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How To Close Fidelity Account (2025)
How to close a Fidelity account online, on mobile app, or on the phone. Fee to delete a Fidelity brokerage or IRA account.
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How to Close an Account at Fidelity
Do you have a securities account with Fidelity Investments that you no longer use? With the rise in cybercrime, it’s wise to close any unused accounts. Here’s how you can do it:
First, Remove the Securities
The first step is to get rid of any securities in the account. You can either sell them (or buy to cover short positions) or transfer them to another account. Selling the assets might have tax consequences in a taxable account, so it’s best to consult with a tax professional before proceeding.
If you choose to transfer the securities, Fidelity allows transfers through the DTC or ACAT networks. Keep in mind that Fidelity supports fractional-share trading and dividend reinvesting, so you may have some fractional shares. These can’t be transferred and will be converted into cash during the transfer process.
Next, Move the Cash
Once the securities are gone, you’ll need to withdraw the cash balance. Fidelity’s website and mobile app both offer ACH transfer tools. On the app, you can find the transfer form by tapping the Transact icon in the bottom menu (then select Transfer on the next page).
On the website, the ACH transfer tool is located under the Transfer link in the top-left corner. If you need to link an external bank account, you can do so by clicking the link to add an account under the From field.
Once your accounts are set up, choose the date for the withdrawal (which can be scheduled for the future), the frequency (likely a one-time transfer), and the amount.
Besides ACH, you can also withdraw funds via wire transfer, paper check, or bill pay. ACH is usually the simplest method.
Closing a Fidelity IRA Account
Fidelity offers several retirement and tax-deferred accounts. Withdrawing cash (or transferring securities in the case of a rollover) from these accounts could have tax implications. It’s important to consult a tax professional before making any moves.
Closing the Fidelity Account
Once the account has a zero balance, you can close it using one of several methods.
One option is Fidelity’s robo chat service, available on both the website and mobile app. You can type or speak a request to close the account, and the system will handle it for you. Just confirm which account to close if you have more than one.
The chat service can be accessed by tapping the dialogue cloud icon at the top of the app or by clicking the link at the top of the website.
Another option is to use the internal messaging system on the website. Go to the customer service hub (the link is at the top of the site), click on Contact Us, and then scroll down to find the secure message link.
You can also call Fidelity’s customer service or visit a branch location to close the account, though these methods might involve wait times.
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Closing Fidelity Managed Accounts
For robo or other advisory accounts, Fidelity will need to liquidate all holdings, which may take a few days, delaying the ability to withdraw funds.
Broker Promotions
If you’re transferring your Fidelity account to another firm, check to see if they offer any promotions for opening a new account. Here’s a list of current incentives: Broker Promotions »
Closing a Fidelity Account by Transfer
An easier way to close an account is to transfer it to another account. This process automatically closes the outgoing account. You’ll need a second account to transfer into, which can be with Fidelity or another brokerage firm that participates in the ACAT transfer service. The two accounts must be of the same type.
To perform an internal transfer between Fidelity accounts, use the same transfer tool mentioned earlier. Instead of moving cash to a linked bank account, transfer everything to the second Fidelity account, which should appear in the list of available accounts. This should close the first Fidelity account automatically. If there’s any issue, you can use the robo chat system to close the account.
To close a Fidelity account using a full outgoing ACAT transfer, request the transfer from the receiving brokerage account. A partial ACAT transfer won’t close the Fidelity account, so make sure to select a full transfer.
Both self-directed and robo accounts can be transferred out of Fidelity. Learn more about How to transfer a Fidelity account to Charles Schwab.
Free Charles Schwab Account
Visit Schwab Website
Closing a Fidelity Account for a Deceased Client
Closing an account for a deceased account holder is more involved. Start by filling out Fidelity’s online form for a deceased customer and attach a death certificate if available. The account will be restricted, and additional steps will be required to close it.
Updated on 5/5/2025.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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