How to open a fidelity brokerage account: A beginner’s guide 2025

If you’re thinking about starting your investment journey, opening a brokerage account is one of the best first steps. And when it comes to trusted platforms, Fidelity often stands out as a top choice. Known for its reliability, user-friendly tools, and zero-commission trades, Fidelity makes investing approachable for beginners and beneficial for seasoned investors alike.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about opening a fidelity brokerage account. Let’s get started!

Why to choose a fidelity brokerage account?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why should you choose Fidelity over other platforms?

• Key features of fidelity:
  Fidelity offers commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs, access to a wide variety of investment options (mutual funds, bonds, retirement accounts), and fantastic research tools to help you make informed decisions.
• Who should use it?
  Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to diversify your portfolio, Fidelity has something for everyone. It’s especially great for people planning for the long term or those who appreciate a platform with robust customer support.
• Advantages over competitors:
  Compared to platforms like Robinhood (which is great for casual traders) or Vanguard (which focuses on retirement), Fidelity strikes a balance. It’s feature-packed and versatile, making it a go-to for many investors.

Step by step guide to open a fidelity brokerage account

Now that you’re sold on Fidelity, let’s get you set up. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit fidelity website

Head over to Fidelity.com. On the homepage, you’ll see an option to “Open an Account.” If you prefer, you can also download the Fidelity mobile app and set up your account there.

Step 2: Choose the right account type

Fidelity offers a variety of account types, but for beginners, the most common is the individual brokerage account.
Other options include:

• Joint account: For shared investments, usually with a spouse.
• Retirement accounts (IRA): Ideal for long-term saving with tax benefits.

Pick the one that aligns with your financial goals.

Step 3: Gather your information

To speed up the process, have the following details ready:

• Personal information: Full name, Social Security Number (SSN), and address.
• Employment details: Current employer and occupation.
• Financial information: Income, net worth, and investment goals (Fidelity uses this to tailor recommendations).

Step 4: Complete the online application

Filling out the application is straightforward. Fidelity website will guide you step by step through the form.

• Fill in your personal details.
• Choose your account type.
• Agree to terms and conditions.

You’ll likely sign everything electronically and account approval is usually quick—sometimes within minutes!

Step 5: Fund your account

Your account is now open, but it won’t do much without money in it! You can fund your Fidelity account in a few ways:

• Bank transfer: Link your bank account and transfer funds directly.
• Check deposit: Mail a check to Fidelity.
• Transfer from another brokerage: Move assets from an existing account.

The good news? Fidelity doesn’t require a minimum deposit, so you can start small and build over time.

Tips for setting up your fidelity account successfully

Once your account is funded, here are a few steps to get you started on the right foot:

• Optimize your profile:
  Update your contact details and enable two-factor authentication to keep your account secure.
• Explore the platform:
  Spend some time getting familiar with Fidelity’s dashboard. Check out the trading tools, account summaries and research resources.
• Set investment goals:
  Use Fidelity’s goal-setting tools to clarify what you want to achieve—whether it’s building wealth, saving for retirement or creating a rainy-day fund.
• Use educational resources:
  Fidelity offers webinars, tutorials and articles to help you learn the ropes. Make use of these resources to grow your confidence.

Common questions about fidelity brokerage accounts

1. What is the minimum deposit to open an account?
Good news—Fidelity doesn’t require a minimum deposit for most accounts. You can start with as little or as much as you want.

2. Are there any fees I should be aware of?
Fidelity offers commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs. However, mutual funds and other investments may have fees, so it’s worth reading the fine print.

3. How long does it take to set up an account?
The process is quick! You can complete the application in about 10 minutes, and approval is often instant.

4. Is the platform beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. Fidelity’s platform is intuitive and packed with helpful tools for new investors.

Conclusion

Opening a Fidelity brokerage account is one of the easiest ways to start investing in your future. It’s beginner-friendly, offers tons of features, and has no minimum deposit requirement, so there’s no reason to wait!

If you’ve been thinking about taking that first step into the world of investing, now is the time. Head over to Fidelity’s website, follow the steps in this guide, and start building your financial future today.

Ready to get started? Open your Fidelity brokerage account now!

Happy investing!