Can you transfer a custodial account?
James Craig
Published Mar 01, 2026
You can move money from a custodial account, such as a UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) or a UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), to a 529 plan. But you can’t do the reverse — transfer or convert from a 529 to a custodial account — without adverse tax consequences.
Can you change custodian on UTMA account?
Gifts made to UTMA accounts are irrevocable, so you can not change your mind and take them back. The custodian of the account, who may be the same person who created it or another adult relative, is required to manage it in the minor’s interest.
What happens to a custodial account after the transferor?
Transferor. In legal terms, people who make these gifts are called Transferors. A transferor can act as the custodian of an account or appoint someone else to act as the custodian. Many transferors appoint a successor custodian at account opening and that person assumes control of the account upon the death of the custodian.
Who is in charge of a custodial account?
The UTMA, also known as the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act, allows an adult to transfer assets to a minor – we’re talking stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, even cash. The custodian is in charge of managing the assets until the minor reaches the age of majority, which differs from state to state.
When does a child gain control of a custodial account?
Under applicable state law (most states have UTMA regimes these days), your child will gain full legal control over the account once he or she ceases to be a minor. This will happen somewhere between age 18 and 21 (in most states it’s 21). Remember: nice little kids can turn into obnoxious teenagers,…
Can a 17 year old trade in a custodial account?
Underage Trading In a Custodial Account Now if you are not over the age of 18 then you won’t be able to trade in the account but it is still a good way to see how the markets work and how trades are entered. Getting started at an early age on learning the value of money and how to manage risk is an important skill that everyone should learn.