Contributions guide
ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS
- Understand the general requirements for contributions and investments
- Review the options for making a contribution or investment into an account
General investment guidelines
Review the appropriate account type for specific limits and requirements.
Regardless of the investment method, there are several requirements that apply to all investments:
- The fund minimum must be met and maintained
- The minimum subsequent investment is generally $50 per fund; exceptions apply for employer-sponsored plans
- Investment instructions must be provided
- Class C and 529-C shares have a maximum transaction amount of $500,000 in each individual fund
- Investments cannot be made directly into American Funds U.S. Government Money Market Fund C shares or 529-C shares
- Investments cannot be made into Class F shares, except for F-2 shares
Note: Certain account types may have additional investment restrictions.
Timing
Investments received by mail are generally processed the day we receive them, provided they contain the necessary information.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) investments will be credited to the account the same business day if the request is received and accepted before the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Generally, the bank will debit the checking or savings account for the appropriate amount within 3 business days.
Funds availability
Investments made by check or ACH may be held for 7 business days before the funds are available for withdrawal.
Options for making an investment
Investments via ACH
Many accounts are eligible to add a U.S. checking or savings bank account to the Capital Group account for investing via ACH. Investments can be one-time or recurring.
Note: Certain account types may be restricted from making ACH investments, such as some employer-sponsored accounts.
Minimum and maximum ACH investment amounts
- The maximum that can be invested by ACH is $100,000, per investor, per day
- The minimum draft amount is $50, per fund, per account, with the exception of an employer-sponsored 529, which is $25, per fund, per account
Refer to Fund minimums for additional information.
How to add a bank account online for investments
Log in to Client Accounts, access the client’s account, go to Profile & Settings and then Bank Information and click Set Up. For additional banking guidelines, refer to Managing client banking information.
When a bank account cannot be added online
In some instances, the bank cannot be added online, for example when:
- The owner of the Capital Group account is not a bank account owner
- The bank does not participate in our validation process
In these cases, the request must be submitted in writing using the Add/Update Bank Information form. A signature guarantee may be required.
How to make a one-time investment or contribution online
Log in to Client Accounts, access the client’s account and click Buy.
How to establish an automatic investment plan
Log in to Client Accounts, access the client’s account and click Automatic Transactions.
Investments via check
Checks can be made payable to:
- American Funds Service Company® (AFS)
- Capital Bank and Trust Company (CB&T)
- CollegeAmerica®
- Capital Group
- The fund (for example, Washington Mutual Investors Fund)
- ABLEAmerica®
Third-party checks are not accepted.
Checks should be mailed to the closest service center to avoid delays.
Investments via wire
Prior to wiring funds to an existing account, contact us to provide investment instructions for the incoming wire. Your client’s bank may charge a fee to wire funds.
For wiring money to a new account, use the Wiring Money to American Funds (for New Accounts Only) form.
Other ways to invest
Direct deposit tax refund
Your clients can have their tax refund deposited directly into their account. When filing their return, they can complete Form 8888. Direct your client to the Tax Center on the investor website for instructions.
Gift of shares
An investor with an existing account can transfer shares to another account without incurring a sales charge. Individual, entity or charitable organization accounts are eligible to receive a gift of shares. For more information, review Gift of shares.
Contact us
Have questions or need additional support?
Contact us 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
For financial professionals only. Not for use with the public.
All Capital Group trademarks mentioned are owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc., an affiliated company or fund. All other company and product names mentioned are the property of their respective companies.
Use of this website is intended for U.S. residents only.
The guidelines and procedures provided in the Account Resource Center may not apply to networked accounts or accounts not directly held by American Funds. The guidelines and procedures provided also apply only to those retirement accounts or Coverdell ESAs invested in American Funds with Capital Bank and Trust Company (CB&T) as custodian. The guidelines and procedures provided in the Account Resource Center do not apply to plans held in our retirement plan solutions — PlanPremier, PlanPremier-TPA or RecordkeeperDirect. Information on the Account Resource Center may change periodically, and previously printed information may not be current. Please refer to capitalgroup.com for the most current information available.
Financial professionals should always contact their back office to determine if there are any restrictions on the use of American Funds products, tools, services, websites and literature.