Opening a Fidelity account takes about 10 minutes online and requires no minimum balance. You can open a taxable brokerage account, a Roth IRA, a traditional IRA, or a cash management account — all in the same process. Here is exactly what to do.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these before visiting Fidelity.com:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Security number | Required for tax reporting and identity verification |
| Government-issued photo ID | Driver’s license, state ID, or passport |
| Current address | Must match your ID |
| Bank account details | Routing number and account number (for funding) |
| Employment information | Employer name and address (required by FINRA regulations) |
| Email address | For account confirmation and statements |
Step 1 — Choose Your Account Type
Go to Fidelity.com and click Open an Account. You will see these main options:
- Brokerage Account — taxable account for investing; no contribution limits; pay capital gains tax on profits
- Roth IRA — tax-free growth; contribute up to $7,000/year (2026); income limits apply
- Traditional IRA — tax-deferred growth; contribute up to $7,000/year (2026); may be tax-deductible
- Rollover IRA — move funds from a former employer 401(k)
- Cash Management Account (CMA) — Fidelity’s banking alternative with nationwide ATM reimbursements
- 529 College Savings — tax-advantaged education savings
If you are unsure which to choose: Start with a Roth IRA if you expect your income to grow (tax-free growth beats tax-deferred in a higher future bracket), or a taxable brokerage account if you have already maxed out retirement accounts.
Step 2 — Fill in Personal Information
Fidelity asks for:
- Full legal name — exactly as it appears on your ID
- Date of birth
- Social Security number — encrypted and stored securely; required by federal law for all brokerage accounts
- Current address and phone number
- Citizenship status — US citizen, US permanent resident, or non-resident alien (different tax forms apply)
Step 3 — Employment and Financial Information
FINRA regulations require brokers to collect employment information:
- Employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student)
- Employer name and address (if employed)
- Annual income range (approximate)
- Net worth range (approximate)
- Investment objective (growth, income, preservation, speculation)
This information helps Fidelity comply with regulatory suitability requirements. It does not affect what you can invest in.
Are you a director or 10%+ owner of a publicly traded company? You must disclose this. Special rules apply to insider trading.
Step 4 — Identity Verification
Fidelity runs an automated identity check using your SSN and personal details. Most accounts are verified instantly. Occasionally, Fidelity may ask you to:
- Upload a photo of your driver’s license or passport
- Answer identity verification questions (address history, prior lenders)
This is normal and handled entirely online. Do not mail physical documents unless specifically instructed.
Step 5 — Fund Your Account
You have several options to make your initial deposit:
| Method | Transfer Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (EFT) | 1–3 business days | Link routing + account number; most common |
| Wire transfer | Same day or next day | Initiated from your bank; fees may apply |
| Check by mail | 5–7 business days | Mail payable to Fidelity |
| Transfer from another broker (ACAT) | 5–7 business days | Use Fidelity’s transfer wizard |
| 401(k) rollover | Varies | Fidelity provides a dedicated rollover guide |
No minimum deposit required. You can open the account and fund it later.
Immediate trading: Fidelity typically allows limited trading against an uncleared deposit before it fully settles — useful if you want to start investing right away.
Step 6 — Set Up Your Account Preferences
After opening:
- Enable statements and documents online — reduces mail and is faster
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) — required for security; use the Fidelity app or a phone number
- Link additional bank accounts — useful for future deposits
- Set up recurring contributions — automate monthly IRA or brokerage contributions
- Download the Fidelity app — available on iOS and Android; full account management plus Active Trader Pro integration
What to Invest in First
Once funded, many investors start with:
- FZROX (Fidelity Zero Total Market Index, 0.00%) — instant US market diversification
- FZILX (Fidelity Zero International Index, 0.00%) — international coverage
- FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index, 0.015%) — S&P 500 equivalent; portable to other brokers
For a simple two-fund portfolio, 80% FZROX + 20% FZILX gives broad diversification at zero fund expense.
Opening a Roth IRA at Fidelity
Same process as above, but additionally:
- Confirm IRA contribution limit: $7,000 in 2026 ($8,000 if you are 50 or older)
- Confirm Roth IRA income limits: Phase-out begins at $150,000 (single) / $236,000 (married filing jointly) in 2026
- Designate a beneficiary — required for all IRA accounts
Fidelity will ask you to designate your IRA type (Roth vs. Traditional) and contribution year at funding time.
Common Questions
Can I open multiple account types? Yes — many investors hold both a Roth IRA and a taxable brokerage account at Fidelity. There is no limit on the number of accounts.
Is my money SIPC-insured? Yes. Fidelity is a SIPC member. Securities are protected up to $500,000 ($250,000 cash) per account type. Fidelity also carries additional coverage through Lloyd’s of London.
Can I open a joint account? Yes. Fidelity offers joint tenants with right of survivorship (JTWROS) accounts. Both applicants must provide their information during the application.
For a full comparison of Fidelity’s accounts and features, see our Fidelity review. For IRA specifics, see our Fidelity IRA guide.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy