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3 min read

How Fast Can You Open a Rocket Dollar Account? Faster Than You Think.

When it comes to investing in alternative assets through a self-directed account, speed and simplicity matter. At Rocket Dollar, we’ve streamlined our account setup process so you can go from signup to investing with minimal time and effort. Whether you’re opening a Solo 401(k), a Checkbook IRA, or a Direct Custody IRA, we’ve built systems to get you moving fast.

Here’s what you can expect.

Direct Custody IRA: Fastest Path to Investing

If you’re looking for the quickest route, a Direct Custody IRA is your best bet. Once your application is submitted, your information is sent directly to our new accounts team via API.

  • Typical open time: Within hours, assuming your documents are in good order.
  • Common holdups: Missing driver’s license, proof of residence, or a manual review for identity verification.
  • Once your account flips from “Pending Open” to “Open,” you’ll receive a Welcome Email with instructions to fund your account and complete your investment documentation.
  • Time to invest: Depends on how quickly you fund your account and submit investment docs—some clients are ready to invest within a few days.

Checkbook IRA: Control + Speed

Prefer full control of your investment decisions with a dedicated checking account? The Checkbook IRA gives you exactly that—and setup is nearly as fast as Direct Custody.

  • Initial setup: Just like the Direct Custody IRA, it typically opens within hours after submitting your info.
  • You’ll receive a Welcome Email outlining next steps and a heads-up that Trust or LLC documents are coming.
  • We generate your Trust or LLC documents and send them for e-signature or notary (depending on the structure).
  • Once signed, we initiate bank account setup and upload your documents to our platform.
  • Total time to funding: Often as little as 1–2 weeks depending on responsiveness and funding source.

Solo 401(k): Powerful for Those Who Qualify, Simple to Set Up

If you have self-employment income, a Solo 401(k) offers unmatched benefits—and getting started is easier than you might think.

  • Within 24 hours of completing your purchase and uploading required info, our support team reaches out to collect any additional details.
  • Within 48 hours of receiving everything, we generate your plan documents and EIN, then send them out for e-signature and notary.
  • Within 24 hours of completed signatures, we initiate the bank account setup.
  • You’ll also receive funding instructions and guidance on investing through your 401(k).
  • Typical timeline: Many clients are ready to fund within 1–2 weeks depending on rollover timing or contribution method.

What Really Slows Things Down? (Hint: It’s Not Rocket Dollar)

Here’s the truth: the biggest delay in the entire process is almost never on our side—it’s getting your funds out of your current IRA or 401(k) provider.

Most traditional custodians take their time with rollovers and transfers. While Rocket Dollar processes paperwork and account setup within days, the “losing custodian” can drag out a transfer for a week or two (or longer) depending on their internal processes.

We do everything we can to speed this up—providing clear funding instructions, investor-of-record guidance, and supporting documentation—but ultimately, how fast your funds arrive depends on your current provider.

That’s why we recommend submitting your funding request as early as possible once your Rocket Dollar account is open.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Control

Opening a Rocket Dollar account is designed to be simple. Most customers tell us they’re surprised by how little time it takes to complete the steps:

  • Upload your ID
  • Fill in your beneficiary and KYC information
  • Sign or notarize documents online
  • Fund and start investing

If you have your documents ready, you can complete your side of the setup in under 30 minutes.

What Customers Are Saying

“From the moment I signed up, the communication, support, and response time have been absolutely outstanding — faster than I ever expected. I’ve never had an account like this before… but your team made it easy to understand and guided me every step of the way.”
Rod Fuller
“My experience with Rocket Dollar has been amazing. I was skeptical initially but the staff has been very responsive and helpful. I have been in contact with Tristan and he is very diligent in answering all my questions. Would highly recommend them.”

Whether you’re rolling over an IRA, funding a new 401(k), or setting up a checkbook-controlled IRA, Rocket Dollar removes the friction from the process. Our team and tech do the heavy lifting so you can focus on investing.

Have questions about which account is right for you? Contact our team or get started now.

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