Does Fidelity Offer Brokerage Accounts in 2025? Complete Guide

Published On: 2025-11-07

Prepared by Jameson Richman and our team of experts with over a decade of experience in cryptocurrency and digital asset analysis. Learn more about us.

Does Fidelity offer brokerage accounts — yes, but the question has nuance in 2025. This article explains exactly what Fidelity brokerage accounts are, the different account types available (cash, margin, IRAs, managed accounts), fees, features, how to open and transfer accounts, pros and cons compared to competitors, and whether Fidelity is right for your investing goals. Read on for step-by-step guidance, actionable tips, and links to reputable resources to help you decide.

Quick answer: Does Fidelity offer brokerage accounts?

Yes. Fidelity Investments is one of the largest full-service brokerage firms in the U.S., and it provides multiple brokerage account options for retail and institutional investors. Fidelity brokerage accounts give access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, fixed income, and other investment vehicles. Fidelity also offers retirement accounts (IRAs), managed portfolios, and custody services through Fidelity Digital Assets for institutional crypto custody.

What is a Fidelity brokerage account?

A Fidelity brokerage account is a standard account that allows you to buy and sell securities through Fidelity’s trading platforms. In a brokerage account you can hold cash and investments, execute trades, and use value-added services like research, tax tools, and automated investing.

Account types: Individual taxable brokerage, joint accounts, custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA), margin accounts, and various IRAs (Traditional, Roth, Rollover).
Investment choices: Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds (including Fidelity's funds), fixed income, options, and access to third-party products.
Management options: Self-directed trading, Fidelity Go (robo-advisor), and wealth management for higher-net-worth clients.

Key Fidelity brokerage account features in 2025

Fidelity’s brokerage platform is feature-rich. Here are the most important selling points to evaluate:

Zero-commission online U.S. stock and ETF trades: Fidelity continues the industry-standard of $0 commission for online equity and ETF trades (check current terms on Fidelity’s site for any updates).
Fractional shares (Stocks by the Slice): Invest small amounts into high-priced stocks using fractional-share capability.
Margin and options trading: Margin accounts and options trading are available subject to approval and margin requirements.
Advanced platforms: Fidelity offers Active Trader Pro (desktop) and a full-featured mobile app for real-time quotes, advanced charting, and order types.
Managed solutions: Fidelity Go (automated portfolios) and Fidelity Personalized Planning & Advice for human-advised wealth management.
Research and education: In-house research plus third-party reports from Morningstar and others, plus extensive educational resources.
Cash management: Integrated cash management (FDIC sweep, debit card, check-writing depending on account) in many brokerage accounts.

Does Fidelity offer cryptocurrency trading in brokerage accounts?

The relationship between Fidelity and crypto is evolving. As of 2025:

Fidelity Digital Assets provides institutional custody and trading solutions for crypto (primarily institutional-grade custody services).
Retail brokerage accounts at Fidelity historically provided exposure to crypto indirectly through crypto ETFs and mutual funds rather than native crypto trading like a crypto exchange. Availability of direct retail crypto trading can vary — always confirm on Fidelity’s official site.
If your primary goal is active crypto trading, many investors use specialized exchanges (e.g., Binance, Bybit, Bitget, MEXC). For convenience, here are popular platforms (use affiliate links if you choose):

For retail investors who want crypto signals, trading bots, or longer-term crypto research, third-party resources can help. Examples: a guide to top AI crypto trading bots, free crypto signals for 2025, and long-term BTC predictions are available online — see resources such as this AI crypto trading bot guide, free crypto signals guide, and BTC long-term outlook for deeper reading (AI crypto bot guide, Free crypto signals guide, BTC 2035 prediction).

Types of Fidelity brokerage accounts (detailed)

Below are the main account structures you’ll encounter at Fidelity. The account you choose depends on taxes, goals, and trading preferences.

1. Individual and joint taxable brokerage accounts

Standard accounts for buying/selling securities.
No tax advantages — capital gains and dividends are taxable in the year realized.
Good for general investing, trading, and taxable income strategies.

2. Margin accounts

Allows borrowing against securities to increase buying power (subject to margin interest and maintenance requirements).
Higher risk and not recommended for beginner investors without a risk plan.

3. Retirement accounts (IRAs)

Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA: tax-advantaged accounts for retirement saving.
Fidelity offers IRA brokerage accounts with similar asset access as taxable accounts, plus IRA-specific rules.
Fidelity supports IRA rollovers and has resources for retirement planning.

4. Custodial accounts (UGMA/UTMA)

For parents or guardians to hold assets on behalf of minors.
Assets transfer to the child when they reach the state’s age of majority.

5. Managed accounts and advisory services

Fidelity Go (robo-advisor) for automated portfolios with different risk profiles.
Fidelity’s wealth management for personalized advice, tax-smart strategies, and financial planning.

How to open a Fidelity brokerage account (step-by-step)

Opening an account is straightforward. Here’s an efficient workflow you can follow:

Choose account type: Decide between taxable brokerage, IRA, or managed account.
Gather documents: Social Security number, driver’s license or passport, employment info, beneficiary info (for IRAs/custodial).
Apply online: Visit Fidelity’s official site (https://www.fidelity.com) and follow the account opening flow. You’ll set security questions and funding preferences.
Fund the account: Link a bank account for ACH transfers, wire transfer, or roll over assets from another brokerage. Fidelity provides a straightforward transfer (ACATS) process for account-to-account transfers.
Verify and trade: After funding clears, you can begin trading, setting up dividend reinvestment (DRIP), or enabling margin if approved.

Fees, commissions, and costs — what to expect

Fidelity is competitive on costs, but read fine print for specific fees:

Stock/ETF trades: Many U.S. stock and ETF trades remain $0 commission for online orders.
Options: Per-contract fees may apply (check Fidelity’s current schedule).
Mutual funds: Many Fidelity mutual funds are no-fee to trade; other firms’ funds might have transaction fees or load fees.
Broker-assisted trades: Fees apply when speaking to a broker for an order.
Margin interest: Charged based on borrowed amounts and current margin rates.
Account fees: No regular account maintenance fees for basic accounts; certain managed accounts have advisory fees.

Always check Fidelity’s official fee schedule and disclosures before trading. For regulatory matters, review resources at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to understand investor protections and account rules: SEC (Investor.gov).

Comparing Fidelity to other brokerages

How does Fidelity stack up vs. competitors like Schwab, Vanguard, Robinhood, and specialized crypto exchanges?

Fidelity vs. Schwab: Both are full-service brokers with low commissions, strong research, and robust platforms. Schwab may be slightly better for index mutual funds and branch availability; Fidelity excels at active research and wealth management breadth.
Fidelity vs. Vanguard: Vanguard is known for low-cost index funds and passive investing. Fidelity offers more trading tools and better active trading support while Vanguard may have advantages for large fund investors focused on low-cost funds.
Fidelity vs. Robinhood: Robinhood is aimed at simple retail trading and crypto; Fidelity is stronger for research, retirement planning, and wealth management.
Fidelity vs. crypto exchanges: If your focus is active crypto trading, crypto exchanges (e.g., Binance, Bybit, Bitget, MEXC) provide deeper crypto liquidity and trading tools. Consider keeping core equities in Fidelity and crypto trading in specialized exchanges using the links above if desired.

Tax considerations for Fidelity brokerage accounts

Tax implications are critical for a brokerage account strategy.

Capital gains: Profits from sold investments are taxable. Short-term gains (assets held ≤1 year) are taxed as ordinary income; long-term gains (assets >1 year) get preferential rates.
Dividends: Qualified dividends receive preferential tax rates; non-qualified are taxed as ordinary income.
Wash-sale rules: Selling at a loss and buying the same security within 30 days can disallow the loss for tax purposes.
Tax-loss harvesting: Consider harvesting losses in taxable accounts to offset gains; Fidelity’s platform and tax documents can help with recordkeeping.

For personalized tax advice, consult a tax professional or resources at the IRS: IRS.

Transferring assets to Fidelity (ACATS)

If you have an existing brokerage account, you can transfer it to Fidelity via ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service). Steps:

Open the Fidelity account matching your account type (individual, IRA, etc.).
From Fidelity’s transfer page, provide your current brokerage info and type of transfer (full or partial).
Fidelity coordinates the transfer; typical completion is 3–7 business days but can be longer for complex assets.

Check rollover rules if transferring an employer-sponsored 401(k) or a retirement account — Fidelity offers tools to support rollovers and conversion to IRAs.

Practical examples: Which Fidelity brokerage account fits different investors?

Example 1 — Beginner investor

Profile: New investor, wants diversified low-cost portfolio and simplicity.

Recommended account: Individual taxable brokerage or Roth IRA (if eligible) paired with Fidelity Go or target-date funds.
Actionable steps: Open Roth IRA, fund with yearly contribution, choose diversified low-cost ETFs or Fidelity target-date funds.

Example 2 — Active trader

Profile: Active trader seeking advanced tools and fast executions.

Recommended account: Individual margin account with Active Trader Pro enabled.
Actionable steps: Apply for margin/options approval, set up real-time news and order routing preferences, and use stop-limit orders to manage risk.

Example 3 — Crypto-interested investor

Profile: Wants exposure to crypto but prefers regulated brokerage integration for core portfolio.

Recommended approach: Hold core equities and ETFs in Fidelity; use regulated crypto ETFs or funds available within Fidelity for retail crypto exposure. For active crypto trading, use dedicated crypto exchanges (Binance, Bitget, Bybit, MEXC) via the links above and maintain clear tax records.
Actionable steps: Research available crypto ETFs on Fidelity’s fund screener and use reputable crypto exchanges for spot/derivatives trading. Consider custodial or short-term holdings carefully due to volatility.

Security, regulation, and investor protection

Fidelity is regulated and offers investor protections:

Regulatory oversight: Registered with the SEC and regulated by FINRA. Consult FINRA for broker-related issues: FINRA.
SIPC protection: Fidelity accounts are covered by SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation), which protects customers if a brokerage fails (up to limits). SIPC does not protect against market losses (see SIPC).
Cybersecurity: Fidelity invests in multi-factor authentication, account activity alerts, and encryption for account protection. You should enable two-factor authentication and monitor account activity regularly.

Pros and cons of Fidelity brokerage accounts

Pros

Comprehensive platform and research tools
Wide selection of investments including Fidelity funds
Competitive costs for trades and no-account-fee basics
Strong customer service and branch network
Robust retirement and wealth management options

Cons

Not a specialized crypto exchange — limited direct crypto trading for retail compared to dedicated exchanges
Complex fee schedules for some advanced services (e.g., managed accounts, advisor fees)
Margin and options carry higher risk and require approval

How to evaluate if Fidelity is right for you

Ask these questions before opening an account:

What are my investment goals (growth, income, retirement, trading)?
Do I need advanced trading tools, or do I prefer automated portfolios?
How important is in-person support or branch access?
Will I need integrated wealth management and tax advice?
Do I plan to trade crypto actively, or is passive crypto exposure enough?

Match answers to account features: if you need active trading and research, Fidelity is a strong candidate. If your focus is active crypto trading, combine Fidelity for core holdings and a crypto exchange for specialized trading.

Additional resources and reading (2025)

These resources can help you make informed decisions:

Fidelity official site – account types and up-to-date disclosures: Fidelity.com
SEC investor education and brokerage rules: U.S. SEC
FINRA investor alerts and guidance: FINRA
Investor education on brokerage account protections: SIPC (Wikipedia overview)
Crypto trading guidance and tools:
- AI crypto bot and trading strategies: Best AI Crypto Trading Bot Guide
- Free crypto signals and 2025 strategies: Free Crypto Signals Guide
- Long-term BTC outlook and 2035 predictions: BTC 2035 Prediction
- Crypto payment and Apple Pay compatibility notes: Bybit card and Apple Pay
- Top altcoins and 2025 guidance: Top 10 Altcoins Guide

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Fidelity offer both taxable and retirement brokerage accounts?

A: Yes — Fidelity offers individual taxable brokerage accounts and a full suite of retirement accounts (Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, Rollover IRA).

Q: Can I trade options and use margin in a Fidelity brokerage account?

A: Yes, with approval. Options trading and margin involve additional risk and require separate account permissions and agreements.

Q: Does Fidelity allow trading of fractional shares?

A: Yes. Fidelity supports fractional-share investing (like Stocks by the Slice) enabling investors to buy portions of shares with smaller dollar amounts.

Q: Is Fidelity safe for novice investors?

A: Fidelity is considered safe and suitable for novice investors due to its robust educational resources, customer support, and variety of account types including automated investing.

Q: Can I transfer my brokerage from another firm to Fidelity?

A: Yes. Fidelity supports ACATS transfers to move positions from another brokerage. Initiate the process on Fidelity’s transfer page and verify the specifics of non-transferable or complex securities.

Actionable checklist to open and optimize your Fidelity brokerage account

Decide account type (taxable, IRA, or managed).
Collect documents (SSN, ID, bank info).
Open and fund the account online at Fidelity.com.
Enable security features: two-factor authentication and account alerts.
Set up dividend reinvestment (DRIP) for long-term holdings.
Review and optimize tax settings each year; consider tax-loss harvesting if applicable.
If interested in crypto trading, evaluate dedicated exchanges (Binance, MEXC, Bitget, Bybit) and tax implications for crypto trades.

Final thoughts — is Fidelity the right brokerage in 2025?

Does Fidelity offer brokerage accounts? Absolutely. Fidelity continues to be a top choice for investors seeking a reliable, full-service brokerage with broad investment choices, strong research, and competitive pricing. It’s especially attractive for retirement planning, long-term investing, and investors who want a combination of self-directed tools and managed solutions.

If your priority is active crypto trading, you may combine Fidelity for core portfolio management with specialized crypto exchanges for spot and derivatives trading (links above). For crypto research and automated trading tools, review dedicated guides and resources linked earlier to refine your strategy.

Start by clarifying your goals, reviewing Fidelity’s current fee and product disclosures on Fidelity.com, and comparing alternative platforms. When appropriately matched to your needs, a Fidelity brokerage account can be a powerful foundation of a diversified investment plan.

Related resources explored in this guide: AI crypto bot strategies (AI bot guide), free crypto signals for 2025 (free signals guide), BTC long-term forecast (BTC 2035 outlook), Bybit card and Apple Pay compatibility (Bybit Apple Pay guide), and the top altcoins guide for 2025 (top 10 altcoins).