Frequently Asked Questions

Transfer Funds

• How do I deposit checks into an account at optionsXpress?
• How do I do a wire transfer into an account?
• How do I establish ACH service for accounts at optionsXpress?
• How do I deposit a security certificate into an account?
• How do I withdraw or transfer funds from an account?

How do I deposit checks into an account at optionsXpress?

• We accept personal and cashier's checks made payable to optionsXpress, Inc. only.
• Please note that we do NOT accept certain forms of deposits including (but not limited to) credit card or line-of-credit checks, starter checks, traveler's checks, money orders, third-party deposits such as United States Treasury Tax Refund checks, or checks payable in foreign (non-U.S.) currency.
• The name on the check to be deposited must match the registration on the optionsXpress account. We do NOT accept third party deposits (i.e. We do not accept checks payable to optionsXpress from non-account holders or checks where a recipient makes an endorsement over to optionsXpress).
• Please make sure the account name and optionsXpress account number are printed on each check. For an IRA check deposit, please indicate contribution year.
• If your check is for a new account, please attach your signed Account Application and any applicable supporting documents.
• If you already have an account number, Printable Deposits Slips are available (Login required).
• Once the check is received by optionsXpress, an e-mail confirmation will be sent with deposit details.
• Certified funds will be available next day. Personal checks are normally available in 3-5 business days. However, deposits may be held up to 10 business days depending on various circumstances.

Check deposit mailing address:

optionsXpress, Inc.
Attn: Cashiering
P. O. Box 2197
Chicago, IL 60690-2197

Delivery by courier service which requires signature or delivery confirmation:

optionsXpress, Inc.
Attn: Cashiering
311 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60606

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How do I do a wire transfer into an account?

• General Instructions
• Wire Instructions

Please note before wiring funds, a new account application must be received, processed, and an account number assigned. We do NOT accept third-party wires or wires from third-party money transfer services. Wires must be generated from a financial institution at which you have an account where the registration matches to your optionsXpress account. Funds may NOT be wired into an IRA account. Funds must be in USD$ only. Applicable instructions, depending on currency and country of initiation, are noted below. Funding will generally be available same day after wire receipt. Please note the wire instructions cannot be used for ACH transactions.

Wire Instructions for accounts that clear through optionsXpress, Inc.: JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA ABA # 021000021* A/C 707660205 optionsXpress, Inc.* F/C/T [your name here]* A/C# [your 8 digit account number]* Bank Address: (wires only - do not mail funds) 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza New York, NY 10081 Swift Code: CHASUS33 * Required information for all wires.

USD$ Instructions for those initiated within the U.S.: Intermediary Bank Details: JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA ABA: 021000021* Swift Code: CHASUS33 Bank Address: (wires only - do not mail funds) 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 Beneficiary Bank Details: National Bank of Canada Routing Code:CC000615901* Account #159010005168 NBCN Clearing Inc.* F/C/T [your name here]* A/C# [your 8 digit account number]* Reference: optionsXpress, Inc. Bank Address 250 Yonge Street, Suite 1900 Toronto, Ontario M5B 2L7 Canada * Required information for all wires.

USD$ Wire Instructions for those initiated outside the U.S.: Intermediary Bank Details: JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA Swift Code: CHASUS33* Bank Address: (wires only - do not mail funds) 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 Beneficiary Bank Details: National Bank of Canada Swift Code: BNDCCAMMINT* Account #159010005168 NBCN Clearing Inc.* F/C/T [your name here]* A/C# [your 8 digit account number]* Reference: optionsXpress, Inc. Bank Address: 250 Yonge Street, Suite 1900 Toronto, Ontario M5B 2L7 Canada * Required information for all wires.

CAD$ Wire Instructions for those initiated within Canada: Beneficiary Bank Details National Bank of Canada Swift Code: BNDCCAMMINT Routing code: CC000615901* Account #159010010129* F/C/T [your name here]* A/C# [your 8 digit account number]* Reference: optionsXpress, Inc. Bank Address: (wires only - do not mail funds) 250 Yonge Street, Suite 1900 Toronto, Ontario M5B 2L7 Canada * Required information for all wires.

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How do I establish ACH service for accounts at optionsXpress?

• The ACH set-up process can be initiated by clicking the Establish ACH link on the Transfer Funds page. Once we receive the signed ACH application, we will notify you through a series of e-mails of the steps needed to verify your link. The final email will also supply you with more detailed instructions on how to use the service.
• Once ACH is established, a request to deposit funds can be made on the Transfer Funds page under the Account tab.
• All ACH deposit requests must be received by 12:00 ET to be processed same business day. All other requests will be processed on the following business day.
• ACH Deposits will be available for trading on the third business day after processing.

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How do I deposit a security certificate into an account?

To mail a stock certificate for deposit into an account, follow the instructions below:

1. Sign your name on the back of the certificate exactly as it is spelled on the front of the certificate. All names listed on the certificate must endorse the back. View sample stock certificate (PDF).
2. You will then need to appoint our clearing agent, optionsXpress, Inc., as the attorney to transfer on the back of the certificate, where it states "...I do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ___________ Attorney to transfer...".
3. Write the optionsXpress account number under your endorsement. For new accounts, please include your username. Please Note: Everything else on the certificate should be left blank.

For added security, we recommend that you send your certificate(s) using a method that can be tracked (e.g. FedEx, UPS, Registered or Certified Mail). Please mail your certificates to:

optionsXpress, Inc.
311 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60606

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How do I withdraw or transfer funds from an account?

You have several options when withdrawing or transferring funds from optionsXpress.

• By Check – You can request a check simply by logging into the account and clicking on the Transfer Funds link under the Account tab. From there you will see a Check link below "Withdraw from optionsXpress" where you can select to have a check mailed to the address of record.
• By Wire Transfer – A wire can be initiated by logging into the account and going to Transfer Funds under the Account tab. Clicking on the Wire link under "Withdraw from optionsXpress" will lead you to the Wire Requests form. All required information will need to be completed.
• By Check Writing – U.S. resident accounts may apply for check writing (PDF), providing the account has been active 6 weeks, has both elected and qualified for a money market sweep vehicle, and has a valid Social Security number or Tax ID. Once the checking form has been received, it takes approximately 1-2 weeks to receive the checkbook.
• Automated Funds Transfer (ACH) – If you have a U.S. bank account, you may establish a link between an optionsXpress account and a bank. You will need to complete the ACH application, sign it, and return the original to us. Once we receive your signed ACH application, we will notify you through a series of e-mails of the steps to verify your link. The final email will also supply you with more detailed instructions on how to use the service.

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