Bringing your pensions together in one place is a big step towards gaining a clearer view of your retirement savings. But sometimes, transferring a pension isn’t as quick as people would hope. While many transfers run smoothly, some providers make the process slower than it needs to be. At Pension App, we think it’s important to be open about why this happens and how we support our customers when it does.
There are several reasons why a pension transfer might take longer than expected:
Outdated processes: Some providers still rely heavily on paper-based systems. That means documents need to be printed, posted, and processed before the transfer can move forward, slowing everything down.
Additional checks: Providers may ask for extra information, such as pension liberation questionnaires, to confirm that a transfer is legitimate. These checks are part of industry regulation, but in some cases they can add unnecessary delays if providers are slow to review completed forms.
Different standards across the industry: Not all pension providers follow the same processes. While some work quickly, others have their own rules and requirements, which can make the timing of transfers unpredictable.
For customers, delays can feel frustrating. When you want to see your pensions combined in one place, waiting for weeks or even months can feel like your money is stuck in limbo. A lack of clear updates can also add to the uncertainty.
Even though some delays are outside our control, Pension App is committed to making the transfer journey as smooth as possible. Our Transfer Specialists keep a close eye on your case and chase providers regularly to keep things moving. We make sure all documentation is submitted and chase providers if they do not send it out within the required timeframe. We keep you updated throughout, so you know what stage your transfer is at and what to expect next.
At Pension App, we believe combining your pensions should be straightforward, not stressful. While the wider industry still has work to do to improve transfer times, our focus is on giving you a clear, simple, and supportive experience every step of the way.
With pensions, your capital is at risk.