Trading with Fidelity:
Your questions answered

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Due to recent market activity, we're experiencing higher than normal wait times. We've collected the most asked questions to help you self-serve online. We'll be updating this page as we continue to monitor current events and understand where our customers need help.

What's the fastest way to transfer money to Fidelity so I can start trading?

The fastest way to get money into a Fidelity account is to send it via bank wire. You'll need to start the bank wire with your current institution. Bank wires typically process same day and the money is immediately available for trading at Fidelity. Your bank may charge a fee to send a wire, but Fidelity doesn't charge a fee to receive one. You can start this process with your current financial institution using this information to wire to Fidelity.


As an alternative, you could choose to transfer money from your financial institution via EFT. For more information, see how to choose between an electronic funds transfer (EFT) or a bank wire.


What's the difference between a transfer of assets (TOA) and transferring money?
A transfer of assets means you're transferring accounts or investments from one broker or financial firm to another. Transferring money is a transfer of cash from one account to another, like a transfer from your bank account to a Fidelity account, either electronically or via bank wire or checks.

How long does a transfer of assets (TOA) take compared to a general money transfer?
Processing time for transfer of assets (TOA) depends on your current firm's rules and the type of accounts and investments you're transferring. Typically, TOAs take between 3–5 business days to process. General money transfers via bank wire are typically available same day, while transfers via EFT and mobile check deposit are usually credited same day but may take additional time before you can buy investments with the funds.


When can I trade with money from a transfer of assets or a general transfer?
A general money transfer into your Fidelity account via EFT, bank wire, or mobile check deposit may be immediately available for trading. Cash available in a brokerage account you transfer to Fidelity can be used to buy investments immediately, but cash available, shares, or investments in the account can't be sold or withdrawn until the transfer process is complete. Cash transfers can be withdrawn once the money clears in your Fidelity account.


Can I buy fractional shares on stocks like GameStop or AMC Entertainment?
Yes, there are generally no restrictions on which stocks you can purchase as fractional shares. Learn more about fractional shares.

How do I add money to my account?

How do I add trading features to my account?

  • How do I apply for options trading?

    To apply for options, complete an options applicationLog In Required. Your investment objective, risk tolerance, investing experience, and income will be considered to determine what options strategies/level you will be able to use when trading. Learn more

  • How does margin work?

    A margin account lets you leverage securities you already own as collateral for a loan to buy additional securities.

    Here’s an example: Suppose you use $5,000 in cash and borrow $5,000 on margin to buy a total of $10,000 in stock. If the stock rises in value to $11,000 and you sell it, you would pay back the $5,000 borrowed on margin and realize a profit of $1,000. That’s a 20% return on your $5,000 investment.

    If you didn’t use a margin loan, you would have paid $10,000 in cash for the stock. Not only would you have tied up an additional $5,000, but you would have realized only a 10% return on your investment. The 10% difference in the return is the result of leveraging your assets.

    However, leverage works as dramatically when stock prices fall as when they rise. For example, let’s say you use $5,000 in cash and borrow $5,000 on margin to purchase a total of $10,000 in stock. Suppose the market value of the stock you’ve purchased for $10,000 drops to $9,000. Your equity would fall to $4,000, which is the market value minus the loan balance of $5,000. In this instance, you could suffer a loss of 20% due to a 10% decrease in market value.

    When ready to start trading on margin, it's important to understand how to read your margin balances. View a video to learn more (1:15)

    This example does not account for any fees, commissions, interest, or taxes you may be required to pay.

  • How do I add margin to my account?

    To add margin to your account, you must first have an eligible Fidelity brokerage account. Then, you submit an applicationLog In Required to trade on margin. Want to learn more? Start here

  • How do I track the status of my margin and/or options application?

    Our Universal TrackerLog In Required makes it easy to monitor the status of your application. You can also check on the status of your application on the Activity & Orders tabLog In Required in your account.

  • Can I place orders before the market opens and after it closes?

    Yes, orders in the premarket session can be entered and executed between 7:00 a.m. and 9:28 a.m. ET, and orders in the after-hours session can be entered and executed between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET. However, your order may be executed in whole or in part, or you may not receive as favorable a price as when the market is open because of the lack of liquidity in extended-hours trading.

  • How do I add extended-hours trading on my account?

    To add extended-hours trading privileges to a new account, you will need to review and accept the extended-hours trading agreementLog In Required.

How do I get started with trading?

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