Your bank just told you they do not offer medallion signature guarantees. Or they said they do, but you do not qualify. Either way, you need a stamp and you do not have one. This is one of the most common situations we see — and there are more options than most people realize.
Why Your Bank Said No
Before looking at alternatives, it helps to understand why this is happening. Banks decline medallion requests for several reasons, and it is rarely personal:
- They dropped the service entirely. Many banks stopped participating in medallion programs years ago. The liability is too high and the volume too low for it to make business sense.
- You do not meet their requirements. Most banks require an existing account relationship, often with a minimum of six months of history. Some require minimum balances.
- Your transaction is too complex. Estates, trusts, corporate transfers, and power of attorney situations carry extra risk. Many branches will not stamp these even for long-standing customers.
- The branch is not equipped. Even at banks that technically offer the service, not every branch has a trained and authorized medallion officer.
For a deeper look at this, see Why Is It So Hard to Get a Medallion Signature Guarantee?
Your Five Options
Option 1: Try a Different Branch or Bank
Best for: People with accounts at major national banks who were turned away by a single branch.
If you were declined at one branch, it is worth calling the bank’s main or regional branch before giving up. Larger branches are more likely to have trained staff. You can also try a different bank entirely — if you happen to have accounts at multiple institutions.
Pros: Free if you qualify. Same-day stamp possible. Cons: Same eligibility restrictions apply. You may spend days calling around only to get the same answer.
Option 2: Use Your Broker
Best for: People with active brokerage accounts at Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, or similar firms who need to transfer securities held on that platform.
Broker-dealers participate in medallion programs and may provide stamps for their account holders. The catch: most brokers will only stamp transactions involving their own platform. If your securities are held at a transfer agent like Computershare or EQ, your broker will likely decline.
Pros: Free for qualifying account holders. Fidelity Investor Centers can sometimes do same-day. Cons: Limited to broker-held securities. May require in-person visit. Complex transactions (estates, trusts) may still be declined.
See our detailed guides for Fidelity and Schwab.
Option 3: Try a Credit Union
Best for: People who are already credit union members and have a simple, low-value transfer.
Some credit unions still participate in medallion programs. They tend to be more accommodating than large banks, but their transaction limits are often lower and their familiarity with complex scenarios may be limited.
Pros: Often more personal service. May have lower requirements than big banks. Cons: Many credit unions do not offer the service at all. Transaction limits may be low. Staff may be unfamiliar with the process.
Option 4: Open a New Account Somewhere
Best for: People who are not in a hurry and want free future access to the service.
If you open an account at a bank that offers medallion guarantees, you will typically need to wait six months before you qualify. Some banks also require minimum balances.
Pros: Establishes a long-term relationship for future needs. Cons: Six-month wait. Account fees. Does not help with a time-sensitive transfer today.
Option 5: Use an Online Medallion Guarantee Service
Best for: Anyone who needs a stamp and does not meet the requirements at their bank or broker — especially for estates, trusts, corporate transfers, or time-sensitive situations.
Online medallion services are financial institutions that are members of recognized medallion programs and have built their operations specifically around this service. They exist because the traditional banking system has made medallion guarantees impractical for most people.
Pros: No account history required. No branch visit. All transaction types accepted. Clear timeline.
Cons: Not free — typically $300 and up.
Comparison Table
| Try Another Branch | Use Your Broker | Credit Union | Open New Account | Online Service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Free | Free (+ account fees) | From $300 |
| Eligibility | Existing customers | Account holders | Members | Anyone (after 6 months) | Anyone |
| Transaction types | Limited | Broker-held securities only | Limited | Limited | All types |
| Timeline | Days to weeks | Days to weeks | Days to weeks | 6+ months | Days |
| Estate/trust support | Often declined | Often declined | Limited | Varies | Full support |
How to Choose
If your situation is straightforward — a simple individual transfer with securities held at your broker — start with your broker or bank. It is free and may be quick.
If any of the following apply, an online service is likely your fastest path:
- Your bank declined or does not offer the service
- The transaction involves an estate, trust, or corporate entity
- Your securities are held at a transfer agent (Computershare, EQ, AST)
- You need the stamp on a specific timeline
- You do not have a qualifying account anywhere
How eSignature Guarantee Works
We are a STAMP-participating institution that provides medallion signature guarantees online. The process:
- Create an account and verify your identity — about 10-15 minutes
- Tell us about your transfer — our interactive questionnaire identifies your exact document requirements
- Submit your documents — upload everything through your account
- Compliance review — a dedicated officer reviews your submission
- Stamp applied, documents shipped — via 2-day shipping, with scanned copies by email
We handle all transaction types: individual accounts, estates, trusts, corporate entities, joint tenancy, and more. Starting at $300, with processing typically within 5 business days.
Our stamps are accepted by all major transfer agents — Computershare, EQ, AST, BNY Mellon, Continental, and others.