How to transfer a NEST pension to InvestEngine
What fees does NEST charge?
NEST’s fees are:
- 1.8% on each contribution paid into the pension
- 0.3% annual management charge on the value of the pot each year
Fees comparisons are based on publicly available information from NEST’s website as at 25/03/2026 and are for illustration only. They may not capture all charges or reflect individual circumstances. Please refer to the provider’s website for up-to-date fees and product details.
Is it worth moving a NEST pension to InvestEngine?
It can be, depending on your situation. The decision usually comes down to:
- whether the NEST pot is still receiving employer contributions
- whether you want an ETF-based SIPP (DIY or managed)
- whether you want to avoid a contribution charge and platform fee layer
A practical rule:
- If your NEST pot is active (employer still paying in), transferring is usually not available and can mean losing employer contributions if you stop it.
- If your NEST pot is old/dormant, transferring is often considered for consolidation and investment choice reasons.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Before transferring, please consider whether moving your ISA or pension to InvestEngine is right for you, including any fees, exit costs, and whether your existing investments would need to be sold and reinvested into ETFs.
What fees do I pay on InvestEngine for a SIPP?
On InvestEngine’s SIPP:
- £0 platform / account fee
- £0 contribution charge
You still pay:
- the ETF ongoing charge (set by the ETF provider)
- market spread and other standard investing costs that can apply in certain circumstances
Can I transfer from NEST to InvestEngine if my employer is still paying into NEST?
Usually no. Workplace pension pots that are still receiving contributions are generally not transferable while contributions continue.
Can I transfer a NEST pension without having to sell my investments (in-specie), like ETFs?
Usually no. NEST pensions are typically held in pooled funds rather than transferable ETFs. Transfers are generally done as cash:
- NEST sells the holdings
- cash is transferred
- you reinvest after arrival
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Before transferring, please consider whether moving your ISA or pension to InvestEngine is right for you, including any fees, exit costs, and whether your existing investments would need to be sold and reinvested into ETFs.
Will I be out of the market during a NEST transfer?
If the transfer is processed as cash, yes, you may be out of the market during the period between sale and reinvestment.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest.
How long does a NEST transfer usually take?
Timelines vary. A reasonable expectation to set is a few weeks, and 15–30 working days is a practical planning assumption.
Will NEST charge me to transfer out?
NEST does not typically charge an exit fee for transferring out. InvestEngine does not charge to receive a transfer.
Fees comparisons are based on publicly available information from NEST’s website as at 25/03/2026 and are for illustration only. They may not capture all charges or reflect individual circumstances. Please refer to the provider’s website for up-to-date fees and product details.
What do I need before I start a transfer from NEST?
Typically:
- confirmation the pot is no longer receiving contributions
- NEST policy/reference details and personal details that match NEST’s records
- an InvestEngine account and SIPP set up to initiate the transfer
What am I giving up if I leave NEST?
Key trade-offs:
- NEST is designed as a workplace default pension (auto-enrolment, default strategies, limited member investment choices).
- If the pot is still active, transferring would usually mean giving up ongoing employer contributions if you stop that scheme.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
How does investing choice differ: NEST vs InvestEngine?
NEST: pooled funds, default lifecycle-style approaches, limited fund choice.
InvestEngine: ETF-based investing (DIY ETF selection or managed options), with visibility at ETF level.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest.
Can I transfer my NEST pension to InvestEngine if I’m in drawdown?
No. InvestEngine’s SIPP transfer-in is for pensions in accumulation, not pensions already in drawdown.
What should I check before transferring a pension from NEST?
Check:
- whether contributions are still being paid in
- whether you are close to taking benefits or already taking benefits
- whether you want a hands-off workplace default approach versus an ETF-based SIPP approach
If unsure, consider regulated financial advice.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Before transferring, please consider whether moving your ISA or pension to InvestEngine is right for you, including any fees, exit costs, and whether your existing investments would need to be sold and reinvested into ETFs.