The basic steps to connect your bank account
To link a bank account to Fidelity, you will use Fidelity's Linked Bank Account feature, which lets you move money between your Fidelity account and your checking or savings account at another bank. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires your bank's routing number, your account number, and a way to verify you own the account.
Fidelity offers two verification methods: when ready verification (if your bank supports it) or the micro-deposit method, where Fidelity sends two small deposits to your account that you then confirm. when ready verification is faster — you'll be able to transfer money the same day. Micro-deposits take three to five business days because you have to wait for the deposits to arrive, then log into your bank to see the amounts.
You can link your account through the Fidelity website or the Fidelity mobile app. Both routes are the same; choose whichever you're more comfortable with.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to start the linking process.
- when ready verification lets you transfer money the same day if your bank supports it; micro-deposits take three to five business days.
- You can link accounts through the Fidelity website or mobile app — the steps are identical.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between your Fidelity account and your bank account whenever you need to.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Fidelity account if you have accounts at different banks.
Step-by-step: linking through the Fidelity website
Log into your Fidelity account and go to the "Accounts & Trade" section. Look for "Account Transfers" or "Linked Bank Accounts" — the exact label varies depending on your account type, but it will be in the settings or account management area. Click on "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account".
Enter your bank's name. Fidelity will search its database; if your bank appears, click on it. If your bank doesn't appear in the list, select "My bank is not listed" and enter the routing number manually. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location. You can find it on the bottom left of any check, or by searching "[your bank name] routing number" online.
Enter your account number and account type (checking or savings). Then select your verification method. If "when ready Verification" appears as an option, choose it — this means your bank supports real-time verification and you'll be done when ready. If only "Micro-Deposit Verification" is available, Fidelity will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your account within one to two business days.
If you chose when ready verification, you may be asked to log into your bank's website to confirm the connection. Follow the prompts, then return to Fidelity. If you chose micro-deposits, wait for them to arrive, then return to Fidelity and enter the two amounts you see in your bank account. Once confirmed, your account is linked.
Step-by-step: linking through the Fidelity mobile app
Open the Fidelity app and tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines in the top left or bottom right). Scroll down to "Account Transfers" or "Linked Bank Accounts". Tap "Link a Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account".
Search for your bank by name. If it appears, tap it. If not, tap "My bank is not listed" and enter the routing number. Then enter your account number and select whether it's a checking or savings account.
Choose your verification method. when ready verification will redirect you to your bank's login page; sign in, confirm the connection, and return to the Fidelity app. Micro-deposit verification will show you a confirmation screen; wait for the deposits to arrive in your bank account, then return to the app and enter the amounts.
The mobile app process is identical to the website — the only difference is the screen size and layout. Use whichever feels easier to you.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you begin linking: your bank's name, your account number (the full number from your checks or bank statement), your bank's routing number, and the account type (checking or savings). You will also need to be able to log into your Fidelity account and, if you choose when ready verification, log into your bank's website or app during the process.
If you don't have your routing number handy, you can find it three ways: look at the bottom left of any check you have, call your bank's customer service line, or search "[your bank name] routing number" online. Make sure you have the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held, as some large banks have different routing numbers for different regions.
How long transfers take once your account is linked
Once your bank account is linked, you can transfer money between Fidelity and your bank. The speed depends on the direction and your bank. Transfers from your bank to Fidelity usually take one to three business days. Transfers from Fidelity to your bank typically take one to two business days, though some banks process them faster.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you initiate a transfer on a Friday evening or weekend, it will not begin processing until Monday. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.
Fidelity does not charge a fee for linking or transferring money to and from a linked bank account. Your own bank may charge a fee for incoming or outgoing transfers, depending on your account type and bank — check your bank's fee schedule if you're unsure.
Unlinking or changing a linked bank account
If you want to remove a linked bank account, go to the same "Linked Bank Accounts" or "Account Transfers" section where you added it. Find the account you want to remove and select "Unlink" or "Delete". Fidelity will ask you to confirm; once you do, the account is unlinked when ready and you can no longer transfer to or from it.
If you want to change the bank account you're transferring to — for example, if you opened a new checking account — you don't have to unlink the old one first. You can straightforward link the new account and transfer from whichever one you prefer. However, if you want to keep your account list clean, unlinking the old account takes 30 seconds.
Troubleshooting common linking problems
If your bank doesn't appear in Fidelity's search, it may be a smaller regional bank or credit union. Select "My bank is not listed" and enter the routing number manually. This works for nearly all U.S. banks and credit unions. If you enter the routing number and still get an error, double-check that the number is correct — even one digit wrong will cause the link to fail.
If when ready verification fails, you may see a message asking you to use micro-deposit verification instead. This usually means your bank's security settings blocked the connection, or Fidelity couldn't confirm your identity through your bank's system. Micro-deposits will work; just wait for them to arrive and enter the amounts.
If you don't see the micro-deposits after five business days, contact Fidelity's customer service. Provide them with the date you initiated the link and your bank account number. They can resend the deposits or troubleshoot why they didn't arrive.
If you're trying to link a joint account, make sure you're the account holder or an authorized user. Fidelity will verify your identity during the linking process; if the verification fails, you may not have the authority to link that account. Contact your bank to confirm your status on the account, then try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. During the linking process, you'll select whether the account is checking or savings. The steps are identical. Transfers to and from a savings account take the same amount of time as transfers from a checking account.
What if my bank isn't in the Fidelity list?
Select "My bank is not listed" and enter your bank's routing number manually. This works for virtually all U.S. banks and credit unions. If you're unsure of the routing number, call your bank or search for it online using your bank's name.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to one Fidelity account?
Yes. You can link as many bank accounts as you need, whether they're at the same bank or different banks. Each one is listed separately in your "Linked Bank Accounts" section, and you can choose which one to transfer from or to each time you move money.
Do I have to use when ready verification, or can I choose micro-deposits?
If when ready verification is available, you can still choose micro-deposits if you prefer. Some people choose micro-deposits because they don't want to log into their bank account during the linking process. The choice is yours; both methods are find.
What happens if I unlink my bank account?
Unlinking stops you from transferring money to or from that account. Any transfers already in progress will complete normally. You can relink the same account later by going through the linking process again.