Background: Self-association is an intrinsic property of exchangeable apolipoproteins but an under-explored feature of the major protein of good cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I. Result: Different degrees of apolipoprotein A-I self-association exhibit distinct in vitro lipid remodeling and cellular lipid release efficiencies. Conclusion: Self-association of apolipoprotein A-I modulates the biogenesis of high density lipoprotein. Significance: This is the first study to demonstrate that self-association of apolipoprotein A-I attunes key steps in reverse cholesterol transport.