Signature guarantees

What is a signature guarantee?

A signature guarantee is a stamp provided by an eligible guarantor that certifies:

• The signature was genuine
• The appropriate person was signing
• The signer had the legal capacity to sign

The institution that provides the certification and guarantee of the signature pledges the financial backing of the institution. A medallion guarantee is also a signature guarantee but is insurance-backed and must contain a signature of an authorized representative of the guarantor institution.

Note: American Funds Service Company doesn’t accept notarization from a notary public in lieu of a signature guarantee.

When is a signature guarantee required?

This is not an all-inclusive list, and exceptions may apply. Contact us for specific requirements based on your situation.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) options

If linking a bank account and the bank account registration does not include the names of all the account owners, then the bank account owners' signatures must be guaranteed.

An Add/Update Bank Information form (PDF) must be completed with a signature guarantee for each bank account owner and returned by mail.

Withdrawals

A signature guarantee from the American Funds account owner is required if a withdrawal is requested and any of the following apply:

• The request is to withdraw money by phone or online within 10 business days after adding or updating the bank account
• The request is for a withdrawal by check payable to a third party
• The request is for a withdrawal over $125,000
• The request is to gift shares to another account
• The request involves an IRA divorce transfer
   

Registration changes

In cases where a change of account registration is requested, a signature guarantee is required when:

• Adding an owner to an account
• Moving from a trust to a joint or individual account
• Changing trustees
• Changing owners on a CollegeAmerica® account
   

Where can I get a signature guarantee?

The following institutions generally can provide signature guarantees:

• Banks
• Credit unions
• Brokers
• Dealer firms
• Savings associations