Opening a Fidelity Account Online

You can open a Fidelity account entirely online in about 10 minutes. Go to fidelity.com, click "Open an Account," and choose the account type you want — most people start with either a brokerage account (for buying stocks and funds) or an IRA (for retirement savings). You'll enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and employment information. Fidelity will ask about your investment experience and financial situation, then show you account options based on your answers.

After you complete the online form, Fidelity verifies your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. This usually takes a few minutes, though sometimes they'll ask you to confirm details or upload a photo ID. Once you're verified, your account opens when ready and you can start funding it the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open most Fidelity accounts online without visiting a branch, and the process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement works) to complete the account setup.
  • Fidelity verifies your identity automatically using credit bureau data, though they may ask for additional documents if the automated check is inconclusive.
  • Your account opens when ready after verification, and you can fund it by linking a bank account, transferring money from another brokerage, or mailing a check.

What Documents You'll Need

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready before you start. Fidelity will ask for these during the online form. You'll also need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

If Fidelity's automated identity verification doesn't go through on the first try, they'll ask you to upload a photo of your ID. Some people also need to provide proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. These documents can be uploaded directly through the website during the account opening process.

Choosing Your Account Type

Fidelity offers several account types, and the right one depends on what you want to do with your money. A brokerage account (also called a taxable account) has no contribution limits and no withdrawal restrictions — you can buy and sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs whenever you want. A traditional IRA is for retirement savings and offers tax breaks now, but you can't withdraw money penalty-free until age 59½. A Roth IRA also saves for retirement, but you pay taxes now and withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

If you're opening an account at work through your employer's retirement plan, you're likely opening a 401(k) or similar plan, which works differently from these personal accounts. Fidelity also offers custodial accounts for minors, SEP IRAs for self-employed people, and other specialized accounts. The online form will walk you through which type matches your situation, and you can always open more than one account later.

Funding Your New Account

After your account opens, you need to move money into it before you can buy anything. The easiest method is to link your bank account and transfer money electronically. During account setup, Fidelity will ask if you want to link a bank account. If you say yes, you'll provide your bank's routing number and your account number, and Fidelity will verify the connection by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account within a few days. You confirm those amounts in Fidelity, and then you can transfer money back and forth.

If you have money at another brokerage, you can request a transfer instead of a deposit. Fidelity calls this a "transfer in," and they'll handle contacting your old brokerage to move your investments over. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You can also mail a check to Fidelity, though this is slower — mail takes several days to arrive, and Fidelity takes another few days to process it.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Once your account is open and funded, you can start buying investments when ready. Fidelity will send you a confirmation email with your account number and login credentials. Write down your account number and keep it somewhere safe — you'll need it if you ever call Fidelity or need to reference your account.

Log in to your account at fidelity.com using your username and password. You'll see your account balance, holdings (if you've bought anything), and a dashboard with research tools and account settings. Fidelity offers educational resources, market news, and tools to help you research investments. If you have questions, you can call Fidelity's customer service at 1-800-343-3548, visit a local Fidelity branch, or use the chat feature on their website.

Opening an Account by Phone or in Person

If you prefer not to open your account online, you can call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 and speak to a representative who will walk you through the process over the phone. They'll ask the same questions as the online form and can answer questions as you go. This takes longer than the online method — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but some people find it easier to understand their options with help.

You can also visit a Fidelity branch in person if there's one near you. A representative will help you choose an account type, answer questions about fees and features, and complete the paperwork. Bring your ID and Social Security number. Branch hours vary by location, so check fidelity.com to find the nearest branch and confirm their hours before you go.

Account Fees and Minimums

Fidelity does not charge a fee to open an account or to hold money in a brokerage account or IRA. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no inactivity fees, and no minimum balance required to keep your account open. You only pay when you buy or sell certain investments — for example, some mutual funds charge a transaction fee, though Fidelity's own mutual funds and most ETFs do not.

If you open a managed account (where Fidelity invests your money for you), there is an advisory fee, typically between 0.35% and 0.50% per year depending on your account size. This is separate from the account itself and is only charged if you choose a managed service. For most people opening their first account, you won't pay any fees at all unless you trade actively or choose a premium service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Fidelity account?

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. Identity verification usually happens within a few minutes, so your account can open the same day. If Fidelity needs additional documents, it may take a day or two longer. Phone and in-person account openings take 20 to 30 minutes.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

No. Fidelity does not require a minimum deposit to open a brokerage account or IRA. You can open an account with zero dollars and fund it later. Some managed accounts or advisory services have minimums, but standard accounts do not.

Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Fidelity requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you don't have either, you cannot open a personal account. You may be able to open a custodial account with a parent or guardian's Social Security number if you're a minor.

What if my identity verification fails?

If the automated check doesn't go through, Fidelity will ask you to upload a photo of your ID and possibly proof of address. This usually resolves the issue within a day or two. If you still have trouble, call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 and a representative can help you complete the process manually.

Can I open multiple accounts at Fidelity?

Yes. You can open a brokerage account, an IRA, and other account types all under the same login. Each account has its own balance and holdings, but you manage them all from one Fidelity account. This is useful if you want to save for retirement in an IRA while also investing in a regular brokerage account.