can i buy stock through fidelity

Can I buy stock through Fidelity?

Yes — you can buy stocks through Fidelity. If you searched “can i buy stock through fidelity,” this article gives a practical, beginner-friendly walkthrough of what Fidelity Brokerage Services offers, which account types allow stock trades, how to place orders on the website and mobile app, costs you should expect, protections and settlement rules, and answers to common questions.

As of October 1, 2019, according to Fidelity, the firm eliminated online commissions for U.S. stock and ETF trades to simplify pricing for retail investors. As of May 28, 2024, according to the U.S. SEC, U.S. securities markets moved to a T+1 settlement cycle, which affects how quickly trades settle in brokerage accounts including Fidelity's. These dated references help set the operational and cost expectations described below.

If you want quick next steps: open a Fidelity Brokerage Account (or IRA), fund it by ACH or transfer-in (ACAT), then place a trade in the Trade ticket on the website or mobile app. Keep reading for details on order types, fractional shares (“Stocks by the Slice”), recurring investments, fees, protections, and how crypto differs from stocks.

Overview of Fidelity as a stock broker

Fidelity Brokerage Services operates a full-service retail brokerage platform commonly branded as “The Fidelity Account.” It provides access to U.S. equities and many international markets, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, CDs, and other instruments. Fidelity combines zero-dollar online commissions for U.S. stock and ETF trades with research tools, trading platforms, and mobile apps for managing and executing stock trades.

If you are asking “can i buy stock through fidelity,” it helps to know that Fidelity supports both casual investors and active traders. The platform offers:

• $0 online commission for U.S. stock and ETF trades (online orders) — introduced in 2019.
• Research and insight tools: company reports, analyst commentary, screeners, and equity scoring.
• Multiple trading interfaces: the web trade ticket, a mobile app, and advanced tools for active users.
• Account types that support taxable trading and tax-advantaged retirement investing.

Fidelity also provides educational material and guidance through the Fidelity Learning Center and customer support to help new investors learn how to buy and manage stock positions.

Accounts that let you buy stocks

Fidelity supports a range of account structures for holding and trading stocks. Which account you choose affects tax treatment, beneficiary rules, and trading permissions.

Taxable brokerage accounts

Standard individual and joint taxable brokerage accounts are the most common way retail investors buy and sell stocks at Fidelity. These accounts let you:

• Trade U.S. stocks and ETFs online with $0 commission on eligible orders.
• Hold cash, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
• Withdraw or transfer proceeds (subject to settlement rules and taxes).

There are no routine account maintenance fees for typical retail brokerage accounts, and online trading of U.S. stocks and ETFs is commission-free for most customers. If you are wondering “can i buy stock through fidelity” using a simple taxable account — the answer is yes, and the process is straightforward.

Retirement and tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs, Roth IRAs)

Fidelity allows you to hold individual stocks, ETFs, and many mutual funds inside retirement accounts such as Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs. The mechanics of placing trades inside an IRA are the same as in a taxable brokerage account, but tax and withdrawal rules differ:

• Contributions and withdrawals in IRAs follow tax and penalty rules depending on account type.
• Capital gains and dividends generally don’t create immediate taxable events within an IRA.

If your question is “can i buy stock through fidelity inside an IRA,” the answer is also yes — subject to the standard contribution limits and tax rules for retirement accounts.

Custodial, trust, and other account types

Fidelity supports custodial accounts (UTMA/UGMA) for minors, trust accounts, corporate accounts, and accounts for estates. These accounts typically allow stock trades, but paperwork and documentation requirements vary by account type. For specific structures like trusts, you may need to provide trust documents or sign additional agreements.

If you’re evaluating whether “can i buy stock through fidelity” using one of these specialized account types, confirm account requirements during account opening.

How to open and fund a Fidelity account

Opening a Fidelity brokerage or retirement account is an online process that usually takes a few minutes if you have ID and banking information ready. Typical steps:

1. Choose account type: individual taxable, joint, IRA, custodial, or trust.
2. Complete the online application: personal information, Social Security or tax ID, employment, and investment experience questions.
3. Verify identity: provide required ID details for regulatory compliance.
4. Link a bank account: add your checking or savings account for ACH funding.
5. Fund the account:
   • ACH bank transfer (standard and commonly free)
   • Wire transfer (faster but may incur bank fees)
   • Check deposit (takes longer)
   • Transfer-in (ACAT) to move assets from another broker to Fidelity

Transfer-in via ACAT is useful if you already have a brokerage account elsewhere and want to consolidate positions at Fidelity. During the transfer request you may choose to transfer stocks in-kind or liquidate positions and transfer cash, depending on the source broker and your preferences.

If you asked "can i buy stock through fidelity" before opening an account, know that funding is typically the last step before placing your first trade. You will need cleared funds or a margin/settlement cushion depending on trade type.

How to buy stocks on Fidelity (step-by-step)

Below is a practical step-by-step guide for placing a stock order on Fidelity’s web platform or mobile app.

Accessing the trade ticket (website or mobile app)

• Sign in to your Fidelity account on the website or open the Fidelity mobile app.
• Navigate to “Trade” or the trade tab.
• Choose the account you will use (taxable, IRA, etc.).
• Enter the ticker symbol or company name in the trade field and choose the specific listing if multiple markets exist.

If you are still asking “can i buy stock through fidelity,” this step confirms you can access a trade ticket and find the instrument you want to buy.

Choosing an action, quantity, and order type

• Action: Select Buy (or Sell) depending on whether you are opening or closing a position.
• Quantity: For whole-share trading, enter the number of shares. For fractional shares (Stocks by the Slice), you can enter a dollar amount instead to buy a fractional portion.
• Order type: Common options include:
  • Market order: executes at the next available price (fastest; price not guaranteed).
  • Limit order: sets the maximum price you will pay (may not fill if market doesn’t reach the limit).
  • Stop order / stop-limit: triggers a market or limit order when a specified price is reached.

Trade-offs: market orders favor execution speed but expose you to potential price swings; limit orders give price control but may not execute. Make your selection based on your priorities.

Time in force and execution

• Time in Force options typically include Day (order expires at market close if not filled) and Good-Til-Canceled (GTC) for orders that remain until filled or canceled (subject to platform limits).
• Fidelity supports trading during regular market hours and some extended-hours sessions; extended-hours trading can have wider spreads and lower liquidity.

As you place an order, check whether extended-hours execution is enabled. When thinking “can i buy stock through fidelity” during off-hours, understand liquidity and price risk may be higher.

Reviewing and submitting the order; settlement

• Review the order preview: ticker, quantity, order type, estimated cost, and any fees.
• Submit the order. You will receive an order confirmation and an execution report when the trade fills.
• Settlement: U.S. equities generally settle on a T+1 basis as of May 28, 2024. That means a trade executed today will typically settle one business day later. Settlement timing affects when you can withdraw funds or re-use proceeds for certain actions.

If you asked “can i buy stock through fidelity and have it settled same-day,” note that settlement is governed by market rules; same-day settlement is generally not the standard for cash accounts.

Fees, commissions, and other costs

Fidelity’s fee structure aims to be transparent, but there are a few places costs may apply:

• Online commissions: $0 for U.S. stock and ETF trades placed online for most accounts (announced Oct 2019).
• Options: per-contract fees apply (for example, Fidelity’s per-contract fee is commonly quoted around $0.65 per contract; check your account disclosures for current rates).
• Margin interest: borrowing on margin incurs interest based on the margin rate schedule; rates vary by borrowed amount and market conditions.
• Broker-assisted trades: physical or broker-assisted orders may carry a fee (often a fixed fee for assistance).
• Mutual fund transaction fees: some mutual funds may have transaction or redemption fees; many funds are available with no transaction fee.
• International trading: trading on foreign exchanges or currency conversion may involve additional fees and spreads.
• Other account fees: wire fees, paper statement fees, or inactivity fees (if applicable) — review account terms.

If you want to confirm current fees when deciding “can i buy stock through fidelity,” check the account fee schedule and product disclosures in your account agreement.

Fractional shares, dollar-based investing, and recurring investments

Fidelity offers fractional share investing branded as “Stocks by the Slice,” which allows investors to buy partial shares of U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs with a low minimum:

• Minimums: Orders for fractional shares can start from as little as $1 (subject to program rules).
• Dollar-based orders: Instead of entering share quantity, you can specify a dollar amount to invest; Fidelity converts that amount into fractional shares based on the execution price.
• Recurring investments: You can set up automatic, recurring purchases (for example weekly, biweekly, or monthly) to dollar-cost average into positions over time.

If you have asked "can i buy stock through fidelity" but only have a small dollar amount, Stocks by the Slice makes it practical. Recurring investments are useful for disciplined saving and can be applied in taxable and some retirement accounts.

Investment products available (beyond single stocks)

Fidelity supports a wide variety of tradable instruments beyond single equity shares:

• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• Mutual funds (including many no-transaction-fee funds)
• Options contracts (calls and puts)
• Fixed income: bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Initial public offering (IPO) participation for eligible accounts
• International stocks in multiple markets and currencies

When evaluating “can i buy stock through fidelity” think also about whether exposure via ETFs or mutual funds might suit diversification goals better than single-stock exposure.

Trading platforms, tools, and research

Fidelity provides a range of platforms and tools:

• Web platform: an intuitive trade ticket, research pages, screeners, and account management.
• Mobile app: full trading capabilities, watchlists, and alerts.
• Advanced trading tools: portals for active traders with advanced order types, streaming data, and charting.
• Research and education: analyst reports, company filings, equity summaries, and scorecards.
• Customer support: 24/7 trading specialists and local Investor Centers for in-person assistance.

New investors asking “can i buy stock through fidelity” will likely find the mobile app and web trade ticket sufficient. More active traders can access richer toolsets.

Settlement, custody, and investor protections

Custody and protections are important when you ask “can i buy stock through fidelity.” Key points:

• Custody: Securities you buy are held in custody by Fidelity Brokerage Services for your account. Custodial arrangements are described in account agreements.
• SIPC protection: Most brokerage accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) for missing brokerage assets up to $500,000 (including up to $250,000 for cash claims). SIPC protects against a brokerage firm’s failure, not against market losses.
• Excess insurance: Brokerages sometimes carry additional private insurance for amounts above SIPC limits; check Fidelity disclosures for specifics.
• Settlement rules: Trades settle according to market settlement cycles (T+1 for U.S. equities as of May 28, 2024). Settlement affects when you can withdraw proceeds or reuse funds.

If you’re comparing accounts and asking “can i buy stock through fidelity” because you want custody protections, recognize that SIPC provides a baseline of protection for brokerage custody.

Crypto note — difference between stocks and cryptocurrencies at Fidelity

Buying stocks at Fidelity is not the same as buying cryptocurrencies. Fidelity’s crypto services operate under a distinct business area (e.g., Fidelity Digital Assets or Fidelity Crypto products) with separate custody arrangements and regulatory treatment. Important distinctions:

• Stocks: Registered securities held in brokerage custody are covered by brokerage rules and usually SIPC protection (up to limits) for brokerage failures.
• Crypto: Crypto custody is not SIPC-protected because cryptocurrencies are not registered securities. Fidelity’s crypto services and custody solutions follow different operational, custody, and regulatory frameworks.

If your broader goal is exposure to digital assets, consider that Web3 wallets and crypto exchanges have unique custody risks. For Web3 wallets, Bitget Wallet is a recommended option within this article’s platform guidance. Remember that buying crypto is materially different from buying a stock through a brokerage.

Risks, tax considerations, and investor guidance

When deciding “can i buy stock through fidelity,” keep these non-exhaustive considerations in mind:

• Market risk: Individual stocks carry company-specific and market-wide volatility.
• Diversification: Owning multiple stocks, ETFs, or other funds reduces single-stock concentration risk.
• Taxes: Selling stocks in taxable accounts can trigger capital gains taxes. Dividends are taxable in the year received unless held in a tax-advantaged account.
• Margin risks: Trading on margin increases potential gains and losses and can lead to margin calls.
• Options and derivatives: These instruments have special risks and complex payoff structures.

Use Fidelity’s Learning Center, tax guidance, or consult a licensed advisor for account-specific tax questions. The content here is informational and not tax or investment advice.

Common FAQs

Can I buy fractional shares?

Yes — if you are wondering “can i buy stock through fidelity” as fractional shares, Fidelity’s Stocks by the Slice program lets you buy partial shares of many U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs with small-dollar amounts (starting from about $1). Fractional shares simplify investing small amounts or dollar-cost averaging into expensive stocks.

Can I trade international stocks?

Yes — Fidelity provides access to many international markets, though procedures, market hours, and fees can differ from U.S. trading. Currency conversion and foreign exchange fees may apply for some cross-border trades. If you ask “can i buy stock through fidelity” in a specific foreign market, check the instrument’s listing details and any additional charges.

Can I use margin or options to trade stocks?

Yes — margin and options trading are available subject to account approval, credit checks, and additional permissions. Both margin and options involve added risks and fees. If your question is "can i buy stock through fidelity using margin or options," ensure you complete the required applications and review margin interest rates and option contract fees before trading.

Can I participate in IPOs through Fidelity?

Fidelity offers IPO access to eligible clients through its underwriting and allocation programs. Not all customers qualify; eligibility typically depends on account size, trading history, and other criteria. If you ask “can i buy stock through fidelity via an IPO,” you may be able to participate if you meet the program’s requirements.

Are stock trades commission-free for all accounts?

Online U.S. stock and ETF trades are commission-free for most retail accounts. However, broker-assisted trades, some international trades, mutual fund transactions, or special order types may incur fees. If you specifically searched “can i buy stock through fidelity commission-free,” clarify the instrument and order channel to confirm.

How to get help and learn more

Fidelity offers multiple learning and support channels:

• Fidelity Learning Center: step-by-step guides, videos, and articles about placing trades and investing basics.
• Mobile app help and in-app walkthroughs for trade tickets.
• 24/7 trading specialists reachable by phone for trade help.
• Local Investor Centers for in-person assistance and account setup.

If your immediate question is “can i buy stock through fidelity and get help placing my first trade,” use the Learning Center videos or contact trading specialists for guided, non-advisory assistance.

References and primary sources

• Fidelity help pages and trade guides (how to trade stocks and ETFs; Stocks by the Slice fractional-share program; account opening and funding instructions). These are Fidelity’s official materials describing the services noted in this article.

• As of October 1, 2019, according to Fidelity, the firm announced elimination of online commissions for U.S. stock and ETF trades (Fidelity press materials and public announcements on that date).

• As of May 28, 2024, according to the U.S. SEC, U.S. equity markets settled on a T+1 cycle, which is used by brokerages including Fidelity.

Please consult Fidelity’s current account agreements and fee schedules for precise, up-to-date details. For tax or legal questions, consult a licensed professional.

If you’re exploring both traditional equities and digital-asset possibilities, remember that stock trading through a regulated broker like Fidelity differs from buying crypto. For Web3 custody and wallet needs, consider Bitget Wallet as a secure option in the Web3 ecosystem. Explore both pathways with the correct account types and protections in mind.

Ready to start? Open the right Fidelity account for your goals, fund it, and use the trade ticket on web or mobile to place your first order. If you need support, use Fidelity’s Learning Center or contact a trading specialist.