How cash awards work
Follow the journey of a typical award.
Accept your award.
Wait for your award to vest.
Your award pays out after taxes are withheld.
The payout is now yours. Let Fidelity help you plan.
Receiving a cash award from your company is a big deal—congratulations! A cash award is a form of compensation that will pay out in cash after a specified vesting (or waiting) period.
Accepting your award and opening your account
To accept the award and make it officially yours, go to Fidelity NetBenefits®. If you're new to Fidelity, you'll be asked to create a username and password and then open a Fidelity brokerage account (the Fidelity Account®) when you accept your award. If you already have an eligible account with us, we'll link your award to that account.
Receiving your payout
Your award pays out after the vesting date—provided the vesting requirements have been met. This is when you'll own the cash. Go to NetBenefits to find out when that happens.
Managing your payout
Your award will pay out to your brokerage account or, for some plans, through payroll. To protect your assets, consider adding a beneficiary to your account. Easily link your bank account to access cash.
Understanding your taxes
Your award is considered taxable income when it pays out, and your company may withhold a portion of the payout to cover the taxes due. Use Fidelity's tax-planning resources to learn more about taxes, when they're paid, and how to file your tax return.
Getting help
We'll stay in touch through the full life cycle of your award and let you know when there's action to take. Head to your Profile page to confirm your contact information is correct, so you never miss an update or time-sensitive communications.
Make the most of your Fidelity brokerage account
Your cash award pays out to payroll or to your brokerage account—but you don't have to wait until then to take advantage of the account and its many benefits.
With this account, you can manage your stock plans, transfer cash to your bank, trade shares (and other financial assets like bonds and mutual funds), and access Fidelity's financial tools and resources.
Your Stock Plan Resource Center
The Stock Plan Resource Center provides the help and education you need to understand how your equity compensation works, including taxes, selling and managing shares, and planning for your financial goals and priorities.
Resources
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