The basic steps to connect Fidelity to your bank
To link your Fidelity account to your bank account, you log into Fidelity's website or mobile app, go to the Account Transfers or Funding section, and add your bank as an external account. Fidelity will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number, then send two small test deposits to verify you own that account. Once you confirm those amounts, the link is active and you can move money between Fidelity and your bank.
The whole process takes about five to seven business days from start to finish, though most of that time is waiting for the test deposits to arrive. The actual linking steps take less than ten minutes.
You will need your bank account number, routing number, and login credentials for your bank (though Fidelity no longer requires you to give them your password directly). If you do not know your routing number, you can find it on a check, call your bank, or search your bank's name on the American Bankers Association routing number lookup tool.
Key Takeaways
- Fidelity requires two small test deposits to verify your bank account ownership before the link becomes active.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
- The verification process takes five to seven business days because the test deposits must clear.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between Fidelity and your bank account for free using Fidelity's transfer tools.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to a single Fidelity account if you need to move money from different sources.
Where to find the linking option in Fidelity
On Fidelity's website, log in and look for "Account Transfers" or "Funding" in the main menu. The exact name varies depending on which Fidelity product you use — if you have a brokerage account, it may say "Transfers & Payments." If you have a retirement account like an IRA, it may be under "Contributions" or "Funding Options."
In the Fidelity mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then look for "Account Transfers," "Move Money," or "Funding." Once you find it, select "Add External Account" or "Link Bank Account." Fidelity will walk you through naming the account (for example, "My Checking") and entering your bank details.
If you cannot find the option, call Fidelity's customer service at 1-800-343-3548. They can walk you through the process or link the account for you over the phone, though you will still need to verify the test deposits yourself.
What information Fidelity needs from you
Fidelity asks for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and your bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code unique to your bank and the branch where your account is held.
To find your routing number, look at the bottom left of any check you have — the first nine digits are the routing number. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number, or visit your bank's website and search for "routing number." Most banks also list it in their mobile app under account details.
Fidelity no longer asks you to provide your bank password. Instead, they use a secure connection to verify your account without storing your login information. This is safer than the old method and means you do not have to worry about Fidelity having access to your bank login.
How the test deposit verification works
After you enter your bank details, Fidelity sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your bank account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to three business days. You then log back into Fidelity and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits.
Once you confirm the amounts, Fidelity knows you own that bank account and the link is complete. The test deposits are yours to keep — Fidelity does not ask you to return them. Some people use them as a small reward for completing the process; others leave them in the account.
If the test deposits do not arrive within three business days, check that you entered your account number and routing number correctly. If they are correct, contact your bank to ask if there are any blocks on incoming transfers. Some banks flag small deposits from unfamiliar sources as suspicious. Once your bank clears it, the deposits should arrive within one business day.
Moving money after the link is active
Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can transfer money between Fidelity and your bank. On Fidelity's website, go back to Account Transfers and select "Transfer Funds." Choose whether you want to move money from your bank to Fidelity (a deposit) or from Fidelity to your bank (a withdrawal).
Enter the amount and select the date you want the transfer to happen. Fidelity offers next-business-day transfers for most accounts, though some retirement accounts have longer hold periods. The transfer is free — Fidelity does not charge a fee for moving money to or from a linked bank account.
Money typically arrives within one to three business days, depending on your bank and the direction of the transfer. Transfers initiated on a weekend or holiday are processed the next business day. If you need money urgently, call Fidelity to ask if they can expedite the transfer or if there are any faster options for your account type.
Linking multiple bank accounts to one Fidelity account
You can link more than one bank account to your Fidelity account. This is useful if you have checking and savings accounts at different banks, or if you want to keep personal and business accounts separate. Each bank account goes through the same verification process with test deposits.
To add another account, go back to the Account Transfers section and select "Add External Account" again. Name it clearly so you do not mix them up when you are transferring money — for example, "Chase Checking" or "Savings Account." Fidelity will send new test deposits to verify this account, and the process repeats.
You can remove a linked account at any time from the same Account Transfers menu. Fidelity will ask you to confirm, then the link is deleted. Any pending transfers to or from that account will be cancelled, so make sure you do not have money in transit before you remove it.
What to do if the link fails or gets stuck
If Fidelity rejects your account information, double-check that your routing number and account number are correct. A single wrong digit will cause the link to fail. Call your bank if you are unsure, or look at a recent check or bank statement.
If the test deposits arrive but you cannot confirm them in Fidelity, log out and log back in to refresh your account. Sometimes the confirmation screen does not load properly on the first try. If it still does not work, call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 and they can confirm the deposits for you.
If you see an error message like "Account not found" or "Routing number invalid," your bank may have flagged the transfer as suspicious. Contact your bank and tell them you are linking your account to Fidelity. They can remove any blocks and allow the test deposits through. After that, try linking again in Fidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account to Fidelity?
The linking process itself takes about ten minutes, but the full verification takes five to seven business days because you have to wait for the test deposits to arrive and clear. Once you confirm the test deposit amounts, the link is active immediately.
Is it safe to link my bank account to Fidelity?
Yes. Fidelity uses encryption and does not store your bank password. The test deposit method is actually safer than older methods because it proves you own the account without giving Fidelity access to your login credentials. Your bank and Fidelity both have security measures to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Can I link a bank account that is not in my name?
No. Fidelity requires that the bank account owner match the Fidelity account owner. If you want to transfer money from someone else's account, they would need to link their own bank account to their own Fidelity account, or you would need to set up a power of attorney or joint account ownership with your bank.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
Fidelity will reject the link and ask you to re-enter it. The test deposits will not be sent to the wrong bank. You can try again immediately with the correct routing number. If you are unsure of the correct number, call your bank or check a check or bank statement.
Can I transfer money on weekends or holidays?
You can schedule a transfer on a weekend or holiday, but Fidelity will not process it until the next business day. The transfer will then take one to three business days to reach your bank, so a Friday transfer might not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week.