IRA Checklist: Three Steps to Open Your IRA

Get started on your own with this checklist or call an investment professional at 800-343-3548 for help at any point in the process.

Step 1:

Open a Fidelity Traditional or Roth IRA

If you haven't done so already, open a Fidelity Traditional or Roth IRA online or call a Fidelity investment professional to start the account-opening process. It’s quick and easy.

Step 2:

Fund your account or transfer your existing IRA assets

Once you've opened your account, there are several ways to fund it.

• Make your first contribution.
  Consider maximizing your contributions each year, up to $5,500 for 2015 and 2016. And if you're age 50 or older you can save an additional $1,000 each year with catch-up contributions.
• Transfer or roll over other IRA assets.
  One statement. No surprises. We'll guide you through the process of moving your IRA to a new Fidelity IRA.
• Roll over old 401(k)s.
  We have a team of rollover specialists ready to help. Call 800-343-3548 to get started.

Be sure to consider all your available options and the applicable fees and features of each before moving your retirement assets.

Step 3:

Choose your investments

• Call to schedule an appointment at your nearest Investor Center, where you'll get a one-on-one, complimentary portfolio review.¹
• Use Fidelity's retirement planning tools, find market commentary, and access other resources to help you develop a comprehensive investment strategy based on your goals.
• Select from a wide range of investment options for your Fidelity IRA, including Fidelity and non-Fidelity funds, stocks, bonds/Treasuries, CDs, and ETFs.
• Learn more about choosing investments for your IRA.