How to open a Fidelity account online

You can open a Fidelity brokerage account entirely online in about 10 minutes. Go to fidelity.com, click "Open an Account," and choose the account type you want — most people start with an individual brokerage account. You'll enter your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, employment status, and annual income. Fidelity will verify this information against public records and may ask follow-up questions about your work or investment experience.

After you submit your personal details, you'll link a bank account for deposits. Fidelity accepts transfers from checking or savings accounts at any U.S. bank. You don't need to fund the account immediately — you can open it empty and add money later. Once Fidelity confirms your identity (usually within one business day), your account is active and you can begin trading or investing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Fidelity account online by providing your name, Social Security number, address, and employment information.
  • Fidelity verifies your identity against public records and may ask questions about your work or investment background.
  • You must link a U.S. bank account for deposits, but you don't have to fund it on the day you open the account.
  • Account activation typically takes one business day after you complete the online form.
  • Different account types (individual, joint, IRA, custodial) have different requirements and tax treatment.

What information you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the online form. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. Have your employer name and job title ready, along with your annual income (an estimate is fine). If you're self-employed, you can enter your business name and estimated income.

You'll also need a bank account to link for deposits. Have your routing number and account number from your bank's website or a check. Fidelity accepts transfers from any U.S. bank account in your name. If you don't have a U.S. bank account, you cannot open a Fidelity account online — you would need to call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 to explore other options.

Account types and what each one is for

A standard individual brokerage account is the most common choice. You own the account alone, can trade stocks and funds, and pay taxes on any gains or dividends each year. There are no contribution limits and no age restrictions.

A joint account is owned by two people with equal rights. Both owners can trade and withdraw money. Taxes are reported on both owners' returns. You'll need the other person's Social Security number and consent to set this up.

An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) has tax advantages but strict rules. You can contribute only a set amount per year (the limit changes annually), and you cannot withdraw money before age 59½ without penalties. A Traditional IRA lets you deduct contributions now and pay taxes later; a Roth IRA takes after-tax money now and lets withdrawals be tax-free later. IRAs require you to be under age 73½ to contribute to a Traditional IRA, with some exceptions.

A custodial account is opened by an adult for a minor. The adult controls the account until the child reaches age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state). Earnings are taxed at the child's rate, which is often lower.

What happens after you submit your application

Fidelity sends a confirmation email within minutes of your submission. Check your email (including spam folders) for a link to verify your email address. This step is required before your account becomes active.

Fidelity then verifies your identity, usually within one business day. If the information you provided matches public records, you'll receive another email saying your account is approved and ready to use. If there's a mismatch — for example, your address doesn't match what's on file — Fidelity will email you asking for clarification or additional documents like a utility bill or driver's license photo.

Once your account is active, you can log in, link your bank account for deposits, and begin trading. You don't have to fund the account right away. Many people open an account and wait weeks or months before making their first deposit.

Linking your bank account for deposits

After your account is approved, log in and go to "Accounts & Trade" then "Transfers." Select "Link a bank account" and enter your routing number and account number. Fidelity will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within one to two business days.

Check your bank statement for these deposits and return to Fidelity to confirm the amounts. Once you confirm, your bank account is linked and you can transfer money to Fidelity whenever you want. Transfers typically take three to five business days to arrive in your Fidelity account.

You can link multiple bank accounts if you want to transfer from different sources. You can also remove a linked bank account at any time through the same menu.

Identity verification and what to do if you're denied

Fidelity uses automated systems to verify your identity against Social Security Administration records, credit bureaus, and other public databases. Most people pass this check instantly. If Fidelity cannot verify you automatically, they'll email you asking for documents.

Common reasons for a request for more information include a name change, a recent move, or a mismatch between what you entered and what's in public records. Fidelity typically asks for a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address. Upload these through your account portal or email them to the address Fidelity provides.

If Fidelity denies your application, they'll explain why in writing. Reasons include being under 18, not having a valid Social Security number, or failing anti-money-laundering checks. If you believe the denial was an error, call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need money to open a Fidelity account?

No. You can open an account with zero dollars and fund it later. Many people open accounts weeks before making their first deposit. You only need a linked bank account to transfer money when you're ready.

How long does it take to open an account?

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. Identity verification usually happens within one business day. If Fidelity asks for additional documents, the process may take three to seven business days depending on how quickly you respond.

Can I open a Fidelity account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Non-citizens with these numbers can open accounts. Call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 if you have an ITIN and encounter issues during the online process.

What if I enter the wrong information by mistake?

If you notice an error after submitting, contact Fidelity immediately at 1-800-343-3548. Small errors (like a typo in your address) can usually be corrected before or during verification. Major errors (like the wrong Social Security number) may require closing the account and starting over.

Can I open multiple accounts at Fidelity?

Yes. You can have an individual brokerage account, an IRA, and a custodial account all at the same time. Each account has its own login and separate tax treatment. You manage them all from one Fidelity login.