What is a vested?

Vested

Vested means owned outright. Money taken from paychecks into a 401(k) (definition, opens in a new tab) is always fully vested. An employer's match often vests over a few years of work, on a schedule the plan sets. Leaving the job before then can mean giving up the unvested part of the match.

Where does this site use it?

• What does cashing out my 401(k) cost?

Related terms

• 401(k)

General education, not financial advice.