Moving? Congratulations on the new chapter! Whether you're relocating across town or across the globe, one crucial step in managing your finances is updating your address with all your financial institutions. For Fidelity Investments customers, this process is generally straightforward, but it's important to know the different options and what to expect.
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to changing your address with Fidelity Investments, ensuring your accounts remain secure and your communications seamless.
Changing Your Address with Fidelity Investments: A Step-by-Step Guide
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| How To Change Address With Fidelity Investments |
Step 1: Gather Your Information and Understand Your Account Types
Before you even log in or pick up the phone, let's get organized. This initial preparation will save you time and potential headaches.
Sub-heading: What You'll Need to Have Handy:
Your Fidelity Login Credentials: This includes your username and password.
Your New Address: Be precise with the street number, street name, apartment/unit number (if applicable), city, state/province, ZIP/postal code, and country.
Your Old Address: Fidelity may use this for verification purposes or to send a confirmation notice.
Account Numbers: While often not strictly necessary for online changes, having your Fidelity account numbers readily available can expedite the process if you need to call customer service.
Identification (Potentially): While less common for online changes, if you opt for mail or phone, or if there are any security flags, you might be asked for government-issued ID details for verification.
Sub-heading: Differentiating Account Types: Personal vs. Workplace
It's critical to understand that Fidelity handles address changes differently depending on whether your account is a personal investment account (like a brokerage account or IRA) or an employer-sponsored workplace account (like a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan).
Personal Accounts: These are accounts you opened directly with Fidelity, such as brokerage accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and mutual fund accounts. You generally have direct control over these through Fidelity's main website.
Workplace Accounts (NetBenefits): These are retirement plans sponsored by your employer. While Fidelity administers them, your employer often plays a role in managing your information. Changes for these accounts are typically done through the NetBenefits platform or by contacting your plan administrator.
Knowing which type of account you have will determine the correct path for your address change.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Method of Address Change
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Fidelity offers a few convenient ways to update your address. Your choice will depend on your account type and personal preference for online convenience versus speaking with a representative or sending mail.
Sub-heading: Option A: Changing Your Address Online (Most Common for Personal Accounts)
This is often the quickest and easiest method for personal brokerage and mutual fund accounts.
Log In to Fidelity.com: Open your web browser and go to the official Fidelity Investments website (
www.fidelity.com Navigate to Your Profile/Security Settings: Once logged in, look for a section related to "Profile," "Account Services," or "Security Settings." This is usually found in the top navigation bar or a dropdown menu associated with your name.
Tip: Sometimes a direct link to "Personal Information" or "Address/Phone Changes" can be found within the "Customer Service" or "Help" sections.
Locate the Address Information: Within your profile, you'll see your current personal details, including your address. Look for an "Edit" or "Change" button next to your address.
Enter Your New Address: Carefully input your new street address, city, state, and ZIP/postal code.
Important Note on Legal vs. Mailing Address: Fidelity requires a legal/residential address (your physical address) for regulatory purposes (USA PATRIOT Act). You may also have the option to add a separate mailing address (e.g., a P.O. Box) if your mail delivery differs from your physical residence. Ensure you understand which address you are updating. A P.O. Box generally cannot be your legal/residential address.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the entered information for accuracy. Typos can cause significant delays.
Submit Your Change: Click the "Submit" or "Confirm" button to finalize the update. You may receive an on-screen confirmation and/or an email confirmation to your registered email address.
Sub-heading: Option B: Changing Your Address for Workplace Accounts (NetBenefits)
For employer-sponsored accounts, the process is slightly different.
Log In to NetBenefits.com: Go to the Fidelity NetBenefits website (
www.netbenefits.com Access "Profile & Settings": Once logged in, locate "Profile & Settings" typically found in the top right corner of the page.
Edit Primary Contact Information: Look for a section like "Primary Contact Information" and click "Edit."
Update Your Address: Scroll down to find your address details and make the necessary changes.
Note: In some cases, your employer might be the primary record keeper for your address. If you encounter any issues or are unable to change your address online, you will need to contact your plan administrator (usually your HR department) directly. They will update their records, which then electronically update Fidelity's records for your workplace account.
Sub-heading: Option C: Changing Your Address by Mail (For All Account Types, Required for Foreign Addresses)
While online is preferred for many, mail is a reliable alternative, especially for complex changes or if you are moving to a foreign (non-US) address.
Download the Appropriate Form: Fidelity provides specific forms for address changes:
Address Change Form (PDF): For brokerage and mutual fund accounts. You can typically find this by searching "Address Change Form Fidelity" on their website or within the customer service section.
Annuity Address Change Form (PDF): If you have an annuity account.
Important: For changes to foreign (non-US) addresses for brokerage and mutual fund accounts, using the Address Change Form via mail (or secure message) is generally required.
Print and Complete the Form: Print the downloaded PDF form and fill it out completely and legibly using black ink. Make sure to include all requested information, including both your old and new addresses.
Signature Requirements: Sign and date the form. Some changes, particularly those that might affect distributions or involve a name change alongside an address change, may require a Medallion Signature Guarantee. This is a special stamp from a financial institution (like a bank or credit union) that verifies your signature. A regular notary seal is not sufficient.
Gather Supporting Documents (If Required): While less common for simple address changes, if you are also changing your name (e.g., due to marriage) or if Fidelity requests it, you may need to include copies of supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document. For foreign address changes, you may also need to submit an IRS Form W-8 to certify your foreign status for tax purposes.
Mail the Form: Send the completed and signed form (and any required documents) to the address provided on the form itself. Fidelity typically has specific mailing addresses for regular mail and overnight mail.
General Mailing Address for Brokerage/Mutual Funds: Fidelity Investments, P.O. Box 770002, Cincinnati, OH 45277-0090
General Overnight Mail Address: Fidelity Investments, 100 Crosby Parkway, KC1E, Covington, KY 41015
Always confirm the specific address on the form you download.
Sub-heading: Option D: Changing Your Address by Phone
If you prefer to speak with a representative or have questions during the process, calling Fidelity's customer service is a viable option.
Locate the Correct Phone Number:
For Personal Accounts: Call Fidelity's main customer service line, typically available 24/7. The general number is 1-800-343-3548.
For Workplace Accounts (NetBenefits): Call the NetBenefits customer service line. The general number is 1-800-835-5095 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET).
Be Prepared for Verification: The representative will ask you several security questions to verify your identity. Have your account information ready.
Clearly State Your Request: Inform the representative that you wish to change your address. They will guide you through the process and ask for your new address details.
Confirm the Change: Ask the representative to confirm the new address verbally and inquire about any written confirmation that will be sent.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
Step 3: Understanding Potential Account Restrictions and Confirmations
Once your address change is submitted, there are a few important things to be aware of.
Sub-heading: Security Holds and Restrictions
For your protection, Fidelity may implement temporary restrictions on certain account activities after an address change, especially for larger transactions.
Check Requests: Check requests totaling $10,000 or more may be restricted for 10 business days after an address update.
Other Service Requests: Certain sensitive service requests, such as beneficiary updates, might also be temporarily prevented to ensure account security.
Waiving the Freeze: If you require immediate access to funds and your address change involves a Medallion Signature Guarantee on a mailed form, it may waive this 10-day freeze on distributions.
Sub-heading: Confirmation Notices
Fidelity typically sends a confirmation of your address change to both your old and new addresses. This is an important security measure to alert you and to confirm the change has been processed correctly.
Minor Changes: Minor corrections like adding Zip+4 information or updating abbreviations (e.g., "Street" to "ST") may not trigger a confirmation notice to the old address.
Opting Out: While generally not recommended for security, you may be able to contact Fidelity to opt out of future automatic address updates based on postal service data if you prefer to manage all changes manually.
Step 4: Review and Follow Up
After you've submitted your address change, it's good practice to follow up and ensure everything is in order.
Monitor Your Mail: Keep an eye out for the confirmation notice from Fidelity at both your old and new addresses.
Verify Online: After a few business days, log back into your Fidelity account online to visually confirm that your new address is reflected in your profile.
Contact Fidelity if Needed: If you don't receive a confirmation, or if your address hasn't updated online after a reasonable period (typically 3-5 business days for online changes, longer for mail), contact Fidelity customer service to inquire about the status.
By following these steps, you can confidently and securely update your address with Fidelity Investments, ensuring you continue to receive important account statements, tax documents, and other vital communications without interruption.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
How to check my current address on Fidelity?
You can check your current address by logging into your Fidelity.com account, navigating to your "Profile" or "Account Services" section, and reviewing your personal information.
How to change my foreign (non-US) address with Fidelity?
Changes to foreign (non-US) addresses for brokerage and mutual fund accounts typically require you to download, print, complete, and mail the Address Change Form to Fidelity. You may also need to submit an IRS Form W-8.
How to change my address for my Fidelity 401(k) or workplace account?
For Fidelity 401(k) or other employer-sponsored accounts, you should generally log in to NetBenefits.com and go to "Profile & Settings" to update your information. If you can't, contact your employer's plan administrator as they often manage these details.
How to get a Medallion Signature Guarantee for an address change?
A Medallion Signature Guarantee can be obtained from most banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions where you have an account. It's used to verify your signature for certain sensitive transactions.
How to avoid the 10-day hold on withdrawals after an address change?
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
To potentially waive the 10-day hold on withdrawals of $10,000 or more, you may need to complete the Address Change Form with a Medallion Signature Guarantee and mail it to Fidelity.
How to confirm my address change was successful with Fidelity?
Fidelity will typically send a confirmation notice to both your old and new addresses. You can also log into your online account after a few business days to verify the updated address in your profile.
How to update my email address with Fidelity?
You can update your email address by logging into Fidelity.com, navigating to your "Profile" section, and finding the option to edit your contact information.
How to update my phone number with Fidelity?
Similar to email, you can update your phone number by logging into Fidelity.com and going to your "Profile" section to edit your primary contact information.
How to contact Fidelity customer service for address changes?
For personal accounts, you can call 1-800-343-3548. For workplace accounts (NetBenefits), call 1-800-835-5095.
How to know if my account is personal or workplace (employer-sponsored)?
Personal accounts are typically accessed directly via Fidelity.com, while employer-sponsored accounts (like 401(k)s) are usually accessed through NetBenefits.com. Your account statements or online dashboard will also clearly indicate the account type.
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