How to sell stock on Fidelity

To sell stock on Fidelity, log into your account, find the stock in your portfolio, and use the "Sell" button to enter how many shares you want to sell and at what price. The order goes to the market immediately, and Fidelity executes it when the price matches. The cash from the sale lands in your account within two business days, though you can use it to buy other investments right away.

The exact steps depend on whether you use Fidelity's website, mobile app, or phone. All three routes work the same way — you identify the holding, choose a sell order type, and confirm. Most people use the website or app because they're faster than calling.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Fidelity account, navigate to your portfolio, and click the "Sell" button next to the stock you want to sell.
  • You must specify the number of shares and choose an order type — usually "market order" to sell immediately at the current price, or "limit order" to set a minimum price you'll accept.
  • Market orders execute within seconds to minutes during market hours; limit orders wait until your price is reached or the market closes.
  • Cash from the sale settles in your account within two business days, but you can use it to buy other investments the same day you sell.
  • Fidelity charges no commission on stock sales, but you may owe capital gains tax on any profit when you file your taxes.

Selling through the Fidelity website

Open Fidelity.com and log in with your username and password. Click "Positions" or "Portfolio" — the exact name depends on your account type, but it's usually in the left menu or under "Accounts." You'll see a list of every stock you own with the number of shares and current value.

Find the stock you want to sell and click on it or look for a "Sell" link next to its name. A sell order form will open. Enter the number of shares you want to sell — you can sell all of them or just some. Then choose your order type: "Market order" sells at the best available price right now, usually within seconds. "Limit order" lets you set a minimum price — the sale only happens if the stock reaches that price or higher. For most people, market order is simpler and faster.

Review the order details, including the estimated proceeds (the amount you'll receive after the sale), and click "Sell" or "Submit Order." Fidelity will confirm the order and show you a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to reference the trade later.

Selling through the Fidelity mobile app

Open the Fidelity app and tap "Portfolio" or "Accounts" at the bottom of the screen. You'll see your holdings listed with current prices. Tap the stock you want to sell, then tap "Sell" or the trade icon (usually a pencil or arrow).

Enter the number of shares and choose your order type the same way as on the website. The app will show you the estimated proceeds before you confirm. Tap "Review Order" or "Submit," check the details one more time, and tap "Confirm" or "Sell." You'll get a confirmation number on screen and usually a notification when the order executes.

Selling by phone

Call Fidelity's trading line at 1-800-343-3548. A representative will ask which stock you want to sell, how many shares, and what order type you prefer. They'll read back the order details and execute it once you confirm. This route takes longer than the website or app — usually 10 to 20 minutes — but works if you prefer speaking to someone or have questions about the order.

Have your account number ready and know the stock symbol (like AAPL for Apple or MSFT for Microsoft). If you don't know the symbol, tell the representative the company name and they'll find it.

Market orders versus limit orders

A market order sells your shares at the best price available right now. If you place it during market hours (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays), it usually executes within seconds. The price you receive might be slightly different from the price you saw on screen because stock prices move constantly, but the difference is usually just a few cents per share. Market orders are best when you want to sell quickly and don't care much about getting the absolute highest price.

A limit order lets you set a minimum price. The order sits in the market and only executes if the stock reaches that price or higher. If the stock never reaches your price before market close, the order expires at the end of the day (or stays open if you set it to "good-til-canceled"). Limit orders are useful if you want to wait for a specific price or if you're selling after hours, when prices are less predictable. The trade-off is that your order might never execute if the stock doesn't reach your price.

When the sale settles and when you can use the money

Stock sales settle in two business days — meaning the cash officially lands in your account two business days after you sell. If you sell on a Monday, the cash settles on Wednesday. If you sell on a Friday, it settles on Tuesday (because the weekend doesn't count as business days).

However, Fidelity lets you use the cash to buy other investments the same day you sell, even though it hasn't officially settled yet. This is called "buying power." If you sell $5,000 worth of stock on Monday, you can use that $5,000 to buy something else on Monday, even though the cash won't officially be in your account until Wednesday. Just know that if the new purchase loses value before Wednesday, you could end up owing money.

Taxes and what happens after you sell

Fidelity charges no commission on stock sales — you keep all the proceeds except for any taxes you owe. However, if you sold the stock for more than you paid for it, you'll owe capital gains tax when you file your taxes. If you sold it for less, you may be able to deduct the loss.

Fidelity tracks your cost basis (the price you paid) and will show you the gain or loss on each trade. At the end of the year, Fidelity sends you a tax form (Form 1099-B) listing all your sales. You'll report these on your tax return. Short-term capital gains (stocks held less than a year) are taxed as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains (stocks held more than a year) usually get a lower tax rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want to sell only some of my shares?

Enter the number of shares you want to sell in the order form — you don't have to sell all of them. If you own 100 shares and enter 50, you'll sell 50 and keep 50. The remaining shares stay in your account at no cost.

Can I sell stock after the market closes?

You can place an order after hours (4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern), but it won't execute until the market opens the next morning. Prices during after-hours trading are less predictable, so use a limit order if you sell after hours to make sure you get a price you're comfortable with.

What if I change my mind after I place a sell order?

If the order hasn't executed yet, you can cancel it through your account. Go to "Orders" or "Pending Orders," find the sell order, and click "Cancel." Once the order executes, you can't undo it — the stock is sold and the cash is yours. You'd have to buy the stock back if you want it again.

Do I pay a fee to sell stock on Fidelity?

No. Fidelity charges no commission on stock sales. You keep all the proceeds minus any taxes you owe on gains. Some brokers charge per trade, but Fidelity doesn't.

How do I know if my sell order went through?

Fidelity shows a confirmation number immediately after you submit the order. You can also check "Orders" or "History" in your account to see all past trades and their execution prices. You'll also receive an email confirmation, though it may take a few minutes to arrive.