Deleting a Fidelity account means closing it entirely, which requires you to withdraw or transfer all your money first, then submit a closure request through your account settings or by phone

Fidelity does not let you delete an account while it still holds cash or investments. You must move everything out — either to another brokerage, a bank account, or by cashing out — before the account can close. The process itself takes a few minutes online or about 15 minutes on the phone, but the money transfer can take three to five business days depending on where it goes.

If you have multiple Fidelity accounts (a brokerage account, an IRA, a 401(k) from a former employer), each one closes separately. You cannot delete them all at once through one request.

Key Takeaways

  • You must withdraw or transfer all cash and investments out of your Fidelity account before you can close it.
  • Fidelity lets you request closure online through your account settings or by calling 1-800-343-3548 during business hours.
  • Money transfers to another brokerage or bank account typically take three to five business days to complete.
  • If you have an IRA or employer retirement account with Fidelity, closing it may have tax consequences — contact Fidelity before you move the money.
  • After closure, keep your final statements for tax records even though you can no longer log in.

How to move your money out of Fidelity

Before you close the account, decide where your money goes. You can transfer investments and cash to another brokerage, move cash to a bank account, or sell everything and withdraw it as cash.

To transfer to another brokerage, log into your Fidelity account, go to Accounts & Trade, then select Transfer Positions. You will need the account number and routing information from the receiving brokerage. Fidelity charges no fee for outgoing transfers, but the receiving brokerage may charge an incoming transfer fee — check their website first.

To move cash to a bank account, go to Accounts & Trade, select Transfers, then Transfer Cash. Link your bank account if you have not already, then enter the amount. This usually takes one to three business days.

To sell everything and withdraw cash, sell all your positions through your Fidelity account, then request a withdrawal to your linked bank account or as a check. Selling takes one business day; the cash withdrawal takes another one to three days.

Closing your account online

Once your account holds no money or investments, log into Fidelity.com. Go to Account Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Profile. Scroll down to Account Closure and click Close Account.

Fidelity will ask you why you are closing and whether you want to keep access to view old statements. You can keep read-only access to past statements even after the account closes — this is useful for tax records. Confirm the closure, and your account will close within one business day.

If you do not see an Account Closure option online, your account type may require a phone call instead. This is common for IRAs and employer retirement accounts.

Closing your account by phone

Call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548. Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you want to close your account and confirm that all money has been transferred or withdrawn. They will ask a few questions about why you are leaving, then process the closure on the call.

The phone route is faster if you have questions about your specific account type or if you need help with the transfer. Representatives can also walk you through selling positions or linking a bank account if you get stuck online.

Fidelity's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

Tax and retirement account considerations

If you are closing an IRA or a 401(k) rollover account, moving the money triggers tax rules you need to know about. A direct transfer from one IRA to another IRA avoids taxes and penalties. A rollover from a 401(k) to an IRA also avoids taxes if you complete it within 60 days. But if you withdraw the money as a check, taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty may apply if you are under 59½.

Before you move money from a retirement account, call Fidelity and ask a representative to explain the tax impact for your situation. They cannot give tax advice, but they can explain which transfer method avoids taxes and which does not. If you have questions about your specific tax liability, ask a tax professional or accountant.

For a regular brokerage account (not a retirement account), closing has no special tax consequences beyond what you owe on any gains you realized when you sold your investments.

What happens after your account closes

Once Fidelity confirms closure, you can no longer log into your account or trade. However, you can usually request to view your final statements and transaction history for several years after closure. Fidelity keeps these records available even though the account is inactive.

Save or print your final statements before you close, especially if you have taxable investments. You will need these for your tax return if you sold anything at a gain or loss. The IRS may ask for proof of your cost basis (what you paid for an investment) years later.

If you ever need to reopen an account with Fidelity, you can do so at any time. There is no penalty for closing and reopening, though you will go through the account setup process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Fidelity account if I still have pending trades?

No. Wait for all pending trades to settle (usually one to two business days) before you request closure. Once trades settle, the cash or securities will appear in your account and you can transfer or withdraw them.

What if I have a Fidelity credit card or debit card?

Closing your brokerage account does not close a Fidelity credit card or debit card. You must cancel those separately through your card settings or by calling the card issuer. Check your statements to see which products are linked to your account.

Do I lose my statements after I close my account?

No. You can request to view statements and transaction history after closure, though you cannot log in to your account. Fidelity keeps records available for several years. Save important statements before you close if you want them in your own files.

How long does it take to close a Fidelity account after I request it?

Closure usually takes one business day after you submit the request online or by phone. The time it takes to move your money out beforehand is separate — that can take three to five business days depending on where it goes.

Can I close a joint Fidelity account?

Yes, but both account holders must agree. Contact Fidelity by phone to close a joint account, as the online closure option may not appear for accounts with multiple owners. Both owners may need to be on the call or provide written consent.