Fidelity Account Types, Fees & How to Open One (2026)

Fidelity manages trillions of dollars for tens of millions of customers, which makes it one of the largest brokerages in the United States. But "a Fidelity account" is not one single thing. It is a whole family of account types, each built for a different goal.

This guide breaks down the main Fidelity account types, what they cost as of June 2026, and how to open one. Figures here come from Fidelity's published pricing, though fees can change, so confirm details on Fidelity's site before you commit. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Key facts at a glance

These figures apply to retail brokerage accounts. Some specialty accounts, funds, and services carry their own charges, which we cover below.

The main Fidelity account types

Fidelity offers a wide menu of accounts. Most people use one or two of them, picked to match a specific goal.

Brokerage account (The Fidelity Account)

This is the standard taxable investing account. You can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and more.

There is no minimum to open it, and online U.S. stock and ETF trades are commission-free. It is the most flexible option because you can withdraw money anytime without the age rules that retirement accounts have.

Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a retirement account funded with money you have already paid taxes on. Qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free, which is the main draw.

Fidelity charges no fee to open or maintain a Roth IRA. Income limits set by the IRS may affect whether you can contribute directly, so check the current rules.

Traditional IRA

A Traditional IRA may let you deduct contributions now and pay taxes later when you withdraw in retirement. It suits people who expect to be in a lower tax bracket down the road. If the differences are still fuzzy, our explainer on the individual retirement account walks through how both versions work.

Like the Roth, it has no account fee at Fidelity and no minimum to open. The right choice between Roth and Traditional depends on your tax situation.

Cash Management Account

This works like a checking account built for your investing hub. It comes with a debit card, check-writing, and ATM fee reimbursement at many locations.

It is handy for holding spending money next to your investments. It is not a traditional bank account, so review how FDIC coverage is provided through partner banks.

529 college savings plan

A 529 is a tax-advantaged account for education costs. Earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified expenses like tuition.

Fidelity manages 529 plans for several states. You can usually open one regardless of where you live, though your home state may offer tax perks for using its plan.

Other account types

Fidelity also offers custodial accounts for minors, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), SEP and SIMPLE IRAs for the self-employed, and 401(k) rollover accounts. If you are moving an old workplace plan over, it helps to first understand how a 401(k) works before you start the rollover. There are managed options too, where Fidelity invests for you for a fee.

If Fidelity's breadth feels like more than you need, it is worth comparing against a streamlined app. Robinhood keeps the account list short and the interface simple, which suits people who mainly want commission-free stock and ETF trading without wading through a large menu of specialty accounts.

Fidelity fees explained

Fidelity is known for low costs, and the headline numbers back that up. As of June 2026, online U.S. stock and ETF trades are commission-free, and most retail accounts have no minimum to open.

Still, no brokerage is truly free of every fee. Here are the ones worth knowing:

• Options trades cost $0.65 per contract, even though the base trade is commission-free.
• A small regulatory activity assessment fee applies to most sell orders, often a fraction of a cent per dollar.
• A limited number of ETFs carry a service fee, so check before buying.
• Mutual funds may have their own expense ratios or transaction fees set by the fund.
• Broker-assisted trades placed by phone usually cost more than online trades.

Fidelity also offers several index mutual funds with very low expense ratios, including some with no minimum investment; its flagship Fidelity S&P 500 index fund is a common starting point. Beyond funds, there is also a deep menu of Fidelity ETFs to choose from. Always read a fund's own fee schedule, since fund expenses are separate from Fidelity's trading fees.

How to open a Fidelity account

Opening an account is mostly a quick online process. Here is the usual flow.

1. Go to Fidelity's website or app and pick the account type you want.
2. Provide your personal details, including your Social Security number and a government ID.
3. Answer a few questions about your finances and investing experience.
4. Link a bank account to fund your new account by transfer.
5. Review and submit, then wait for approval, which is often fast.

You can usually start with any amount since most accounts have no minimum. Once funded, you can place your first trade from the website or the Fidelity mobile app. If you would rather compare the sign-up flow against another beginner-friendly broker, Public offers a similarly quick online setup with commission-free trades and plain-language guidance, which can help first-time investors get oriented before funding an account.

Pros and cons of a Fidelity account

No brokerage fits everyone. Here is a balanced look.

Pros

Fidelity offers $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades and no minimum on most accounts. It has a broad range of account types under one login, strong research tools, and a long track record. Customer service and educational resources are widely praised. If you are weighing it against a simpler app, our Robinhood vs Fidelity comparison lays out where each one pulls ahead.

Cons

The platform can feel busy for total beginners because there is so much packed in. Some advanced traders prefer specialized tools elsewhere. Certain services, like managed portfolios, carry their own fees that add up over time.

One gap worth noting: Fidelity's direct crypto offering is limited compared with a dedicated exchange. If you want hands-on access to a wider range of coins alongside your stock accounts, some investors pair a brokerage with a regulated crypto exchange like Gemini to hold a small, high-risk slice of digital assets. Crypto is highly volatile, so treat it as a minor part of a diversified plan, and the best overall fit depends on whether you value breadth or simplicity. Terms and conditions apply.

Is a Fidelity account right for you?

Fidelity tends to suit people who want low costs plus the ability to hold many account types in one place. A new investor could open a Roth IRA, a parent could add a 529, and the whole family could sit under one login.

That said, the right brokerage depends on your goals, your comfort with the platform, and the specific fees on the products you plan to use. Compare a few options before deciding, and never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Investing involves risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fidelity charge fees for a brokerage account?

As of June 2026, Fidelity charges no fee to open or maintain a standard retail brokerage account, and online U.S. stock and ETF trades are commission-free. Some activities still cost money, such as options trades at $0.65 per contract and certain mutual fund or broker-assisted fees. Always review the current fee schedule on Fidelity's site, since pricing can change.

What is the minimum to open a Fidelity account?

Most retail Fidelity accounts, including brokerage accounts and IRAs, have no minimum to open as of June 2026. You can fund the account with whatever amount you choose and start investing, often using fractional shares. Some specialty or managed accounts may have their own minimums, so check the specific account type.

What types of accounts does Fidelity offer?

Fidelity offers taxable brokerage accounts, Roth and Traditional IRAs, Cash Management accounts, 529 college savings plans, HSAs, custodial accounts for minors, and retirement accounts for the self-employed. It also offers managed portfolios where Fidelity invests on your behalf for a fee. Most people use just one or two of these based on their goals.

How long does it take to open a Fidelity account?

Opening a Fidelity account online usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and approval is often quick. After approval, you link a bank account and transfer funds, which can take a few business days to settle. Once the money arrives, you can begin trading from the website or mobile app.