Fidelity Investment Centers do not issue cashier's or bank checks for clients. However, they do provide checkwriting services for non-retirement brokerage accounts, cash management accounts, health savings accounts, traditional retirement accounts, and more. While Fidelity does not charge a fee for check reorders, there may be minimum and maximum check amount restrictions for retirement and mutual fund accounts.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Do Fidelity Investment Centers issue cashier's checks? | No |
Reason | COVID-19 |
Alternatives | Direct deposit (third-party EFT), bank wires, Fidelity-issued checks payable directly to the third party, personal checks |
What You'll Learn
Fidelity Investment Centres do not issue cashier's checks
Fidelity is not a bank, and while it does offer some bank-like services, issuing cashier's checks is not one of them. This is due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you need a cashier's check, your best option is to get a money order from the post office or open an account with a traditional bank. You can also try transferring money from your Fidelity account to your bank account and having your bank issue a cashier's check.
ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Which is the Better Investment?
You may want to see also
Alternatives to cashier's checks offered by Fidelity
Fidelity does not issue cashier's checks, but there are several alternatives offered by the company that can be used instead. These include:
- Direct deposit (third-party EFT)
- Bank wire transfers
- Fidelity-issued checks payable directly to the third party (not a cashier's check, but issued by Fidelity Investments)
- Personal checks; third parties can call Fidelity to verify if a check will clear
If none of these options are possible, you may need to transfer funds to a local bank to obtain a cashier's check.
It is worth noting that while Fidelity is not a bank, it does offer some banking-like features, such as checking accounts, through its Cash Management Account. This account is designed as an alternative to a traditional bank checking account.
Columbia Threadneedle Mutual Funds: Worth Your Investment?
You may want to see also
The ability to create cashier's checks is suspended until further notice
I was able to find the following information regarding Fidelity Investment Centers and their ability to issue cashier's checks.
Fidelity Investment Centers do not issue cashier's checks for clients. This is because Fidelity is not a bank and therefore cannot provide the services that banks usually offer, like cashier's checks. However, they do offer checkwriting for non-retirement brokerage and cash management accounts with individual, joint tenant, business, and trust registrations; custodial accounts; health savings accounts; mutual fund accounts; and traditional retirement accounts.
In the past, Fidelity has issued cashier's checks, but this service has been suspended until further notice. This has been confirmed by a Fidelity customer care representative on Reddit.
If you require a cashier's check, you may need to transfer funds to a local bank to obtain one.
Beginner's Guide to Choosing Mutual Funds for First-Time Investors
You may want to see also
Cashier's checks can be obtained from a local bank
Cashier's checks are a safe way to make large payments and are often used for large purchases such as a car or house sale. They can be obtained from most local banks and credit unions, and sometimes from investment offices.
- Prepare the exact amount, the recipient's name, and your personal identification. You will need to supply the check amount in the form of cash or as a withdrawal from your account. The recipient's name is also necessary since you cannot get a blank cashier's check.
- Visit a nearby branch and request the check from a teller. Some banks may also allow you to order a cashier's check online or by phone, in which case, the check will be mailed to the recipient.
- Pay the check amount plus any applicable fee. If you are withdrawing the funds from your account at the bank, ensure that you have enough to cover the fee as well. If you are paying in cash, make sure you have enough to cover the amount and the fee.
- Get a receipt for proof of payment. This can be useful to track the check or in case you lose it.
It is important to note that not all banks provide cashier's checks to non-customers, so it is recommended to call ahead and inquire about their policies. Additionally, there is usually a fee associated with issuing a cashier's check, typically around $10 to $15.
While investment offices like Fidelity may have offered cashier's checks in the past, recent reports suggest that their ability to create outbound cashier's checks is currently suspended until further notice. As such, obtaining a cashier's check from a local bank is a more reliable option.
Mutual Fund Taxation: What Investors Need to Know
You may want to see also
Fidelity is not a bank
Fidelity offers a Cash Management Account (CMA), which is a brokerage account designed for spending and cash management. It has many features that are similar to a traditional bank account, such as a routing number and account number for direct deposits and direct debits, check deposits via a mobile app or in person, a free checkbook, and a free Visa debit card. The CMA also offers free bill pay services, free same-day ACH transfers, and free wire transfers.
However, there are some limitations to the CMA. For example, you cannot deposit physical cash or money orders, and it does not support Zelle. Additionally, the CMA does not provide cashier's checks. This is a significant distinction from a traditional bank account, as cashier's checks are often needed for certain transactions, such as purchasing a vehicle or property.
While Fidelity offers some banking-like features, it is important to understand that it is not a bank and may not be able to provide all the services that a traditional bank can. For certain transactions or services, you may still need to rely on a brick-and-mortar bank.
Short-Term Bond Funds: Worth the Investment?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Fidelity Investment offices do not issue cashier's checks.
Fidelity is not a bank and, therefore, does not provide the services one would expect from a bank. However, they do provide checkwriting for non-retirement brokerage accounts, cash management accounts, health savings accounts, traditional retirement accounts, and more.
Alternatives to cashier's checks include direct deposit, bank wires, and personal checks.