Add a bank account through Fidelity's online portal or by phone

To link a bank account to Fidelity, log into your account on Fidelity's website or mobile app, go to the "Account Features" or "Transfers" section, and select "Link Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account." You'll enter your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Fidelity will then send two small test deposits to that account—usually within one to two business days—and you'll need to confirm the amounts in Fidelity to verify ownership.

If you prefer not to use the online method, you can call Fidelity's customer service at the number on the back of your statement or on their website. A representative can walk you through the process over the phone and may be able to expedite verification in some cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to link a bank account to Fidelity.
  • Fidelity sends two small test deposits to verify the account is yours; you must confirm the amounts in your Fidelity account to complete the link.
  • The verification process typically takes one to two business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.
  • Once verified, you can transfer money between your bank account and Fidelity for investments, withdrawals, or other transactions.

Finding your routing number and account number

Your routing number appears at the bottom left of any check from your account, printed as a nine-digit code. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or settings—most banks display the routing number there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number; they will provide it immediately.

Your account number is also printed on your checks (usually to the right of the routing number) or visible in your bank's online portal under account information. Do not confuse your account number with your debit card number; they are different.

What happens during the verification step

After you enter your bank details into Fidelity, the system sends two deposits—typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each—to your bank account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days, though some banks take longer. You will see the exact amounts in your bank statement or online banking portal.

Once you see the deposits, return to Fidelity and enter the two amounts in the verification field. Fidelity will confirm that the amounts match and mark your bank account as verified. After verification, Fidelity will reverse (withdraw) those test deposits, so you won't lose any money. The entire process usually takes three to five business days from start to finish, depending on your bank's processing speed.

Transferring money after your account is linked

Once your bank account is verified, you can transfer money between your bank and Fidelity. Go to the "Transfers" section in your Fidelity account, select the bank account you just linked, choose the amount, and decide whether you're moving money in (from your bank to Fidelity) or out (from Fidelity to your bank).

Transfers typically take one to three business days to complete. Fidelity does not charge a fee for transfers to or from a linked bank account. Your bank may charge a fee depending on your account type and bank policies, so check with your bank if you're unsure.

Troubleshooting a failed verification

If the test deposits don't arrive within two business days, check that you entered the routing number and account number correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposits to fail or go to the wrong account. Log back into Fidelity and double-check both numbers against your bank statement or your bank's website.

If the numbers are correct but the deposits still haven't arrived, contact your bank to confirm they received the transfers. Some banks delay or hold small deposits for security reasons. If your bank confirms the deposits never arrived, contact Fidelity customer service and ask them to resend the test deposits or use an alternative verification method (some banks allow instant verification through your online banking login).

Removing or changing a linked bank account

To remove a bank account from Fidelity, go to "Account Features" or "Transfers," find the linked account, and select "Remove" or "Delete." Fidelity will ask you to confirm. Once removed, you cannot transfer money to or from that account through Fidelity, though the account itself at your bank remains unchanged and active.

To change which bank account is linked, simply add a new one using the same process and remove the old one when you're ready. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to Fidelity at the same time, which is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to keep separate accounts for different purposes.

Security and fraud protection when linking accounts

Fidelity uses the test deposit method specifically to verify that you own the bank account—a scammer cannot confirm the deposit amounts without access to your actual bank account. This is why Fidelity requires you to enter the amounts yourself rather than automatically verifying them.

Once your account is linked, Fidelity's fraud protection covers unauthorized transfers. If someone transfers money out of your Fidelity account without your permission, report it to Fidelity immediately. Your bank account itself is protected by your bank's fraud policies, which typically cover unauthorized transfers within a set timeframe (often 60 days). Report any suspicious activity to both Fidelity and your bank as soon as you notice it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a joint bank account to Fidelity?

Yes. Enter the routing number and account number for the joint account just as you would for an individual account. Fidelity will send the test deposits to the joint account, and any account holder can confirm the amounts. Once verified, any authorized user on the Fidelity account can transfer money to or from the joint bank account.

What if my bank is not showing up in Fidelity's list?

Fidelity allows you to enter any U.S. bank's routing number and account number manually, even if the bank doesn't appear in a dropdown list. Use the manual entry option and enter the nine-digit routing number and your full account number. The verification process works the same way.

How long does it take to transfer money after the account is verified?

Most transfers take one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays extend the timeline. Fidelity processes the transfer request immediately, but the actual movement of money depends on the banking system and your bank's processing schedule.

Can I link an account at a credit union?

Yes. Credit unions have routing numbers just like banks. Find your credit union's routing number the same way you would for a bank—on a check, in your online banking portal, or by calling the credit union directly. The linking and verification process is identical.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

The test deposits will either fail to arrive or go to a different account. If they go to the wrong account, that person will see small deposits in their account, but Fidelity will reverse them after a few days. If the deposits fail entirely, Fidelity will notify you and ask you to re-enter the correct information.