Opening a self-directed brokerage account (“SDBA”)
Any changes to investment elections or transfers among investment options can be made either by logging on to the participant’s account through the Program’s website or by calling 800.348.2272.
No. Participants can only perform these transactions online or by telephone.
Yes, by opening a Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) and transferring funds from the existing investments to the SDBA. Note that certain restrictions apply since the SDBA is part of a qualified retirement plan. There is also a quarterly user fee of $62.50 to have an SDBA and participants are required to maintain at least $2,500 in the core investment options.
Opening a self-directed brokerage account (“SDBA”)
The ABA Retirement Fund Program’s SDBA option
The Personal Choice Retirement Account (“PCRA”) allows participants to invest their funds in a wide variety of publicly traded debt and equity securities, and shares of numerous mutual funds. The PCRA is established through a brokerage account with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
The PCRA option is available to participants whose plan sponsor allows it as an investment option in the plan.
How to open a PCRA
An PCRA Application is available on the Program’s website.
- Participant decides to open an account, completes an application and sends it to Schwab.
- Schwab processes the application form.
- Schwab sends a welcome kit to the participant.
Important notes on PCRAs
PCRA participants receive a monthly statement from Schwab. Note that the total PCRA assets as of the end of the calendar quarter are also included in the participant’s quarterly statement from the Program. Account information is also updated daily so that balances online and through the Customer Service Center are inclusive of PCRA assets.
Please note that participants may not choose to invest more than 95% of their contributions to an PCRA, and must retain at least $2,500 in the Program investment option(s) at all times. An annual user fee of $250 will be deducted from participant accounts if they maintain an PCRA with a balance. This fee will be taken on a quarterly basis at $62.50 on the last business day of the quarter.
Please note that Roth 401(k) contributions and earnings cannot be commingled with other plan assets, so a separate PCRA will need to be established solely for Roth 401(k) assets. See the Transferring Funds page for more information.
Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account® (“PCRA”) is offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), the registered broker/dealer, which also provides other brokerage and custody services to its customers. © 2023 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., (Member SIPC). All rights reserved.