Opening a Fidelity account takes about 15 minutes online

You can open a Fidelity brokerage account or retirement account entirely through their website without visiting a branch. The process asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information — the same details you'd give any bank. Fidelity then verifies your identity electronically, and you can start funding your account the same day.

The exact steps depend on which type of account you want. A regular brokerage account (for buying stocks, mutual funds, or bonds) has the shortest setup. A retirement account like an IRA takes the same time but requires you to choose whether you want a Traditional or Roth version, which affects how taxes work later.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your Social Security number, a valid ID, proof of address, and current employment information to open any Fidelity account online.
  • A brokerage account takes 15 minutes; a retirement account takes the same time but requires you to pick Traditional or Roth before you start.
  • Fidelity verifies your identity when ready using the information you provide, so you can fund your account and begin trading the same day.
  • You will need a way to transfer money into your account — a bank account number, a check, or a wire transfer — before you can invest.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), your current address, and the name and address of your employer. If you are retired or unemployed, you can still open an account — just enter that status when asked.

You will also need a way to fund your account. This can be a bank account (you will provide the routing and account number), a check you mail in, or a wire transfer from another bank. Fidelity does not charge to receive money, but your own bank may charge a wire fee if you go that route.

The five steps to open your account

Step 1: Go to Fidelity.com and click "Open an Account." You will see options for different account types. Choose "Brokerage Account" if you want to buy and sell investments freely, or "IRA" if you are saving for retirement with tax advantages. If you are unsure, start with a brokerage account — you can always open an IRA later.

Step 2: Enter your personal information. Fidelity will ask for your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Double-check spelling, especially your name and Social Security number, because errors here can slow down verification.

Step 3: Answer employment and income questions. You will be asked whether you work, are self-employed, are retired, or are a student. If you work, provide your employer's name and address. Fidelity uses this to verify your identity and to comply with federal banking rules. You do not need to prove your income with documents at this stage.

Step 4: Choose how to fund your account. Fidelity will ask whether you want to link a bank account, mail a check, or wire money. Linking a bank account is fastest — you provide your routing number and account number, and Fidelity can pull money directly. This usually takes one to three business days to complete.

Step 5: Review and submit. Read through everything you entered, correct any mistakes, and submit. Fidelity verifies your identity using the information you provided. If verification succeeds, you will see a confirmation screen when ready, and your account is open.

What happens after you submit

Once your account is open, you can log in right away and see your account number and settings. However, you cannot invest money until it actually arrives in your account. If you linked a bank account, the transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you mailed a check, allow five to seven business days for it to arrive and clear.

While you wait for your money to arrive, you can explore Fidelity's website, set up alerts, and research investments. Fidelity offers educational articles and videos about how stocks and mutual funds work if you are new to investing.

If you are opening a retirement account (IRA)

The process is identical to opening a brokerage account, but before you submit, Fidelity asks you to choose between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. The difference is when you pay taxes: with a Traditional IRA, you may deduct contributions from your taxes now, but you pay taxes when you withdraw money later. With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on the money now, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

If you are unsure which is right for you, choose Traditional for now — you can move money between them later, and Fidelity's website has a comparison tool that walks through the differences. You can also open both types of accounts if you want.

Common reasons verification might be delayed

Fidelity's automatic verification usually works when ready, but sometimes it flags your process for manual review. This happens most often when your name, address, or Social Security number does not match what is on file with credit bureaus, or when you recently moved. If this happens, Fidelity will email you and ask you to upload a photo of your ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works).

Manual verification usually takes one to two business days. You can still fund your account while you wait, but you cannot invest until verification is complete. If you have questions during this process, Fidelity's customer service can be reached by phone or through their website chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Fidelity account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Fidelity requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement, not a Fidelity rule. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead.

Do I have to fund my account when ready after opening it?

No. Your account is open and ready to use as soon as verification is complete. You can fund it days or weeks later. However, you cannot buy investments until money is actually in the account.

What is the minimum amount I need to open an account?

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 specific investments (like certain mutual funds) have minimums, but the account itself does not.

Can I open an account on my phone?

Yes. Fidelity's mobile app has the same account-opening process as their website. The steps are identical, and you can complete the whole process on your phone in about 15 minutes.

What if I make a mistake during setup?

If you catch the error before submitting, go back and fix it. If you submit and then notice a mistake, contact Fidelity's customer service — they can update your information or close the account and let you start over if needed.