Closing a Fidelity account requires you to contact Fidelity directly — there is no online button to delete it yourself

Fidelity does not let you close an account through their website or mobile app. You will need to call their customer service line, speak with a representative, and follow their process for account closure. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have a brokerage account, retirement account, or both, and whether you have money still in the account.

Before you call, decide what you want to do with any cash or investments still in the account. Fidelity will not close an account that holds a balance — you must either move the money out or have Fidelity send it to you. This is a legal requirement for all brokerages, not a Fidelity choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Fidelity's main customer service line at 1-800-343-3548 to request account closure; you cannot close the account online.
  • You must move or withdraw all money from the account before closure — Fidelity cannot close an account that holds a balance.
  • If you have a retirement account like an IRA or 401(k), closing it may trigger tax consequences, so understand your options before calling.
  • The closure process typically takes a few business days after you have moved your money out and confirmed you want to close.
  • Keep a record of your account number and any confirmation numbers Fidelity gives you during the closure conversation.

What to do with your money before closing

If you have cash in your account, you can request a check or electronic transfer to your bank account. If you have investments (stocks, mutual funds, or bonds), you can sell them first and then withdraw the cash, or you can transfer the investments themselves to another brokerage. Fidelity can walk you through either option when you call.

For retirement accounts, moving money out is more complicated. If you have a traditional or Roth IRA, you can transfer it to another provider without tax consequences — this is called a trustee-to-trustee transfer. If you have a 401(k) through an employer, you typically cannot close it while you still work there, and you may have limited options for moving it until you leave the job. If you have already left that job, you can roll the 401(k) into an IRA at another provider or leave it where it is.

Do not withdraw retirement account money just to close the account. Withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s before age 59½ usually trigger a 10% penalty plus income tax, even if you are closing the account. A transfer avoids both.

Calling Fidelity to close your account

Call 1-800-343-3548 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday). Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you want to close your account and confirm that you have already moved all your money out.

The representative will ask you why you are closing the account — this is optional to answer, but they may offer alternatives or ask clarifying questions. Be direct: you can say you are moving to another provider, you no longer need the account, or straightforward that you want to close it. There is no penalty for closing a Fidelity account.

The representative will confirm your identity, verify that your account has a zero balance, and process the closure request. Ask them for a confirmation number and the expected closure date. Most accounts close within a few business days.

If you have linked bank accounts or automatic transfers

If you set up automatic transfers from your bank to Fidelity (for example, monthly contributions to an investment account), cancel those before you close the account. You can do this through your bank's website or by calling your bank. If you do not cancel them, your bank may try to send money to a closed account, which can cause delays and confusion.

Similarly, if you set up Fidelity to send you automatic payments (like dividends or distributions), those will stop once the account closes. If you need those payments to continue, set them up at your new provider before closing Fidelity.

What happens after your account closes

Once closed, you will no longer be able to log into your Fidelity account. If you receive statements or tax documents (like 1099 forms) after closure, they are for activity that occurred before the account closed — keep those for your records. Fidelity keeps records of closed accounts for their own purposes, but you will not have online access to them.

If you closed a retirement account, you may receive a final statement showing the balance on the day it closed. Keep this for your tax records, especially if you rolled the account to another provider.

Reopening a closed account

If you change your mind after closing, you can contact Fidelity and ask to reopen the account. There is no may provide they will agree, but many closed accounts can be reopened within a certain window (usually 30 to 90 days). After that window, you would need to open a new account instead.

If you think you might want to use Fidelity again, ask the representative about their reopening policy before you hang up. This takes only a minute and gives you a clear answer if circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Fidelity account if I still have money in it?

No. You must move or withdraw all money before Fidelity will close the account. Decide whether to transfer investments to another brokerage, sell them and withdraw the cash, or request a check. Once your balance is zero, the account can close.

Will closing my Fidelity account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a brokerage account does not affect your credit score because brokerage accounts are not credit accounts — they do not report to credit bureaus. Retirement accounts also do not affect credit. Only closing credit cards or loans impacts your credit.

What if I have a 401(k) through my employer at Fidelity?

If you still work for the employer, you typically cannot close the account while employed. If you have left the job, you can roll the 401(k) into an IRA at Fidelity or another provider, or leave it at Fidelity under their former-employee rules. Ask Fidelity about your specific situation when you call.

Do I need to close my account in person or by mail?

No. A phone call to 1-800-343-3548 is the standard way to close a Fidelity account. You do not need to visit a branch or send paperwork unless Fidelity specifically requests it for your situation.

How long does it take to close a Fidelity account?

Once you have moved your money out and confirmed closure with a representative, the account usually closes within a few business days. The representative will give you an expected date when you call.