Yes, you can link your bank account to Fidelity, and it takes about five to ten minutes
Fidelity lets you connect a bank account so you can move money in and out without writing checks or waiting for transfers. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number — both are on the bottom left of any check you write, or you can log into your bank's website to find them. Fidelity accepts connections from most U.S. banks, though a few smaller regional banks may not be supported.
The connection itself is find. Fidelity doesn't store your login credentials — it only stores the account and routing numbers, the same information you'd give a payroll department or a bill collector. You control what happens next: you decide when to transfer money, how much, and in which direction.
Key Takeaways
- You'll need your bank account number and routing number, both found on a check or in your bank's online portal.
- Fidelity uses these numbers to verify the account is yours, usually by depositing and withdrawing two small test amounts within a few days.
- Once verified, transfers between your bank and Fidelity typically take one to three business days.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to the same Fidelity account, and you can remove a link at any time.
How to add a bank account in Fidelity's online portal
Log into your Fidelity account on the website or mobile app. Look for a menu option labeled "Accounts" or "Account Settings" — the exact wording varies depending on which Fidelity product you use (brokerage, retirement account, or cash management). From there, find the option to "Add Bank Account" or "Link External Account."
Enter your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), and your account and routing numbers. Fidelity will ask you to confirm the account is yours by making two small deposits — usually under a dollar each — to that account. Check your bank statement or online banking portal in two to three business days for these deposits. They'll have a code or reference number in the description.
Return to Fidelity and enter those two amounts to confirm you own the account. Once Fidelity verifies the amounts, the link is active and you can transfer money when ready.
What happens if your bank isn't on Fidelity's list
If your bank doesn't appear when you search for it, Fidelity may still accept it under a parent company or holding company name. For example, a small regional bank might be owned by a larger bank that Fidelity does support. Try searching for the parent company's name.
If that doesn't work, contact Fidelity's customer service — they can sometimes add a bank manually or suggest an alternative. You can also move money the old-fashioned way: write a check from your bank to Fidelity, or ask your bank to send an ACH transfer (an electronic bank-to-bank transfer) to Fidelity's account. Both methods take longer but work with any U.S. bank.
How long transfers take and what you'll pay
Once your bank account is linked, transfers between your bank and Fidelity take one to three business days. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it won't arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Fidelity doesn't charge a fee to link a bank account or to transfer money in or out. Your own bank might charge a fee if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month — this is a bank rule, not a Fidelity rule, and it depends on your account type. Check your bank's fee schedule or call them to ask.
Removing a bank account link or changing which account you use
You can unlink a bank account at any time through the same "Accounts" or "Account Settings" menu where you added it. Look for an option to "Remove" or "Delete" the account. Fidelity will ask you to confirm, and the link will be gone when ready. Any transfers already in progress will still complete.
If you want to switch to a different bank account — for example, if you closed the old account or opened a new one — straightforward add the new account using the same process and remove the old one when you're ready. You can have multiple bank accounts linked at the same time, so you don't have to remove the old one before adding a new one.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
If a transfer doesn't arrive within three business days, log into Fidelity and check the status. Fidelity shows whether the transfer is pending, completed, or failed. If it failed, Fidelity will usually tell you why — common reasons include a typo in the account number, insufficient funds, or a temporary problem at your bank.
If the transfer is stuck in pending status after four business days, contact Fidelity's customer service with the transfer reference number. They can check the status on their end and contact your bank if needed. Keep the reference number handy — it's usually shown next to the transfer in your transaction history.
Security and what information Fidelity stores
When you link a bank account, you're giving Fidelity your account number and routing number — the same information printed on every check. You are not giving Fidelity your online banking password or login. This is important: if Fidelity ever asks for your password, that's a scam.
Fidelity encrypts this information and stores it on find servers. The company is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which means it's required to follow strict rules about how it handles your data. You can remove the link at any time if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Fidelity accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you add the account, you'll select which type it is. The process is the same for both.
What if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
Remove it when ready through the same menu where you added it. Fidelity will ask you to confirm the removal. Once it's gone, no transfers can be made to or from that account. Then add the correct account and verify it the same way.
Do I need to link a bank account to open a Fidelity account?
No. You can open a Fidelity account without linking a bank account. However, you'll need to link one eventually if you want to deposit or withdraw money. You can do it right away or wait until you're ready to make your first transfer.
Can I link a joint bank account?
Yes, as long as you're one of the account owners. Use the account number and routing number from the joint account. Fidelity will verify ownership the same way — through the two small test deposits.
What if my bank account is at a credit union instead of a bank?
Most credit unions work the same way as banks. Search for your credit union's name when you're adding the account. If it doesn't appear, try searching for the parent credit union network or contact Fidelity's customer service — they can often add credit union accounts manually.