Transfer Your Quilter Pension | Guide & Process 2026
Complete guide to transferring your Quilter pension. Fees, timelines, process steps and what to check before you transfer. Updated for 2026.
10 min readUpdated April 2026
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Quilter Pension Transfer: Overview
Quilter (formerly Old Mutual Wealth and Skandia) is a major UK wealth management company managing over £100 billion in client assets. They offer pension products primarily through financial advisers, with a comprehensive platform that includes wide fund access and managed portfolio services.
Fees and Charges
Quilter pension charges: 0.30% to 0.50% platform charge depending on product. Always request a transfer value illustration before proceeding, as older policies may have different fee structures or exit charges that could affect your transfer value.
Fund Options
Over 3,500 funds plus managed portfolio services. When transferring, you will need to choose new funds with your receiving provider. Consider whether your current fund selection aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance before and after the transfer.
Transfer Process and Timeline
The typical transfer timeline for Quilter is 4-8 weeks typically. To initiate a transfer, contact your new pension provider with your Quilter policy details. They will submit a formal transfer request. During the transfer, your investments may be temporarily held in cash, so timing can affect your returns.
Important: Before transferring any pension, check for valuable guarantees such as guaranteed annuity rates, guaranteed minimum pensions, or protected tax-free cash. These benefits cannot be replaced once surrendered. If your Quilter pension has a transfer value above £30,000 and includes defined benefits, you are legally required to take independent financial advice.
Pros of Quilter
Very wide fund range with over 3,500 options
Strong managed portfolio services
Comprehensive adviser-led pension solutions
Good retirement planning tools
Part of a well-established wealth management group
Cons of Quilter
Primarily adviser-led, not ideal for DIY
Platform charges can be complex
Not as well-known as consumer-facing brands
Charges higher than budget platforms
Customer service directed through advisers
Who Is Quilter Best For?
Quilter transfers are best suited for those working with a financial adviser who can access Quilter's comprehensive platform. Good for people wanting professionally managed pension investments with wide fund choice.
Transfer checklist: Before you transfer, gather your policy number, check for exit charges, confirm any guarantees, compare fees with your new provider, and ensure the receiving scheme can accept the transfer type. Allow 4-8 weeks typically for the process to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quilter pension transfers are typically arranged through a financial adviser. If you already have a Quilter policy, contact them directly. Your adviser will manage the transfer paperwork and liaise with your existing provider.
Quilter's platform charges range from 0.30% to 0.50% depending on the product and wrapper. Adviser charges apply on top. Fund charges vary widely depending on the funds selected. The total cost should be discussed with your financial adviser.
Quilter was previously known as Old Mutual Wealth and before that as Skandia. The company rebranded to Quilter in 2018. If you have an old Old Mutual or Skandia pension, it is now managed by Quilter and may benefit from their modern platform.
Some Quilter products can be managed directly, but their platform is primarily designed for adviser-led business. If you want a self-directed approach, you may find consumer-facing platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown or AJ Bell more suitable.
Yes, Quilter offers comprehensive drawdown options through their pension platform. Your financial adviser can set up and manage drawdown, including regular income payments and portfolio adjustments to support sustainable withdrawals.
Quilter is listed on the London Stock Exchange and manages over £100 billion in client assets. They are FCA-regulated and client investments are held separately from company assets. FSCS protection applies to qualifying investments.
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