What you need to open a Fidelity account

You can open a Fidelity brokerage account online in about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a funding method—a bank account or existing investment account to transfer money from. Fidelity offers several account types: individual taxable accounts, IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and custodial accounts for minors. The type you choose depends on whether you are saving for retirement or general investing.

The entire process happens on Fidelity's website or through their mobile app. You do not need to visit a branch or call anyone to complete the basic setup, though Fidelity's phone support is available if you get stuck or have questions about which account type fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open most Fidelity accounts online without a minimum deposit, though some account types have specific requirements.
  • The application takes about 10 minutes and requires your ID, Social Security number, address proof, and a bank account to link.
  • Fidelity will verify your identity electronically; approval is usually instant, though some applications take up to one business day.
  • After approval, you can fund your account by linking a bank account, transferring from another brokerage, or rolling over a retirement account.
  • Different account types—taxable, IRA, 401(k) rollover—have different tax treatment and withdrawal rules, so choose based on your savings goal.

Step 1: Choose your account type before you start

Fidelity offers different account structures, and picking the right one before you begin the application saves time. A taxable brokerage account is the simplest: you can invest any amount, withdraw anytime, and pay taxes on gains and dividends each year. An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is for retirement savings and offers tax advantages—either upfront deductions (Traditional IRA) or tax-free growth (Roth IRA)—but you cannot withdraw before age 59½ without penalty. A 401(k) rollover account is for moving money from an old employer retirement plan into Fidelity. A custodial account lets you invest on behalf of a minor.

If you are unsure which fits your situation, Fidelity's website has a brief questionnaire, or you can call their phone line to talk through the options. The account type does not lock you in forever—you can open multiple accounts later—but starting with the right one means your money goes into the account that matches your goal.

Step 2: Gather your documents and information

Before you begin the online application, have these items ready: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current street address, and the routing and account number of a bank account you want to link to Fidelity. If you are rolling over a 401(k), you will also need the account number or contact information for your old plan.

Fidelity uses this information to verify your identity electronically. The address you provide must match what is on file with your ID; if you recently moved, update your ID first or be ready to provide a recent utility bill or lease as proof of your current address. Having everything in front of you before you start the application prevents delays and keeps the process moving.

Step 3: Complete the online application

Go to Fidelity.com and click "Open an Account." You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Fidelity will then ask about your employment status, annual income, and investment experience—these questions determine which account features you can access and whether Fidelity needs to collect additional information for regulatory reasons. Answer honestly; Fidelity uses this data to comply with federal rules, not to reject you.

Next, you will choose your account type and link a bank account for funding. Fidelity will ask for your bank's routing number and your account number; this link lets you transfer money into your Fidelity account. You will also set up a username and password for logging in. At the end, review all the information you entered, then submit the application.

Step 4: Verify your identity and wait for approval

After you submit, Fidelity verifies your identity electronically using the information you provided. Most applications are approved instantly. If Fidelity needs more information—for example, if your address does not match their records—they will send you an email or text message asking you to confirm details or upload a document. Check your email and phone for messages from Fidelity within a few hours of applying.

In rare cases, approval takes up to one business day. You will receive a confirmation email once your account is open. Do not close your browser or refresh the page during verification; wait for the final confirmation screen or email before assuming the process is complete.

Step 5: Fund your account and start investing

Once your account is approved, you can transfer money into it. The most common method is an ACH transfer from your linked bank account, which typically takes three to five business days to complete. You can also transfer money from another brokerage account (this usually takes five to seven business days) or roll over a retirement account from a previous employer.

After the money arrives in your Fidelity account, you can buy stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or bonds. If you are not sure what to invest in, Fidelity offers target-date funds (which automatically adjust as you approach retirement) and robo-advisor services that build a portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance. You do not have to invest immediately; you can leave the money in your account's cash position and invest later.

What happens if your application is denied or delayed

Fidelity rarely denies account applications, but delays happen when identity verification fails or when additional information is needed. If you receive a message that verification could not be completed, check that your name, address, and Social Security number match your ID exactly. If there is a mismatch, you may need to upload a copy of your ID or a recent address document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).

If your application is stuck, call Fidelity's phone support at 1-800-343-3548. They can see where the application is in the process and tell you what information is missing. Do not re-apply; contact support instead, because multiple applications can slow things down further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need money to open a Fidelity account?

No. Most Fidelity accounts have no minimum deposit to open. You can create the account and fund it later, though some specific investment products (like certain mutual funds) may have minimums once you are ready to invest.

How long does it take to open an account?

The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Identity verification is usually instant, but can take up to one business day. Once approved, you can start investing immediately, though money transfers from your bank take three to five business days to arrive.

Can I open an account on my phone?

Yes. Fidelity's mobile app lets you complete the entire application from your phone. You may need to upload a photo of your ID, so make sure your phone camera works and the lighting is clear.

What if I want to move money from another brokerage into Fidelity?

Fidelity can transfer your existing investments from another brokerage through a process called an ACAT transfer (Automated Customer Account Transfer). This usually takes five to seven business days. You can start this transfer after your Fidelity account is open; Fidelity will contact your old brokerage directly.

Is there a fee to open a Fidelity account?

No. Opening an account is free. Fidelity makes money from trading commissions and fund management fees, not from account opening fees. Some investments carry their own fees, but the account itself costs nothing.