How to Merge PF Accounts – Complete Guide To PF Transfer And Account Consolidation

PfFeb 19, 20266 Min min read
LJ
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Key Takeaways
 

  • If you consolidate PF accounts, it creates a single retirement corpus and reduces administrative confusion. It makes future EPFO claims, transfers, and pension calculations much smoother.
     
  • You have to wait 3 days after your UAN activation to initiate a merger request. It typically takes about 7-15 days to complete the merger request. Ensure that your KYC has been updated, UAN is active, and Aadhaar is linked. 
     
  • You can find how to merge two PF accounts in one UAN online. You can also find how to merge 3 PF accounts in one UAN. The process for both of them is straightforward with EPFO if done correctly.


Bonus Tip: EPFO now allows instant UAN activation via the UMANG App using Face Authentication Technology (FAT). If you know how to merge PF accounts in Umang App, you can easily stay compliant and check PF details. 

Rahul from Chandigarh, an IT professional, learned how to merge PF accounts when switching jobs. He once joked, “PF merging is like merging code branches, when you are figuring out how to merge PF accounts.” It’s common when switching jobs in tech hubs like Mohali or Sector 17.

Think of PF accounts like Git branches in code repositories. Each job switch creates a new branch (PF account). If you merge PF accounts into a single branch (one UAN), it keeps your history tidy and avoids conflicts. It’s essential for a clean retirement savings record.

Rahul said, “I recently changed my job. I have two PF accounts under one UAN how to withdraw my savings is a mystery. I need to learn how to merge PF accounts under one UAN for smoother future withdrawals. I also want to know how many days it takes to merge two PF accounts online for planning my expenses accordingly.”

Requirements for Merging PF Accounts

Before understanding how to merge PF accounts, make sure you meet these prerequisites:

  • Active Universal Account Number (UAN): Your primary EPF identifier.
  • KYC updated and verified (Aadhaar, PAN, bank, mobile): Incomplete KYC blocks merging.
  • Registered mobile number linked to UAN: It is needed for OTP verification.
  • Old PF account numbers to be merged are listed.
  • Employer attestation (current or old) on transfer request: Speeds processing.

Once you’ve ticked all requirements, you’re set for how to merge PF accounts online smoothly. Ensure that any discrepancies are resolved before submission for a hassle-free experience.

Process to Merge PF Accounts

Here’s how to merge PF accounts in EPFO:

  • Log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN.
  • Go to Online Services, then “One Member for One EPF Account.”
  • Enter your UAN and registered mobile number, and click “Generate OTP.”
  • Input the OTP received on your phone.
  • Enter the old PF account details you want to consolidate.
  • Submit the request and await verification.

Alternatively, you can send an email to uanepf@epfindia.gov.in to deactivate your duplicate UANs. Then you can transfer old PF funds. Once submitted, your employer and EPFO will process it.

How to Merge PF Accounts (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps when you figure out how to merge two PF accounts in one UAN online:

  • Step 1: Visit EPFO Unified Portal (Member).
  • Step 2: Click ‘One Member - One EPF Account’ (Transfer Request).
  • Step 3: Fill in your UAN, mobile number, and do the OTP verification.
  • Step 4: List previous PF accounts that you need to merge.
  • Step 5: Agree and submit the request. (India TV News)
  • Step 6: Track status on the portal or UMANG app using your tracking ID.

You can merge PFs via the email merge method if multiple UAN issues persist. Once processed, all accounts will reflect under a single EPF record. Similarly, you can also find how to merge PF accounts in Umang app.

Reasons for Merging PF Accounts

Here’s why knowing how to merge PF accounts into one matters:
 

Reason

Why It Helps

Centralised Savings

All PF under one UAN, no scattered balance

Easier Withdrawals

Less paperwork to claim benefits and faster pension processing

Accurate Interest

Interest calculated on the full corpus


It is vital to know how to merge PF accounts to avoid confusion and lost retirement funds. If you know how to merge PF accounts of different companies, you won’t miss records.

Benefits of Merging PF Accounts

Once you learn how to merge PF accounts in UAN, the benefits are clear:
 

Benefit

Advantage

Source

Single PF Balance

No fragmented funds

Rahul no longer had confusion in identifying where his funds came from

Smoother Withdrawals

Faster claim settlements

Rahul could swiftly identify the PF Account number he wished to withdraw from without being confused with multiple PF Accounts.

Clean Service History

Useful for pension and tax

When Rahul retires, he can withdraw his savings as a single retirement corpus.


Keep all PF Accounts under one UAN to reduce admin hassles, minimise wait times, and ensure that you don’t miss out on interest.

After Merging PF Accounts

Once you are aware of how to merge PF accounts, here’s what happens:
 

Post-Merge Status

Outcome

Old PF inactive

Linked to the current UAN

Funds consolidated

Under a single account

Easier tracking

One passbook for all


You can now check your PF balance under one UAN and make withdrawals when eligible.

Conclusion

The process of figuring out how to merge PF accounts doesn’t have to be like debugging spaghetti code. Rahul from Chandigarh treated it like merging code branches, methodical and precise. You can find how to merge two PF accounts in one UAN online. You can also find how to merge 3 PF accounts in one UAN; the process remains the same. 

The key is to ensure your UAN is active, KYC updated, and details are correct. Most merges take around 7-15 days. Once completed, your PF balance and service history align under one roof. Think of it as clearing technical debt in your financial repo for smoother future claims and better retirement planning.

FAQs Related to How to Merge PF Accounts

I have heard about the “One Member - One EPF account.” Why is it important?
EPFO introduced it so members don’t juggle multiple PF accounts. If you merge PF accounts, it ensures a complete history under one UAN.

Can I merge PF accounts without employer help?
You can submit merge requests online, but employer approval speeds up the process. Some people email EPFO directly.

I have three PF accounts; how do I merge them at once?
You can submit a single request listing all three old PF accounts to merge under one UAN.

My merge request is “Pending at Field Office.” What now?
That means EPFO is verifying. It usually clears in 2-4 weeks. Raise a grievance if stuck.

How many days it takes to merge two PF accounts online?
It typically takes about 7-15 days after successful submission.

I have two PF accounts under one UAN how to withdraw without transferring after joining an exempted trust?
A full withdrawal requires a PF transfer; otherwise, only up to 75% of the advance withdrawal is allowed from the previous EPF.

Can I withdraw my old PF balance if two PF accounts are linked to one UAN?
Yes, withdrawal is possible after exit marking; it can be done online for the latest PF and offline for an older account if it has not been transferred.

 

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LoansJagat Team

LoansJagat Team

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‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.

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