What You Need to Start a Fidelity Account

Opening a Fidelity account takes about 10 minutes online and requires a few pieces of information upfront. You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a bank account for transfers or a debit card. Fidelity does not require a minimum deposit to open most account types, though some investment products have minimums once you are ready to invest.

You can open an account entirely through Fidelity's website or mobile app without calling anyone. The process walks you through identity verification, which Fidelity handles instantly in most cases. If you prefer to speak with someone, Fidelity also offers phone support during business hours, but the online route is faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and a bank account or debit card to open an account online in about 10 minutes.
  • Fidelity offers several account types — individual brokerage, IRA, joint, and custodial — and you choose which one during signup.
  • Identity verification happens instantly for most applicants; some people are asked to upload documents or call to confirm their identity.
  • After your account opens, you can transfer money from your bank, deposit a check by photo, or link your bank account for automatic transfers.
  • Fidelity charges no account maintenance fees or inactivity fees, though some mutual funds and ETFs carry their own expense ratios.

Step-by-Step Account Opening Process

Start at fidelity.com and click "Open an Account" in the top navigation. You will be asked to choose your account type: individual brokerage, IRA (Traditional or Roth), joint, or custodial for a minor. Pick the one that matches your situation. If you are unsure, individual brokerage is the standard choice for most people who want to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Fidelity will ask for your Social Security number and employment status. Then you will create a username and password — Fidelity requires a strong password with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol. You will also set up two-factor authentication, which sends a code to your phone or email when you log in from a new device.

After that, Fidelity runs an instant identity check using the information you provided. Most people are approved immediately and can start using their account right away. If Fidelity cannot verify you instantly, you will be asked to upload a photo of your ID or call their verification team — this usually resolves within one business day.

Choosing Your Account Type

An individual brokerage account is the most common. You own the account and all investments in it. There are no contribution limits, no age restrictions, and no rules about when you can withdraw money. You pay taxes on dividends and capital gains each year.

A Traditional IRA lets you contribute up to $7,000 per year (or $8,000 if you are 50 or older). Contributions may be tax-deductible depending on your income and whether you have a workplace retirement plan. You cannot withdraw money before age 59½ without a penalty, but the money grows tax-free until you do. You must start taking withdrawals at age 73.

A Roth IRA also has a $7,000 annual limit. You contribute after-tax money, so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. You can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) anytime without penalty. There is no age limit on contributions, and you never have to take withdrawals.

A joint account is owned by two people, both of whom can trade and withdraw. A custodial account is for a minor; a parent or guardian controls it until the child reaches the age of majority in their state (usually 18 or 21).

Funding Your Account

After your account opens, you can add money in several ways. The fastest is electronic bank transfer: link your checking or savings account, and Fidelity pulls money directly. This usually takes one to three business days. You can set up recurring transfers if you want to invest regularly.

You can also deposit a check by photo using the Fidelity mobile app — take a picture of the front and back, and the check clears in one to two business days. Wire transfers are available but cost $15 and are usually only worth it for large deposits. Debit card deposits are instant but limited to $10,000 per transaction.

Do not send a check by mail unless Fidelity specifically instructs you to — it is slow and unnecessary. Once money lands in your account, it sits in a cash sweep account (currently earning interest) until you invest it.

What Happens After You Open Your Account

Your account is live immediately after verification, even if you have not funded it yet. You can explore the research tools, set up watchlists, and read Fidelity's educational content. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and a link to log in.

Fidelity will mail you a debit card tied to your account if you want one — useful for withdrawing cash from ATMs. You can also set up a linked external bank account for transfers. Your account statement is available online; Fidelity no longer mails paper statements by default.

If you have questions after opening, Fidelity's support team is available by phone, chat, or email. Phone support hours vary by account type but generally run 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Account Fees and Costs

Fidelity charges no account maintenance fees, no inactivity fees, and no fees to open or close an account. Stock and ETF trades are commission-free. Mutual fund trades are also free if you buy Fidelity's own funds or funds from certain partner companies; some outside mutual funds carry transaction fees.

You will pay expense ratios on funds you own — these are annual percentages that come out automatically and vary by fund. For example, a fund with a 0.05% expense ratio costs $5 per year on a $10,000 investment. Fidelity's own index funds tend to have low ratios (often 0.03% to 0.10%), while actively managed funds are higher.

If you use margin (borrowing money to invest), Fidelity charges interest on the borrowed amount. If you hold certain investments or use advisory services, additional fees may apply — but these are optional and not part of a basic brokerage account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Fidelity account?

The online process takes about 10 minutes. Identity verification is instant for most people. If Fidelity needs to verify your identity manually, it takes one business day. You can start trading as soon as your account is open, even before money arrives.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

No. Most Fidelity accounts have no minimum deposit. Some investment products — like certain mutual funds or managed portfolios — have minimums of $2,500 or more, but you do not need to invest in those. You can open an account with zero dollars and fund it later.

Can I open multiple accounts with Fidelity?

Yes. You can have an individual brokerage account, an IRA, and a joint account all at the same time. Each is separate and has its own login, though you can manage them all from one dashboard. Some people keep a brokerage account for short-term trading and an IRA for retirement savings.

What if I cannot verify my identity online?

If instant verification fails, Fidelity will ask you to upload a photo of your government ID or call their verification team. This usually resolves within one business day. You can still use your account while verification is pending; you just cannot transfer money out until it is complete.

Can I transfer money from another brokerage to Fidelity?

Yes. Fidelity offers free transfers of existing investments from other brokerages. You start an "incoming transfer" in your Fidelity account, and Fidelity handles the paperwork with your old broker. The process usually takes five to seven business days. Cash transfers are faster — you can withdraw from your old account and deposit to Fidelity in a few days.