or call 1-877-677-3678 and request a direct rollover to your new IRA. Processing takes 7-14 business days. Important: Nationwide annuity products often carry 5-7 year surrender charge periods, so check before rolling over to avoid unexpected fees.

  • Nationwide is an insurance-based retirement provider offering 401(k), 403(b), 457, and pension plans
  • Nationwide annuity products commonly have 5-7 year surrender charge periods that may apply on rollover
  • Annuity guarantee features are permanently lost when you roll out of a Nationwide plan
  • Direct rollovers process in 7-14 business days with no tax withholding

Key Takeaways

  • 1Nationwide offers retirement plans for many employers
  • 2Rollover through nationwide.com/retirement or 1-877-677-3678
  • 3Direct rollover avoids tax withholding
  • 4Process typically takes 7-14 business days
  • 5Check for surrender charges on annuity products
  • 6Compare fees before choosing rollover destination
  • 7Gold IRA provides diversification option

Nationwide Retirement Plans

Nationwide is an insurance and financial services company that provides retirement plans to many employers.

  • Insurance-based retirement plan provider
  • Offers 401(k), 403(b), 457, and pension plans
  • Account access: nationwide.com/retirement
  • Phone support: 1-877-677-3678
  • Products may include both mutual funds and annuities

Nationwide Rollover Process

Follow these steps to roll over your Nationwide account.

  1. 1Log into your Nationwide retirement account
  2. 2Navigate to "Transactions" or "Withdrawals"
  3. 3Select "Rollover to IRA" option
  4. 4Open IRA at destination provider
  5. 5Choose direct rollover (trustee-to-trustee)
  6. 6Complete required documentation
  7. 7Submit and track request
  8. 8Verify funds arrive at new IRA

Key Considerations

Important factors to consider before rolling over from Nationwide.

  • **Surrender charges**: Some Nationwide products have multi-year surrender periods
  • **Guaranteed features**: Annuity guarantees lost when you roll out
  • **Vesting**: Check your vesting status before rolling
  • **Loan payoff**: Outstanding loans become distributions if not repaid
  • **Fee comparison**: Nationwide may have higher fees than low-cost IRAs

Check Surrender Charges

Nationwide annuity products often have 5-7 year surrender charge periods. Rolling over during this period may incur fees.

Before you roll over your 401(k), consider this

Most people roll into another stock-heavy fund. But retirees near retirement are choosing gold for stability. See your options.

Get Free Kit

Consider a Gold IRA Rollover

Nationwide retirement plans typically offer insurance and mutual fund products. A Gold IRA provides access to physical precious metals for diversification.

  • Escape annuity surrender charges (after surrender period)
  • Physical gold diversification
  • No ongoing insurance product fees
  • Same tax-free direct rollover process
  • Augusta Precious Metals handles the paperwork
Get Your Free Precious Metals Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1Does Nationwide charge rollover fees?

Nationwide typically doesn't charge a rollover processing fee, but check for surrender charges on annuity products within your account.

2Can I roll over only part of my Nationwide account?

Yes, partial rollovers are usually allowed. Check if surrender charges apply differently to partial vs. full withdrawals.

FREE NEWSLETTER

Stay Updated on Retirement Strategies

Get weekly insights on IRS rule changes, gold market moves, and retirement planning tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Interactive Tools

Our #1 Recommendation

Your 401(k) Rollover Could Be Your Best Move

Learn how to roll your 401(k) into gold — tax-free, penalty-free, in as little as 3 days.

A+ BBB Rating
4.9/5 Rating
Lifetime Support