Getting checks from your financial institution might seem a bit old-school in today's digital age, but they're still essential for many transactions – from paying rent to making a significant purchase. If you're a Fidelity Investments client, you might be wondering how to get your hands on a checkbook. Fear not! It's a straightforward process, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.
Are you ready to gain control over your financial transactions with the power of a physical checkbook? Let's dive in!
Ordering Checks from Fidelity Investments: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Fidelity offers check-writing privileges for several account types, most notably the Fidelity Cash Management Account (CMA) and certain brokerage accounts. It's important to note that while standard checks are typically free for eligible accounts, specialty checks (like business style or carbon copy checks) might incur a small fee.
Step 1: Confirm Your Account Eligibility
Before you do anything else, let's make sure your account is eligible for check-writing privileges. Not all Fidelity accounts automatically come with this feature.
Fidelity Cash Management Account (CMA): This account is designed with banking-like features, and check-writing is a primary benefit. If you have a CMA, you're almost certainly eligible.
Fidelity Brokerage Account: Many non-retirement brokerage accounts also offer check-writing.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Check-writing is typically available for HSAs.
Mutual Fund Accounts: Some eligible mutual fund accounts may also have check-writing capabilities.
Traditional Retirement Accounts (IRAs): You must generally be 59½ years old to add check-writing to a retirement account due to IRS regulations regarding distributions.
How to Check Eligibility:
Online: Log in to your Fidelity.com account. Navigate to your account details or services section. Look for options related to "Checkwriting," "Transfers," or "Cash Management."
Call Fidelity: If you're unsure, the easiest way to confirm is to call Fidelity's customer service. Their representatives can quickly verify your account's eligibility.
Pro Tip: If your account isn't eligible, consider opening a Fidelity Cash Management Account. It's a highly-rated account that offers many features of a traditional bank account, including unlimited ATM fee reimbursements (globally!), no account fees, and competitive interest rates on your cash.
Step 2: Choose Your Ordering Method
Fidelity provides a few convenient ways to order checks. Depending on whether it's your first order or a reorder, and your preference for online or offline methods, you have options.
Sub-heading: Option A: Ordering Online (Recommended for Simplicity)
This is often the quickest and easiest way, especially for standard check orders.
Log in to Fidelity.com: Go to the official Fidelity Investments website and log in to your account using your username and password.
Navigate to "Accounts & Trade": Once logged in, hover over or click on "Accounts & Trade" in the main navigation menu.
Select "Transfers" or "Cash Management": Within the "Accounts & Trade" section, look for "Transfers" or "Cash Management." The exact wording might vary slightly, but these are the general areas where check-related services are located.
Find "Checks and Stock Certificates" or "Request a Check": Under "Transfers" or "Cash Management," you should see a sub-menu or link related to "Checks and Stock Certificates" or directly "Request a Check." Click on this.
Initiate Check Order: You'll be presented with options to request a check. For ordering a checkbook, look for a link or button that says "Order Checks" or "Request Checkbook."
Select Your Account: Choose the specific Fidelity account for which you want to order checks.
Customize Your Order (if applicable):
Quantity: Select the number of checks you need.
Style: Standard checks are usually free. If you want specialty checks (e.g., business checks, carbon copy), you might see options and associated fees here.
Personalization: Confirm the name(s) and address that will be printed on the checks. Ensure this information is accurate and matches your Fidelity account records. You may also have options to include a phone number.
Starting Check Number: If you're reordering, you might be able to specify the starting check number. For a first-time order, it will typically start from a default number.
Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the details of your order. Double-check the account number, routing number (which Fidelity will automatically include), your personal information, and the total cost (if any).
Submit Your Order: Once everything looks correct, submit your order. You should receive a confirmation message or email.
Sub-heading: Option B: Ordering by Phone
If you prefer to speak with a representative or have specific questions, ordering checks over the phone is a great alternative.
Gather Your Information: Have your Fidelity account number readily available.
Call Fidelity Customer Service:
For general inquiries and check orders, you can typically call 1-800-544-6666.
For Cash Management account specific queries, you might also find 1-800-343-3548 helpful.
Always check the "Contact Us" section on Fidelity.com for the most up-to-date phone numbers.
Navigate the Automated System: Follow the prompts to reach a representative who can assist with check orders. You might need to verify your identity.
Place Your Order: Inform the representative that you wish to order checks for your specific account. They will guide you through the available options, confirm your details, and place the order for you.
Sub-heading: Option C: Ordering via Mail (Less Common for Initial Orders)
While less common for initial check orders, you can sometimes set up check-writing privileges or reorder via mail by submitting a form. This is usually done for more complex setups or if online/phone isn't feasible for you.
Download the Appropriate Form: Fidelity provides various forms on their website. For checkwriting, you might need to find a "Checkwriting Information and Terms" form or a "Withdrawal Request Form" if you're requesting a single check.
Fill Out the Form Accurately: Ensure all information is legible and complete. This includes your account number, name(s) as they appear on the account, and signature(s) as required. For joint accounts, all owners may need to sign.
Mail the Form: Send the completed form to the address provided on the form itself. Fidelity typically uses a P.O. Box in Cincinnati, OH for mail-in requests. For faster processing, some forms might offer an overnight mail address.
Step 3: Understanding the Details of Your Fidelity Checks
Once you've placed your order, it's helpful to understand what will appear on your checks and what information Fidelity uses.
Sub-heading: Routing Number
Fidelity's ABA routing number for electronic funds transfer (EFT) and direct deposit, which will appear on your checks, is 101205681. This is crucial for payments and deposits.
Sub-heading: Account Number
Your individual Fidelity account number will be printed on your checks. This is the specific identifier for your account at Fidelity.
Sub-heading: Bank Name
While your checks are through Fidelity, they are drawn on a processing bank, often UMB Bank, NA, which is not affiliated with Fidelity directly. This name may appear on your checks.
Step 4: Receiving Your Checks and What to Expect
Delivery Time: For standard check orders, you can generally expect to receive your checks within 5 to 10 business days after your request is received. Custom or specialty orders may take up to four weeks.
Confirmation: Fidelity usually sends a confirmation when your check order has been processed and shipped.
Review Your Checks: Once you receive your checks, carefully review them to ensure all the printed information (your name, address, account number, routing number) is correct. If there are any errors, contact Fidelity immediately.
Step 5: Utilizing Your Checks and Managing Your Account
Writing Checks: Remember to always keep track of the checks you write in a check register or by using Fidelity's online tools. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your core position to cover the checks you issue to avoid bounced checks and potential fees.
Online Statements and Copies: Fidelity provides online access to your statements, which will detail all check transactions. You can also view and print images of canceled checks online.
Reordering: When you start running low, simply follow the steps in Step 2 to reorder. Fidelity often makes reordering even easier if you've ordered before.
Important Note on Fees: Fidelity charges no fee to establish the Checkwriting feature, and standard 3-inch by 6-inch checkbooks can be ordered at no cost. However, as mentioned, specialty checks or certain expedited delivery options might have a fee. Always confirm pricing during the ordering process.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to add checkwriting to a retirement account with Fidelity?
You can generally add checkwriting to eligible retirement accounts (like IRAs) with Fidelity, but you usually need to be at least 59½ years old. This can often be done online or by contacting Fidelity customer service.
How to find my Fidelity routing number for checks?
Your Fidelity routing number for checks is 101205681. You can also find it on the bottom of any existing Fidelity check or by logging into your Fidelity.com account, navigating to your account details, and looking for "Routing Number" or "Direct Deposit Information."
How to order deposit slips from Fidelity Investments?
Similar to ordering checks, you can typically order deposit slips through your Fidelity.com account under the "Checks and Stock Certificates" or "Cash Management" section, or by calling Fidelity customer service.
How to get a cashier's check from Fidelity Investments?
Fidelity offers cashier's checks. You can request these by contacting Fidelity customer service via phone. For Fidelity Cash Management Accounts, you may get a certain number of free cashier's checks per month.
How to put a stop payment on a check issued from Fidelity?
To place a stop payment on a check issued from your Fidelity account, you will need to contact Fidelity customer service directly by phone. Have the check number and amount ready.
How to cancel a check order from Fidelity?
If you've just placed an order and need to cancel it, contact Fidelity customer service as soon as possible. Their phone number is 1-800-544-6666.
How to track the delivery of my Fidelity checks?
While Fidelity generally doesn't provide real-time tracking for standard check orders, they do provide an estimated delivery window (typically 5-10 business days). If your checks haven't arrived within that timeframe, contact Fidelity customer service for an update.
How to order custom style checks from Fidelity?
While standard checks are often free, if you want custom style checks (e.g., business checks, duplicate checks, or specific designs), you'll typically need to call Fidelity customer service to place the order and discuss any potential fees.
How to find out which bank processes Fidelity checks?
Fidelity works with a processing bank for checks. The most commonly cited one is UMB Bank, NA. This information may be printed on your checks.
How to ensure my Fidelity account has enough funds for checks?
Always monitor your Fidelity account's core position balance through Fidelity.com or the mobile app to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover any checks you write. You can also set up alerts for low balances.
