Fidelity's fee structure depends on the account type and service you use

Fidelity does charge fees, but not on every account or transaction. Most brokerage accounts have no account maintenance fee. However, you will pay fees for specific services: mutual funds with expense ratios, advisory services, certain trades, wire transfers, and inactive accounts. The amount varies by what you own and how you trade. Understanding which fees apply to your situation requires knowing what type of account you hold and what investments or services you use within it.

Fidelity's fee model is built around the idea that basic trading and account holding are free, but specialized services and products carry costs. A person who buys and holds stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in a standard brokerage account will pay no account fee. A person who holds mutual funds will pay the expense ratio built into each fund, which Fidelity does not set — the fund company does. A person who uses Fidelity's advisory services will pay an advisory fee on top of any fund expenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Fidelity brokerage accounts have no account maintenance fee, and stock and ETF trades are commission-free.
  • Mutual funds charge expense ratios that vary by fund; Fidelity does not set these, but you pay them whether you trade or hold.
  • Fidelity's advisory services (robo-advisor and managed accounts) charge a percentage of assets under management, typically 0.35% to 0.50% annually.
  • Wire transfers, inactive account fees, and certain specialty services carry separate charges that depend on the service and your account status.
  • Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s follow the same fee rules as brokerage accounts, with no account maintenance fee at Fidelity.

Trading and account maintenance fees

Fidelity charges no commission on stock trades, ETF trades, or options trades for most account holders. This applies to standard brokerage accounts, IRAs, and 401(k) rollovers. You can buy and sell as often as you want without a per-trade fee.

Account maintenance fees do not apply to most Fidelity accounts. However, if your account sits inactive (no trades, deposits, or withdrawals) for 12 consecutive months, Fidelity may charge an inactivity fee. The amount varies; contact Fidelity directly to confirm the current threshold for your account type. Accounts with regular activity or a minimum balance sometimes avoid this fee entirely.

Mutual fund expense ratios

When you buy a mutual fund through Fidelity, you pay an expense ratio — an annual percentage of your investment that covers the fund's operating costs. Fidelity does not set this rate; the fund company does. Expense ratios typically range from 0.05% to 1.00% or higher per year, depending on the fund. A fund with a 0.50% expense ratio costs you $50 per year on a $10,000 investment.

You pay the expense ratio whether you actively trade the fund or hold it for years. The cost is deducted automatically from the fund's value each day. Fidelity offers funds with low expense ratios, including its own Fidelity mutual funds and index funds, as well as funds from other companies. Comparing expense ratios before you buy is one way to reduce your costs.

Advisory and managed account fees

Fidelity offers robo-advisor services (automated portfolio management) and managed accounts (human advisor management). Both charge a percentage of the assets they manage for you, called an assets-under-management (AUM) fee. Fidelity's robo-advisor typically charges 0.35% annually; managed accounts may charge 0.50% or more, depending on the service level and account size.

These fees are separate from any expense ratios on the funds held within the account. If your robo-advisor account holds mutual funds, you pay both the AUM fee and the fund expense ratios. Some advisory services waive or reduce the AUM fee if you maintain a minimum balance, often $25,000 or higher. Ask Fidelity about fee waivers when you open an advisory account.

Wire transfers and other service fees

Fidelity charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers, typically around $25. Incoming wire transfers are usually free. International wire transfers cost more — often $35 to $50 — because they involve currency conversion and intermediary banks.

Other services that may carry fees include expedited delivery of documents, certain types of account transfers, and specialty trades. Fidelity also charges fees for margin accounts (borrowing money to invest) and for certain retirement account services. Check your account agreement or call Fidelity to confirm the current fee for any service you plan to use.

Retirement account fees

IRAs and 401(k) rollovers at Fidelity follow the same trading and account maintenance rules as brokerage accounts: no commission on trades, no account fee for active accounts. However, you still pay expense ratios on any mutual funds you hold, and you pay advisory fees if you use Fidelity's advisory services.

Some employers offer 401(k) plans through Fidelity, and those plans may have administrative fees set by the employer. These are separate from Fidelity's fees and are typically deducted from your account balance. Ask your employer's benefits department about any 401(k) fees before you enroll.

How to find your specific fees

Your Fidelity account statement lists all fees charged in the previous month or quarter. Log into your account online or call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 to review your statement. The statement breaks down trading fees, advisory fees, and expense ratios separately so you can see exactly what you paid and why.

Fidelity also publishes a fee schedule on its website that lists standard charges for common services. If you are considering opening an account or switching to a new service, ask Fidelity for a written estimate of the fees you will pay. This helps you compare costs before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fidelity charge a fee just to have an account?

No, Fidelity does not charge an account maintenance fee for most brokerage, IRA, or 401(k) accounts. However, accounts that remain inactive for 12 consecutive months may incur an inactivity fee. Keeping your account active with at least one transaction per year typically avoids this charge.

Why do I see a charge for a mutual fund I bought and haven't sold?

That charge is the mutual fund's expense ratio, deducted daily from the fund's value. It covers the fund's operating costs and is set by the fund company, not Fidelity. You pay it automatically as long as you own the fund, regardless of whether you trade it.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

Fidelity discloses all fees in your account agreement and on your monthly statement. There are no hidden charges. However, some fees apply only when you use a specific service — for example, wire transfer fees only apply if you request a wire. Review your statement monthly to see what you are paying for.

Can I avoid fees by using Fidelity?

You can avoid many fees by holding stocks and ETFs in a standard account and avoiding advisory services. You cannot avoid expense ratios on mutual funds, but you can choose low-cost index funds. Wire transfers and other specialty services carry fees that you can avoid by using other transfer methods when possible.

Do Fidelity's fees change?

Fidelity can change its fees with notice. Expense ratios on mutual funds can change when the fund company adjusts them. Check your account statements regularly and review Fidelity's fee schedule annually to stay informed about any changes that affect your accounts.