The basic steps to connect your bank account
To link a bank account to Fidelity, you log into your Fidelity account online or through the mobile app, go to the "Account" or "Accounts & Trade" section, select "Link Bank Account," and enter your bank's routing number and your account number. Fidelity will then send two small test deposits to your bank account—usually within one to two business days—and you'll need to confirm the amounts of those deposits back in Fidelity to verify ownership.
The entire process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish. Once verified, your bank account becomes a source for funding your Fidelity account and a destination for withdrawals. You can link multiple bank accounts if you need to, though Fidelity limits how many you can have active at once.
You'll need your bank account number, routing number, and online banking login ready before you start. Have your bank statement or online banking portal open so you can find these numbers quickly. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location; your account number is usually printed on the bottom left of your checks.
Key Takeaways
- Fidelity verifies bank account ownership by sending two small test deposits that you must confirm within a set timeframe, usually 10 to 15 days.
- The linking process takes three to five business days, and you cannot move money until verification is complete.
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to start; both are available through your bank's website or a check.
- Once linked, you can fund your Fidelity account from that bank account and request withdrawals back to it.
- Fidelity allows multiple linked bank accounts, but there are limits on how many can be active simultaneously.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can find it on the bottom left of any check you have from that account—it's the first set of numbers before your account number. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number" in the settings or help section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number associated with your account.
Your account number is printed on your checks (bottom center, after the routing number) or visible in your online banking portal under account details. Some banks show it as "Checking Account" or "Savings Account" depending on which account you're linking. Make sure you're copying the right account number if you have multiple accounts at the same bank—linking the wrong one means the verification deposits will go to the wrong place and you'll have to start over.
Do not use your debit card number or credit card number in place of your account number. Fidelity needs the actual bank account number tied to the checking or savings account you want to link.
How the verification process works
After you enter your bank account information, Fidelity initiates a microdeposit verification. This means 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 two business days. You then log back into Fidelity and confirm the exact amounts of those two deposits. This proves you own the account and have access to it.
You typically have 10 to 15 days to confirm the deposit amounts. If you miss that window, you'll need to restart the linking process. Check your bank account regularly during this period—the deposits are small and easy to miss. Some banks combine them into a single line item, so look carefully at recent transactions rather than searching for two separate entries.
Once you confirm the amounts correctly, Fidelity removes those test deposits from your account (you don't keep the money), and your bank account is now verified and ready to use. You can then fund your Fidelity account or request withdrawals.
Funding your Fidelity account after linking
Once your bank account is linked and verified, you can transfer money from that bank account into your Fidelity account. Go to "Account" or "Accounts & Trade," select "Transfer Funds," choose your linked bank account as the source, and enter the amount you want to move. Fidelity will initiate an ACH transfer, which is an electronic bank-to-bank transfer that typically takes three to five business days to complete.
There are no fees for linking or transferring money from your bank account to Fidelity, though your own bank may charge a fee if it has restrictions on outgoing transfers (this is rare for standard checking and savings accounts). Fidelity does not charge you to receive the money.
The amount you can transfer depends on your Fidelity account type and your bank's daily transfer limits. Most banks allow transfers of several thousand dollars per day, but check with your bank if you're moving a large sum. Fidelity may also have initial deposit minimums depending on the account type—for example, some brokerage accounts require a minimum opening deposit.
Withdrawing money back to your bank account
To move money from Fidelity back to your linked bank account, go to "Account," select "Transfer Funds," choose your bank account as the destination, and enter the withdrawal amount. Fidelity will send the money via ACH, which takes three to five business days to arrive. You'll see the withdrawal leave your Fidelity account immediately, but the funds won't appear in your bank account until the transfer clears.
Fidelity does not charge you to withdraw money to a linked bank account. Your bank may charge a fee if it restricts incoming transfers, though this is uncommon. Some Fidelity account types (like certain retirement accounts) have restrictions on how often you can withdraw or may require you to close the account before withdrawing all funds—check your account terms if you're unsure.
If you need the money faster than three to five business days, you cannot use a bank transfer. Your only option would be to withdraw cash at an ATM using a Fidelity debit card if you have one, though this may have daily limits and fees depending on the ATM network.
Unlinking or changing a bank account
To remove a linked bank account from Fidelity, go to "Account," find "Linked Bank Accounts" or "Bank Accounts," and select the account you want to unlink. Choose "Remove" or "Unlink." The account is then disconnected and you can no longer transfer money to or from it through Fidelity. This takes effect immediately, though any transfers already in progress will continue to completion.
If you want to link a different bank account, you can add a new one at any time using the same process—routing number, account number, and microdeposit verification. You don't have to unlink the old account first, though Fidelity does limit how many active linked accounts you can have. If you've reached that limit, you'll need to unlink one before adding another.
If your bank account information changes (for example, you close the account and open a new one at the same bank), you'll need to unlink the old account and link the new one. Fidelity will not automatically update account numbers if your bank changes them.
What to do if verification fails or takes too long
If the microdeposit verification times out (you don't confirm the amounts within 10 to 15 days), you'll need to start the linking process over. Delete the failed link from your account and add the bank account again. The test deposits from the first attempt will eventually be removed by Fidelity, so don't worry about those small amounts sitting in your bank account.
If you confirm the deposit amounts but Fidelity says they're incorrect, double-check that you're entering the exact amounts—including cents. If you're still having trouble, contact Fidelity customer service with your bank account number and the dates the deposits appeared. They can manually verify the account if the automatic process isn't working.
If your bank account is linked but transfers are being rejected or delayed, the issue is usually on your bank's side. Some banks flag transfers to investment firms as unusual activity and block them temporarily. Contact your bank to confirm they allow ACH transfers to Fidelity, and ask them to whitelist Fidelity's transfer routing number if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Fidelity accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is identical—you enter the routing number and account number, confirm the microdeposits, and then use it for transfers. Some savings accounts have limits on how many transfers you can make per month (often six), so check your bank's rules if you plan to move money frequently.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The microdeposit verification will fail because the test deposits will go to the wrong account. You'll see that the deposits never arrived in your Fidelity verification screen. Unlink the incorrect account and start over with the correct account number. The deposits sent to the wrong account will eventually be removed by Fidelity.
How long does it take to transfer money once the account is linked?
ACH transfers from your bank to Fidelity or from Fidelity back to your bank take three to five business days. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Wednesday. Fidelity shows the transfer as pending immediately, but your bank won't receive it until the transfer clears.
Can I link a bank account from a different bank than where I have my Fidelity account?
Yes. Your Fidelity account and your bank account don't have to be at the same institution. You can link any U.S. bank account as long as you have the routing number and account number. International bank accounts are not supported through the standard linking process.
What happens if I close the bank account that's linked to Fidelity?
If you close the linked bank account, any future transfers from Fidelity to that account will be rejected. You should unlink the account from Fidelity before closing it at your bank to avoid confusion. If you accidentally close it first, simply unlink it from Fidelity and link a new account when you're ready.