By remohoson June 9, 2026 - 10:57pm

Opening a Fidelity account is one of the most effective ways to begin investing, save for retirement, and build long-term wealth. Whether you want to open a brokerage account, establish a Roth IRA, or create a general investment account, Fidelity offers a streamlined online process with powerful investment tools, low costs, and access to a wide range of financial products.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about how to open a Fidelity account, including brokerage accounts, Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, and investment accounts.

 

Why Choose Fidelity for Investing?

Fidelity is one of the largest and most respected investment firms in the United States. Investors choose Fidelity because of its:

Commission-free stock and ETF trading

No account minimums for many accounts

Extensive retirement planning tools

Research and educational resources

Wide selection of mutual funds

User-friendly website and mobile app

Strong customer service and support

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, Fidelity provides the resources needed to manage and grow your portfolio.

 

How Do I Open a Fidelity Account?

Opening a Fidelity account online typically takes only a few minutes. Before beginning, gather the following information:

Social Security Number (SSN)

Government-issued identification

Residential address

Date of birth

Employment information

Bank account details for funding

Step 1: Visit Fidelity's Official Website

Navigate to Fidelity's account opening section and choose the account type that matches your financial goals.

Step 2: Select Your Account Type

Common options include:

Individual Brokerage Account

Roth IRA

Traditional IRA

Joint Account

Cash Management Account

Education Savings Account

Step 3: Complete Personal Information

Enter your personal details accurately, including contact information, employment status, and tax information.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

Federal regulations require Fidelity to verify your identity before opening an account.

Step 5: Link a Bank Account

Connect your checking or savings account to fund your new Fidelity account electronically.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Review all information before submitting your application.

Step 7: Fund Your Account

Once approved, transfer money into your account and begin investing.

 

How to Open a Brokerage Account with Fidelity

Fidelity brokerage account allows investors to buy and sell securities such as:

Stocks

ETFs

Mutual Funds

Bonds

Options

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Steps to Open a Fidelity Brokerage Account

1. Choose an Individual Brokerage Account

Select the standard brokerage account option during registration.

2. Enter Personal Information

Provide identification and tax-related details.

3. Set Up Security Features

Create login credentials and establish account security settings.

4. Link Funding Sources

Connect a bank account for deposits and withdrawals.

5. Submit Application

Review your information and complete the account opening process.

6. Make Your Initial Deposit

Although many Fidelity brokerage accounts have no minimum balance requirement, funding your account allows you to begin investing immediately.

7. Purchase Investments

After funds settle, you can purchase stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and other investment products.

 

How to Open Fidelity Brokerage Account for Beginners

New investors often wonder whether opening a brokerage account is difficult. Fidelity makes the process straightforward.

Benefits for Beginners

Educational investing resources

Market research tools

Fractional share investing

Retirement planning calculators

Automated investment solutions

Beginners can start with small investments and gradually build a diversified portfolio over time.

 

How to Open a Roth IRA with Fidelity

A Roth IRA is one of the most popular retirement accounts because qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free.

Benefits of a Fidelity Roth IRA

Tax-free retirement growth

Tax-free qualified withdrawals

Flexible investment choices

No required minimum distributions during the owner's lifetime

Easy online management

 

How to Open Fidelity Roth IRA Account

Opening a Roth IRA through Fidelity involves a few simple steps.

Step 1: Select Roth IRA

Choose "Roth IRA" from Fidelity's retirement account options.

Step 2: Verify Eligibility

Ensure your income falls within IRS contribution limits for Roth IRA eligibility.

Step 3: Complete Application

Provide personal and tax information.

Step 4: Designate Beneficiaries

Name beneficiaries who will inherit the account if necessary.

Step 5: Link Your Bank Account

Set up electronic funding for contributions.

Step 6: Make Your Contribution

Fund your Roth IRA according to annual IRS contribution limits.

Step 7: Select Investments

Choose investments that align with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.

 

How to Set Up a Roth IRA with Fidelity

After opening your Roth IRA, proper setup is essential for long-term success.

Establish Contribution Plans

Set recurring contributions from your bank account. Consistent investing helps maximize retirement growth potential.

Choose Appropriate Investments

Popular Roth IRA investments include:

Index funds

Target-date funds

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

Dividend stocks

Mutual funds

Monitor Your Portfolio

Review investments periodically and rebalance when necessary.

 

How to Open an IRA Account with Fidelity

Fidelity offers several IRA account options.

Traditional IRA

Provides potential tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth.

Roth IRA

Offers tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement.

Rollover IRA

Allows investors to transfer retirement assets from former employer-sponsored plans.

Inherited IRA

Designed for beneficiaries who inherit retirement accounts.

 

How to Open a Fidelity Investment Account

A Fidelity investment account provides access to a broad range of financial products and investment opportunities.

Steps to Open a Fidelity Investment Account

Choose the Right Account Type

Determine whether you need:

Taxable brokerage account

Retirement account

Joint account

Trust account

Complete Registration

Enter all requested information accurately.

Fund the Account

Transfer money electronically from your bank.

Build Your Portfolio

Select investments that align with your financial objectives.

 

Documents Needed to Open a Fidelity Account

Having the correct documents ready can speed up approval.

Required Information

Social Security Number

Driver's license or government ID

Residential address

Employment details

Banking information

Additional Documentation

Some account types may require:

Trust documents

Business registration documents

Beneficiary information

Custodial account documentation

 

How Long Does It Take to Open a Fidelity Account?

Most Fidelity accounts can be opened online in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Approval times vary depending on:

Identity verification

Account type

Funding method

Documentation requirements

Many investors receive account access immediately after completing the application process.

 

How to Fund Your New Fidelity Account

Funding options include:

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Link your bank account and transfer funds electronically.

Wire Transfer

Ideal for larger deposits that require faster processing.

Check Deposit

Mail or mobile deposit a check into your account.

Account Transfer

Transfer investments from another brokerage firm directly to Fidelity.

 

Best Investments after Opening a Fidelity Account

Once your account is funded, consider building a diversified portfolio.

Stocks

Suitable for long-term growth potential.

ETFs

Provide diversification with low expense ratios.

Mutual Funds

Professionally managed investment portfolios.

Index Funds

Track market indexes while minimizing fees.

Target-Date Funds

Popular retirement investment solutions that automatically adjust asset allocation over time.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Opening a Fidelity Account

Many new investors can improve their experience by avoiding these errors:

Choosing the wrong account type

Delaying account funding

Ignoring diversification

Not setting beneficiaries

Failing to automate contributions

Making emotional investment decisions

Neglecting long-term planning

 

Conclusion

Opening a Fidelity account is a straightforward process that gives investors access to powerful tools, extensive research, retirement planning resources, and a broad selection of investment products. Whether you are looking to open a brokerage account with Fidelity, set up a Roth IRA with Fidelity, or establish a comprehensive investment account, the process can be completed online in just a few steps. By selecting the right account type, funding it consistently, and investing according to your long-term goals, you can create a strong foundation for financial growth and retirement success.