How To Withdraw Money From Mutual Funds

By Tked August •  Updated: 10/06/24 •  6 min read

Withdrawing money from mutual funds is crucial in managing one’s portfolio. Whether needed personally or to rebalance your investments, being informed of the right way of withdrawing your money from a mutual fund investment will maximize the value of those funds. The process of withdrawal in South African mutual funds is quite simple, but it is always good to be informed of the rest of the specifics involved to avoid delays or unexpected fees.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How To Withdraw Your Money From Mutual Funds

Generally, you must initiate a withdrawal by logging into your online mutual fund account provider or calling them directly. Most of these investment platforms have either a “redeem” or “withdrawal” option where you could even specify the number of units or value of money you wanted to withdraw. You can withdraw partially if you do not want to pull out the total invested amount. Once you have placed your withdrawal request, it is processed based on the cut-off times determined by the fund.

In general, withdrawals made before the cut-off time on a business day are processed at the closing NAV of that day. Subsequent requests are processed with the NAV of the following business day. The money gets wired into your bank account or investment account that you have designated once the request is processed, subject to a few business days for settlement.

Where Can You Deposit into an Old Mutual Money Account in South Africa?

Being an investor in mutual funds from Old Mutual, you should liquidate your investments and place them into your Old Mutual Money Account. This account has a flexible option whereby one can access cash while benefiting from things like competitive interest rates with ease in account management.

To put in its mutual fund proceeds, the redemption is equally easy for an Old Mutual Money Account. Upon raising your withdrawal request either on the Old Mutual platform or with your financial adviser, you need to indicate where you want your funds to be paid: your Old Mutual Money Account. This option is provided at setup on your withdrawal preferences, and when selected, the funds automatically drop into your account when the transaction is processed.

Alternatively, you can start an EFT and effect a manual transfer from another bank account if the mutual funds were paid into such an account. Just ensure you use the correct banking details for your Old Mutual Money Account to avoid delays. You can also visit any Old Mutual branch for assistance depositing money directly into the account.

How Are Mutual Funds Paid Out?

A highly nominalized payment system for withdrawing money from a mutual fund exists. The compensation is valued by valuing the units of the fund. This aligns with the date on which the withdrawal request is being processed. This is known as the Net Asset Value. It is derived from the overall value of the assets in a particular fund minus its liabilities. It’s then divided by the number of units outstanding at the close of each business day. Therefore, the actual value a person could receive would be based on the performance in the market.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

If you initiate a withdrawal, the fund manager approves the particular transaction and determines a cash value represented by your units. Example: Suppose the net asset value per unit is R10; if you withdraw 100 units, you get R1 000, less any tax or deduction that may apply.

Mutual fund distributions are typically made via EFT to the bank account on record with the mutual fund house. Certain fund houses offer an option to reinvest the amount withdrawn into another fund, thus providing investors with alternatives if they wish to switch funds rather than liquidate totally.

How Do I Transfer Money From Mutual Funds to My Bank Account?

The entire process is relatively easy. Once you have initiated the cashout, the next step will be determining how the money will reach your bank account. While you go through the process for withdrawal, every mutual fund platform will pop up a question asking for the bank account where it should deposit the money. If you provided bank account details at the initial investment, such money will be automatically repaid to this account.

It is always good to double-check this information to avoid any delay in receipt of the money. Most platforms will allow you to change or update the banking details you provide. Once you want the proceeds transferred to another bank, ensure you have prepared the exact account number and branch code for the transfer. The funds get settled through EFT, and the timing for reflection into your account may take around 2-5 business days due to its reliance on mutual fund processing and bank processing times.

Others might prefer to transfer their money into an investment account, such as the Old Mutual Money Account, where they can accrue the interest for their liquidated investments. You will select that account when you proceed to the money withdrawal procedure. Upon completing the transfer of monies, you will be contacted by the mutual fund provider with confirmation of the transaction result.

How Long Do You Wait Before You Can Cash Out a Mutual Fund?

The cashing out duration for any mutual fund in South Africa largely depends on the type of mutual fund applied for and the varying durations it takes the provider to process such. Many mutual funds will give you an open-ended time to cash out, but the request usually takes 2-5 business days to process. This time frame includes the time it takes to calculate the NAV for your units, process the request, and transfer the funds to your bank account.

Some mutual funds are not liquid and can only be redeemed at periodic intervals, which could be monthly or quarterly. Additional fees may be levied by the funds as a penalty or exit fees in case of withdrawal before a specific period. Hence, the terms and conditions of the fund need to be duly reviewed to understand any restrictions or fees for cashing out.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Invest in Netflix Shares in South Africa

How to Invest in Netflix Shares in South Africa

This post outlines how to buy Netflix shares in South Africa, how much it will cost, and finally, things to consider.

Fixed Income Investment Risks in South Africa

Fixed Income Investment Risks in South Africa

Fixed-income investment is always considered a safer alternative to equities because it is secure and promises returns.

How to Buy Shares on NYSE from South Africa

How to Buy Shares on NYSE from South Africa

This article will be a how-to on the necessary steps South Africans should take towards buying shares on the NYSE and crucial considerations.

Why Invest?

Why Invest?

This article examines why South Africans should invest, what they should invest, and what constitutes a good investment.

Internal Rate of Return [IRR] – Calculation

Internal Rate of Return [IRR] – Calculation

This broad-based guide examines how to calculate IRR, what it means, how different it is from ROI, and finally, what a good IRR will be.

Passive Funds: Are They The Right Choice?

Passive Funds: Are They The Right Choice?

But are they the right choice for South African investors? In a South African context, this article explains the benefits, differences, and advantages of passive funds.

How to Invest in a Mutual Fund and Save Tax

How to Invest in a Mutual Fund and Save Tax

Also, different kinds of mutual funds, such as equity, bond, and balanced funds, are available for investors based on what they can handle.

Top-Rated Property Investment Tips

Top-Rated Property Investment Tips

This guide will provide the adequate knowledge and skills to navigate the South African property market.

A Beginner’s Detailed Guide to Investing in South Africa

A Beginner’s Detailed Guide to Investing in South Africa

The guide is meant to offer insight fundamental to a beginner's investment in South Africa effectively. A Beginner's Detailed Guide to Investing in South Africa

How to Buy Shares on the JSE

How to Buy Shares on the JSE

This article aims to introduce you to the basics of the operations carried out within JSE, take you on buying your first share process,

What Is The Top-Performing Unit Trust In South Africa?

What Is The Top-Performing Unit Trust In South Africa?

This article shall discuss unit trust performance in South Africa by detailing unit trusts' profitability, top performers

10 Great Investing Hacks

10 Great Investing Hacks

This piece looks at ten practical investing hacks relevant to South Africans. These tips should help you make intelligent choices, steadily grow wealth

How to Pick the Right Mutual Fund Investment

How to Pick the Right Mutual Fund Investment

Each requires careful consideration of factors such as your venturing objectives, risk tolerance, and scheme performance history.

How to Buy Facebook Shares in South Africa

How to Buy Facebook Shares in South Africa

Through Internet trading networks and brokers, South Africans can quickly secure stocks in global corporations, diversifying their portfolios and exposing themselves to international markets.

6 Ways to Save Money as a Student

6 Ways to Save Money as a Student

This paper will outline some tips that will help students in South Africa save their cash to the best of their abilities and manage it effectively.