General Investment Accounts
Use individual and joint accounts to work toward any investment goal.
If you have money just sitting in a low-yielding bank account, it may not be doing much to help you reach your financial goals.
A general investment account may offer more potential to get your money working harder for you—while still offering flexibility to access your money when you need it.
Investing with American Century Investments®
You can create a unique investment portfolio with a company that’s as committed to your financial success as you are. From our broad range of investment options to our contributions to the world at large, American Century Investments believes in making a difference in the lives of others.
Investment Opportunities
Build a diversified portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon and investment goals.
Make an Impact
When you invest with us, you can also invest in the future of others. Together we can become a powerful force for good.
Personal Financial Advice
Choose how you want work with us—from a one-time appointment to ongoing planning.
Which Types of Accounts Are Available?
You can set up a general investment account with shared ownership or create one in your name alone. These accounts are generally taxable and can help you reach your personal financial goals—whether you’re investing for specific goals like retirement or college or simply looking to build wealth.
Individual Account
Individual accounts have one owner.
Joint Account
Joint accounts have two or more owners.
Additional Details
All account owners must be age 18 or older and a U.S. citizen or resident alien of the U.S. or one of its territories.
Initial investment. The minimum to open a mutual fund account is $2,500 per fund or $500* if you establish automatic investments of at least $100 a month. Some funds may require higher minimums. Brokerage account minimums start at $2,500 but depend on the account type.
Additional investments. The minimum for each subsequent investment is $50. American Century Investments also offers automatic investment plans to help you reach your financial goals.
Distributions
Capital gains. All funds pay any capital gains distributions annually in December. Some stock funds pay twice per year in March and December.
Dividends. Most stock funds pay any dividends annually in December. Asset allocation/balanced funds and some income-producing stock funds pay any dividends quarterly, while most bond funds pay dividends monthly. Money market funds accrue dividends daily and pay them monthly.
Taxes
Fund distributions. Dividends and capital gains distributed by the fund each year are taxable. The tax rate varies depending on your tax bracket and the type of income distributed.
Sales and exchanges. Capital gains from the sale or exchange of shares are taxable. The tax rate varies depending on your tax bracket and how long you owned the shares.
Please consult your financial planner or tax advisor for advice regarding your situation.
Funds held directly with American Century Investments: If your total investments are below a certain threshold, your account will be subject to an account maintenance fee. Refer to the Service Options flyer for details about this fee, including how you can have the fee waived.
American Century Brokerage: A $50 annual custodial fee is charged per account. This fee is waived for Platinum, Gold and Silver Priority Investors or if the balance of the account is over $10,000. See Fees and Commissions for more information.
For more information, see Understanding Our Account Maintenance Fee.
What Are My Investment Options?
You can open an individual or joint account in a mutual fund or in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or other investment vehicle through our brokerage service.
Mutual Funds
Select from a variety of no-load mutual funds based on your risk tolerance and investment objectives.
ETFs
You can open an individual or joint account in a mutual fund or in an ETF or other investment vehicle through our brokerage service.
Brokerage
Choose from more than 10,000 mutual funds from other fund families, as well as ETFs, publicly traded stocks, bonds and more.
Ready to Invest?
We offer fully diversified portfolios, or you can build your own. Start your account application now and choose your investments.
Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
American Century's advisory services are provided by American Century Investments Private Client Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor. These advisory services provide discretionary investment management for a fee. The amount of the fee and how it is charged depend on the advisory service you select. American Century’s financial consultants do not receive a portion or a range of the advisory fee paid. Contact us to learn more about the different advisory services. All investing involves the risk of losing money.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: American Century Companies, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax advice. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, in connection with the promotion, marketing or recommendation by anyone unaffiliated with American Century Companies, Inc. of any of the matters addressed herein or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for more detailed information or for advice regarding your individual situation.
This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal or tax advice.
Investor Class Shares: Minimum initial investment is $1,000 for IRA and CESA accounts, and $2,500 for non-retirement accounts, but these minimums are waived with an initial investment of at least $500 per account and automatic investments of at least $100 per month. Non-Retirement Accounts: If your account balance falls below the minimum, or if you cancel your automatic monthly investment plan prior to reaching the minimum, American Century Investments may redeem the account and send the proceeds to you. Prior to doing so, we will notify you and give you 90 days to meet the minimum or reinstate your automatic monthly investment plan.
Diversification does not assure a profit nor does it protect against loss of principal.
Brokerage Services are provided by American Century Brokerage, a division of American Century Investment Services, Inc., registered broker/dealer, member FINRA, SIPC .