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 bank account to link for deposits. Fidelity offers several account types — individual taxable accounts, IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and custodial accounts for minors — and the opening process is the same for all of them.

The account itself is free to open. Fidelity makes money when you trade stocks, funds, or other investments, not from account fees. You do not need a minimum deposit to start, though some investment products (like certain mutual funds) have their own minimums once you are ready to invest.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an account entirely online using your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address.
  • Fidelity offers individual accounts, retirement accounts (IRAs and rollovers), and accounts for minors, all with the same basic setup process.
  • The account is free; you only pay when you buy or sell investments, and many trades have no commission.
  • After opening, you link a bank account to deposit money, which typically takes one to three business days to clear.
  • You can start investing immediately after your account is funded, or leave the money in your cash sweep account while you decide.

Step 1: Go to Fidelity's website and start the account setup

Visit fidelity.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. You will see options for different account types: individual brokerage, IRA, rollover IRA, or custodial account. Select the type that matches what you want to do. If you are unsure, choose individual brokerage — you can always open additional accounts later.

Fidelity will ask whether you want to open the account as a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Answer honestly; this affects tax reporting. Then you will enter your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Use an email you check regularly, because Fidelity will send you account confirmations and important notices there.

Step 2: Provide your identity and address information

Fidelity will ask for your Social Security number and a government-issued ID number (driver's license or passport). Have your ID in front of you. You will also need to confirm your current mailing address and provide a phone number where Fidelity can reach you if needed.

Fidelity uses this information to verify your identity and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. If your address does not match what is on file with your bank or credit card company, Fidelity may ask for a utility bill or other proof of residence. A recent electric bill, water bill, or lease agreement works for this.

Step 3: Link your bank account for deposits

Fidelity will ask you to connect a checking or savings account where you can transfer money in and out. You can link your account in two ways: by entering your bank's routing number and your account number, or by logging into your bank's website directly through Fidelity's system (this second method is faster and more secure).

Once linked, Fidelity may send two small test deposits to your bank account — usually under $1 each — to confirm the account is real. You will need to log into your bank and report back the amounts of those deposits. This verification step takes one to two business days. After that, you can transfer money whenever you want.

Step 4: Choose your account settings and review the terms

Fidelity will ask a few questions about your investment experience and goals. These are not pass-or-fail questions; they help Fidelity understand what kind of investor you are. You will also choose whether you want margin (the ability to borrow money to invest) — most new investors should say no.

Read through Fidelity's account agreement and customer agreement. These are long documents, but the key points are: you own everything in your account, Fidelity holds it in your name, and you are responsible for any losses. Fidelity will ask you to confirm you have read and understood these terms before you can finish opening the account.

Step 5: Fund your account and start investing

After your account is open, log in and go to the "Transfer Funds" section. You can transfer money from your linked bank account to Fidelity. The first transfer usually takes one to three business days to clear. Once the money arrives, it sits in your cash sweep account (a money market fund that earns a small amount of interest) until you decide what to invest in.

You do not have to invest immediately. Many people open an account, fund it, and then take time to research what they want to buy. When you are ready, you can search for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds in Fidelity's search bar, review the details, and place an order. Most stock and ETF trades have no commission.

What happens after your account is open

Fidelity will send you a welcome email with your account number and a link to set up two-factor authentication (a security step that requires a code from your phone when you log in). Do this right away. You will also receive statements monthly or quarterly, depending on your account activity, and you can view them anytime in your account dashboard.

If you opened a retirement account like an IRA, Fidelity will send you a separate document showing your contribution limit for the year and any tax implications. Keep this for your records. If you opened a rollover IRA, Fidelity will provide instructions for transferring money from your old 401(k) or IRA — this process usually takes two to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum amount of money to open a Fidelity account?

No. The account itself is free and has no minimum deposit. However, some specific investments (like certain mutual funds) may have their own minimums, usually $500 to $2,500. You can open the account and fund it with any amount, even $1, and wait until you are ready to invest.

Can I open multiple Fidelity accounts?

Yes. You can have a regular brokerage account, an IRA, a 401(k) rollover, and other account types all at the same time. Each one is separate, and you manage them all from the same login. This is useful if you want to keep retirement savings separate from taxable investments.

What if I make a mistake during the account opening process?

You can contact Fidelity's customer service by phone, chat, or email to correct information before your account is fully opened. If you have already opened the account and need to change something (like your address or linked bank account), you can update it in your account settings or call customer service.

How long does it take to open a Fidelity account?

The online application takes about 10 minutes. Your account is usually active immediately, but if you linked a bank account, the verification step takes one to two business days before you can transfer money. After that, transfers from your bank take one to three business days to arrive.

Is my money safe in a Fidelity account?

Fidelity is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). SIPC protects your account up to $500,000 if Fidelity fails — $250,000 for cash. Your investments themselves (stocks, funds, etc.) can go up or down in value, but Fidelity cannot use your money for its own business.