How to delete a Fidelity account

Fidelity does not use the word "delete" — they call it closing an account. The process depends on what type of account you have and whether it holds money. If your account is empty, you can close it online in minutes through your account settings. If it holds cash or investments, you must move or withdraw that money first, and Fidelity may ask you to confirm the closure by phone or in writing. The whole process usually takes one to three business days once your account is truly empty.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have a brokerage account, a retirement account (IRA or Roth IRA), or a workplace retirement plan. Each type has its own closure path, but all of them start with the same requirement: your account must show a zero balance before Fidelity will close it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must withdraw or transfer all cash and investments out of your account before Fidelity will close it.
  • Brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, and workplace retirement plans each have different closure steps.
  • Closing an account does not erase your transaction history — Fidelity keeps records for tax and legal reasons.
  • If you have pending transactions, automatic deposits, or linked external accounts, cancel those before you start the closure process.

Empty your account before you start

Fidelity will not close an account that still holds money. Log into your account and check the balance in every sub-account you have — checking, savings, brokerage, or retirement accounts all count separately. If you see cash sitting in a money market fund or sweep account, that counts as a balance too.

For a brokerage account, you can sell all holdings and transfer the cash out, or transfer the whole account to another brokerage. For a retirement account (IRA, 401(k), or similar), the rules are stricter — you cannot straightforward withdraw the money without tax consequences in most cases. If you have a workplace 401(k) through Fidelity, you may need to contact your employer's benefits team first, because the account belongs to your employer's plan, not to you individually.

Once your account shows a zero balance, wait one business day for all transactions to settle. Then move to the next step.

Close a brokerage or individual account online

Log into Fidelity.com and go to Account Settings (usually found in the menu under your name in the top right). Look for a link that says "Close Account" or "Account Closure" — the exact wording varies by account type. Click it and follow the prompts. Fidelity will ask you to confirm that your account is empty and may ask why you are closing it. Answer honestly; there is no wrong reason.

After you submit the closure request, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down. Fidelity will send you an email confirming the closure within one business day. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 and give them your confirmation number.

Close a retirement account by phone or mail

Fidelity retirement accounts (IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, and similar) cannot always be closed through the website. Call 1-800-343-3548 and tell them you want to close your retirement account. Have your account number ready. The representative will confirm your account is empty, ask a few verification questions, and either close it on the call or send you a form to sign and return.

If they send a form, sign it in front of a notary public or have it notarized at a bank. Mail it back to the address Fidelity provides. Closure takes about five to ten business days from the date Fidelity receives the signed form. Keep a copy for your records.

Cancel automatic deposits and linked accounts first

Before you close your account, turn off any automatic deposits, transfers, or bill payments that use that account. Log into your account and search for "Automatic Investments" or "Recurring Transactions." Cancel each one. If you have linked an external bank account for transfers, remove that link too — go to Account Settings and look for "Linked Accounts" or "External Accounts."

This step prevents Fidelity from rejecting your closure request because money is still flowing in or out. It also prevents a failed automatic deposit from hitting your closed account and bouncing back to whoever was sending it. Check your account one more time after you cancel these to make sure nothing is pending.

What happens to your records after closure

Closing your account does not erase your transaction history. Fidelity keeps records of all trades, deposits, and withdrawals for at least six years, as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). You can request copies of your statements and tax documents (like 1099 forms) even after your account is closed. Call 1-800-343-3548 and ask for historical statements; they will mail them to you or make them available online.

If you closed a brokerage account and sold investments at a gain or loss, you will need those records for your tax return. Do not throw away your confirmation number or closure email. Save them in a folder with your other tax documents.

What to do if closure is rejected

Fidelity may refuse to close your account if it still shows a balance, if there are pending transactions, or if you have an outstanding margin debt (money you borrowed to buy investments). Check your account one more time for any of these issues. If you see a balance but cannot figure out what it is, call 1-800-343-3548 and ask a representative to walk you through it.

If you have a workplace retirement plan through Fidelity, you may not be able to close it yourself — your employer's benefits administrator has to request the closure. Contact your HR or benefits department and ask them to initiate the account closure with Fidelity. They will handle the paperwork on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Fidelity account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new account with Fidelity at any time. Your old account number will not be reused, and your old transaction history will not automatically appear in the new account, but Fidelity can retrieve it if you ask.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a brokerage or investment account has no effect on your credit. Closing a Fidelity Cash Management Account (which works like a checking account) also does not hurt your credit, because Fidelity does not report checking accounts to credit bureaus.

What if I have a pending wire transfer or check deposit?

Wait for it to clear before you close the account. If a wire or check arrives after your account is closed, it will bounce back to the sender. This can take several days, so check your account for pending transactions before you start the closure process.

Do I need to close my account in person at a Fidelity branch?

No. Fidelity handles closures online or by phone. You do not need to visit a branch. If you prefer to close it in person, you can visit a Fidelity Investor Center, but it is not required.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in?

Call 1-800-343-3548 and tell them you want to close your account. They can verify your identity over the phone and close it without you logging in. Have your Social Security number and account number ready.