Sending money from your Chase bank account to your Fidelity Investments account is a common and straightforward process, but it's important to understand the different methods and their implications. Whether you're topping up your brokerage account for new investments, funding an IRA, or adding to a cash management account, we'll walk you through each step.
Ready to take control of your investments? Let's dive in and get those funds moving!
The Essential Guide: Sending Money from Chase to Fidelity Investments
There are primarily two main ways to transfer money between your Chase bank account and your Fidelity Investments account:
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) via ACH (Automated Clearing House): This is the most common and often free method for transferring money between different financial institutions. It's like an electronic check.
Wire Transfer: This is a faster, but typically more expensive, method for sending money. It's often used for larger sums or when time is of the essence.
We'll cover both methods in detail, starting with the most popular.
Step 1: Gather Your Account Information
Before you initiate any transfer, you'll need to have the correct account details for both your Chase and Fidelity accounts readily available. Accuracy is key here, as even a small mistake can delay your transfer or send funds to the wrong place.
Sub-heading: What you'll need from your Fidelity Investments account:
Fidelity Account Number: This is the specific account number for the Fidelity brokerage, IRA, or cash management account you want to fund. It's usually a combination of letters and numbers. You can find this by logging into your Fidelity account online or checking your statements.
Fidelity's ABA Routing Number: For EFT (ACH) transfers to Fidelity, the general routing number is 101205681. For wire transfers to Fidelity, the routing number will vary depending on the type of Fidelity account (brokerage or mutual fund only) and the bank Fidelity uses for wire transfers (often J.P. Morgan Chase or Deutsche Bank Trust Company). It's crucial to get the specific wire transfer instructions directly from Fidelity's website or by contacting their customer service. Do not rely solely on a general routing number for wire transfers.
Fidelity's Bank Name for Wires (if applicable): If you're doing a wire transfer, Fidelity will provide the name of their receiving bank (e.g., J.P. Morgan Chase, N.A.).
Beneficiary Name/Account Title: This should be your name as it appears on your Fidelity account.
Sub-heading: What you'll need from your Chase Bank account:
Chase Bank Account Number: The checking or savings account number you'll be transferring funds from.
Chase Bank Routing Number: For most domestic transfers, Chase's routing number is 021000021. This is generally consistent. You can also find this on your checks or by logging into your Chase online banking.
Your Chase Online Banking Login Credentials: You'll need your username and password to log in and initiate the transfer.
Pro Tip: Double-check all numbers! Seriously, take an extra minute to verify every digit.
Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method: ACH (EFT) vs. Wire Transfer
Deciding which method to use depends on your needs regarding speed and cost.
Sub-heading: Electronic Funds Transfer (ACH/EFT)
Cost: Generally free from both Chase and Fidelity's side. This is a significant advantage.
Speed: ACH transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days to process. While Fidelity may allow you to trade with "uncollected funds" immediately after the deposit is received, you won't be able to withdraw or spend those funds until they are fully settled. In some cases, holds can be longer, up to 7-10 business days, especially for new accounts or large first-time transfers.
Limits: Fidelity generally allows up to $250,000 per day for deposits via EFT, with no limit on the number of transactions. Chase may have its own daily limits for external transfers, so it's good to check their terms if you're transferring a very large sum.
Best for: Regular contributions, recurring deposits, or when you're not in a rush to access the funds for withdrawal.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfer
Cost: Wire transfers usually incur fees. Chase typically charges $0-$35 for outgoing domestic wire transfers, depending on your account type (some premium accounts like Chase Private Client may waive fees). Fidelity does not charge fees for incoming wire transfers.
Speed: Wire transfers are the fastest way to send money. Funds sent before the cutoff time (typically 4 PM ET) are often available the same business day at Fidelity.
Limits: Fidelity's limit for incoming bank wires is usually $1 million per day, per client, with a minimum of $100 per wire. Chase will also have its own daily wire transfer limits.
Best for: Time-sensitive transfers, large lump sums, or when you need immediate access to the funds for withdrawal or specific investments.
Step 3: Initiating the Transfer (The "Push" Method from Chase)
The most common and often recommended way to send money from Chase to Fidelity is to "push" the money from your Chase account. This means you initiate the transfer through Chase's online banking or mobile app.
Sub-heading: Linking Your Fidelity Account to Chase (One-Time Setup)
If you haven't linked your Fidelity account to your Chase online banking before, you'll need to do this first.
Log in to Chase Online Banking: Go to chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app.
Navigate to Transfers: Look for a section like "Pay & Transfer" or "Transfer Money."
Add an External Account: Find an option like "Add an external checking or savings account" or "Link external accounts."
Search for Fidelity: You might be able to search for "Fidelity Investments" and link your account by signing in with your Fidelity credentials (this is often the easiest and most secure method).
Manual Link (if direct link isn't available or preferred): If direct linking isn't an option or you prefer not to share your Fidelity login, you'll need to manually enter the details:
Account Type: Select "Investment Account" or "Brokerage Account."
Routing Number: Enter Fidelity's ABA routing number (for ACH: 101205681).
Account Number: Enter your specific Fidelity account number.
Account Nickname: Give it a memorable name like "My Fidelity Brokerage."
Verify Ownership: Chase will likely perform a small "micro-deposit" verification. They'll send two small deposits (e.g., $0.12 and $0.23) to your Fidelity account within 1-2 business days. You'll then need to log back into Chase and verify these amounts to confirm ownership. This step is crucial for security.
Sub-heading: Performing an ACH Transfer from Chase to Fidelity
Once your Fidelity account is linked and verified (if required):
Log in to Chase Online Banking: Again, access your Chase account.
Go to Transfers: Navigate back to the "Pay & Transfer" or "Transfer Money" section.
Initiate a New Transfer: Select the option to "Transfer money between my accounts" or "Send money to another bank."
Select Accounts:
From: Choose your Chase checking or savings account.
To: Select the Fidelity account you just linked (e.g., "My Fidelity Brokerage").
Enter Amount and Date:
Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
Choose the transfer date. You can typically set up a one-time transfer or recurring transfers.
Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the details: source account, destination account, amount, and date.
Submit Transfer: Confirm the transfer. You may receive a confirmation email from Chase.
Sub-heading: Performing a Wire Transfer from Chase to Fidelity
This method is for when speed is paramount.
Gather Fidelity Wire Instructions: This is critical. You need the specific wire transfer instructions from Fidelity. Log into Fidelity.com, search for "wire transfer instructions," or navigate to "Accounts & Trade" > "Cash Management" > "Deposit Money" > "Wire Funds." Fidelity will provide:
Receiving Bank Name: (e.g., J.P. Morgan Chase, N.A. or Deutsche Bank Trust Company)
Receiving Bank Address:
Fidelity's Routing Number for Wires: This will be specific to the receiving bank (e.g., 021000021 for J.P. Morgan Chase).
Fidelity's Account Number for Wires: This is often a generic account for National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Group of Funds, not your personal Fidelity account number.
"For the Benefit Of" (FBO) or "Final Credit To": This is where you put your specific Fidelity account number (with any letters included) and the name on your Fidelity account. For retirement accounts, you may also need to include the contribution type (e.g., "CYC" for current year contribution to an IRA).
SWIFT Code (for international wires): If you're sending from an international Chase account, you'd need this (e.g., CHASUS33 for Chase).
Initiate Wire Transfer through Chase:
Online/Mobile: Log in to Chase online banking. Look for a "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" option. You'll likely need to add a new recipient.
In-Branch: For larger sums or if you're uncomfortable with online wires, visit a Chase branch. Bring all your Fidelity wire instructions with you. A teller can assist you.
Over the Phone: You may also be able to initiate a wire transfer by calling Chase customer service.
Enter Recipient Details: Carefully input all the wire instructions you gathered from Fidelity into Chase's wire transfer form. Pay close attention to the "For the Benefit Of" or "Final Credit To" section, as this ensures the money goes to your specific Fidelity account.
Enter Amount and Review: Specify the amount to wire and review all the details meticulously. Be aware of any fees Chase will charge.
Confirm and Send: Authorize the transfer. You will likely receive a confirmation number.
Step 4: Confirming the Transfer at Fidelity
After initiating the transfer from Chase, it's a good practice to confirm its arrival at Fidelity.
Log in to Fidelity.com: Access your Fidelity account online or through the Fidelity mobile app.
Check Account Activity/Balances: Navigate to your account's "Balances" or "Activity" tab.
Look for Pending or Completed Transfers:
For ACH transfers, you might see a "pending" deposit for a few business days before it's fully "collected." Fidelity often allows you to trade with these uncollected funds.
For wire transfers, the funds should appear as available much faster, often the same day.
Contact Fidelity if needed: If you don't see the transfer reflected within the expected timeframe, contact Fidelity's customer service with your transfer details (date, amount, confirmation number from Chase).
Congratulations!
You've successfully navigated the process of sending money from Chase to Fidelity Investments. By understanding the different methods, gathering the correct information, and following these steps, you can ensure your funds reach their destination smoothly and securely.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my Chase routing number?
You can find your Chase routing number on your checks (bottom left corner), by logging into your Chase online banking or mobile app, or by searching on Chase's official website. For most domestic transfers, it's 021000021.
How to find my Fidelity Investments account number?
Your Fidelity account number can be found by logging into your Fidelity.com account, looking at your account statements, or checking the welcome documents you received when opening your account.
How to link an external bank account to Fidelity Investments?
Log in to Fidelity.com, go to "Accounts & Trade" > "Cash Management" > "Deposit Money," and look for "Link a bank account." You'll typically enter your bank's routing and account number, and may need to verify with micro-deposits.
How to link my Fidelity Investments account to Chase online banking?
Log in to Chase online banking, go to "Pay & Transfer" > "Transfer Money," and look for an option to "Add an external account" or "Link external accounts." You might be able to connect directly by signing in with Fidelity, or by manually entering Fidelity's routing and your account number, followed by micro-deposit verification.
How to avoid fees when transferring money from Chase to Fidelity?
Use the ACH (Electronic Funds Transfer) method. This is typically free for both outgoing transfers from Chase and incoming transfers to Fidelity. Wire transfers usually incur a fee from Chase.
How to speed up a money transfer from Chase to Fidelity?
Use a wire transfer. While it incurs a fee from Chase, wire transfers are the fastest method, often arriving at Fidelity the same business day if initiated before the cutoff time.
How to know the daily transfer limits for ACH from Chase to Fidelity?
Fidelity generally allows ACH deposits up to $250,000 per day. Chase may have its own daily limits for external transfers, which you can check within your Chase online banking or by contacting their customer service.
How to get specific wire transfer instructions for my Fidelity account?
Log in to Fidelity.com, navigate to "Accounts & Trade" > "Cash Management" > "Deposit Money," and select "Wire Funds." Fidelity will provide you with the exact routing number, bank name, address, and instructions for how to format the "For the Benefit Of" section with your specific Fidelity account number.
How to track the status of a money transfer to Fidelity?
Log in to Fidelity.com and go to your "Balances" or "Activity" tab for the relevant account. You should see pending or completed transactions. For wire transfers, you can also ask Chase for a confirmation number and share it with Fidelity if needed.
How to set up recurring transfers from Chase to Fidelity?
Once your Fidelity account is linked to your Chase online banking (via ACH), you can initiate a transfer and select the option to make it a "recurring transfer" or "scheduled transfer" with a chosen frequency (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).