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How do I manage my 401(k) deposits?

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How to Fund Your 401(k) Account

401(k) contributions are automatically deducted from your paycheck and sent to your Betterment account. Unlike IRAs, 401(k)s cannot be funded with bank or wire transfers. Here's how to manage your 401(k) contributions:


How to Change Your 401(k) Contribution Rate

To edit your 401(k) contribution rate using a web browser:

  1. Log in to your Betterment account.
  2. Select your Retirement account from the left-hand menu.
  3. Go to the “Recurring transfers” section to view your current contribution rate(s).
  4. Click “Edit” to make changes.
  5. Adjust each type separately if your plan includes Traditional and Roth contributions.
  6. Once submitted, your new rate(s) take one to two payroll cycles to go into effect.

To edit your 401(k) contribution rate using the mobile app:

  1. Log into the Betterment mobile app.
  2. Tap “Move Money.”
  3. Tap “Set 401(k) contribution rate.” 
  4. You’ll see your current contribution rates per paycheck. Tap a contribution rate to edit it.
  5. Adjust each type separately if your plan includes Traditional and Roth contributions.
  6. Once submitted, your new rate(s) take one to two payroll cycles to go into effect.


How to Opt-Out of 401(k) Contributions

If you want to temporarily or permanently stop contributing to your 401(k), you can opt out by setting your contribution rate to 0%.

To opt out of your 401(k) contributions via web browser:

  1. Log in to your Betterment account.
  2. Select your Retirement account from the left-hand menu.
  3. Go to the “Recurring transfers” section to view your current contribution rate(s).
  4. Click “Edit” and set your rate to 0%.
  5. Adjust each rate separately if your plan includes Traditional and Roth contributions.
  6. Once submitted, your new rate(s) take one to two payroll cycles to go into effect.

To opt out of your 401(k) contributions via the mobile app:

  1. Log into the Betterment mobile app.
  2. Tap “Move Money.”
  3. Tap “Set 401(k) contribution rate.” 
  4. You’ll see your current contribution rates per paycheck. Tap a contribution rate to edit it.
  5. Set the rate to 0%.
  6. Adjust each rate separately if your plan includes Traditional and Roth contributions.
  7. Once submitted, your new rate(s) take one to two payroll cycles to go into effect.