Fidelity Investments And Custom Checks: What You Need To Know

Fidelity Investments offers a range of services related to checks, including the ability to deposit checks through their mobile app or by mail. However, there is no mention of custom checks on their website or in any forum discussions. While they do allow customers to order custom-style checks, this may not be the same as accepting custom checks for deposit. Therefore, it is unclear whether Fidelity Investments accepts custom checks, and further clarification on their check policies may be needed.

Custom checks are accepted, but they must be made payable to Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC or to one or more account owners

If you're looking to deposit custom checks with Fidelity, you're in luck! Fidelity does accept custom checks, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that your custom checks are made payable to "Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC" or to one or more account owners. This is a crucial requirement for your checks to be accepted.

When depositing custom checks, you have the option to use the Fidelity Investments app, which offers a convenient and secure way to deposit your checks. Open the app, select "Transact," choose the account for the deposit, enter the check amount, and don't forget to sign it. You will then need to snap photos of both the front and back of your custom check and submit them through the app.

It's important to note that there are certain types of checks that Fidelity will not accept. These include checks made payable to cash, checks in a foreign currency or drawn on a foreign bank, and stale-dated checks, which are generally those dated more than 180 days prior to receipt. Additionally, endorsement requirements may apply, especially if the check payee name does not match the owner name(s) of the Fidelity account.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, you can also deposit custom checks by mail. Make sure to complete the appropriate deposit or contribution form and enclose a printed version along with your check. Allow for a few business days for processing, especially if using standard mail services.

Keep in mind that depositing custom checks with Fidelity may have specific requirements and restrictions. Always review their guidelines and reach out to their customer support for clarification if needed.

Custom checks must be endorsed with the payee's signature(s)

When depositing custom checks, it is important to ensure that they are endorsed correctly to avoid any issues or delays in processing. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations regarding custom check endorsements for Fidelity Investments:

• Payee Signature(s): Custom checks made payable to Fidelity account owner(s) should be endorsed with the payee's signature(s). This is a crucial step to authorize the transaction and ensure the security of your account.
• Endorsement Requirements: An endorsement may be required, especially when depositing second-party checks. This is typically necessary when the check payee's name does not match the owner's name(s) on the Fidelity account into which the check is being deposited. Proper endorsement helps prevent fraud and ensures that the correct recipient is accessing the funds.
• Mobile Check Deposit: When using the Fidelity Investments app for mobile check deposits, remember to sign the check and include the payee's signature(s) as endorsement. Take clear photos of both the front and back of the endorsed check to ensure a smooth deposit process.
• Mailing Custom Checks: If you are mailing a custom check for deposit, follow the endorsement requirements as mentioned earlier. Additionally, make sure to use the correct mailing address based on the type of account and delivery method (regular or overnight/certified mail).
• Check Styles and Accessories: Fidelity allows customers to order custom-style checks, such as duplicate checks, and accessories. You can contact a Fidelity representative at 800-544-6666 to place your order or make inquiries about custom check options.
• Check Ordering and Delivery: When placing a new order or reordering custom checks, expect to receive them within approximately 10 business days. Custom orders may take up to four weeks to be delivered. Remember that new check orders require a completed signature card signed by all account owners.
• Check Writing Eligibility: Check writing is available for various account types, including non-retirement brokerage accounts, cash management accounts, health savings accounts, and traditional retirement accounts. Please note that for retirement accounts, you must be at least 59½ years old to add check writing to your account.

There is no minimum balance required to enroll in checkwriting

Fidelity offers a range of services to its customers, including checkwriting. Checkwriting is available on 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.

There is no minimum balance required in your account to enroll in checkwriting. This means that you can add checkwriting to your current Fidelity account regardless of the balance. However, it is important to note that minimum and maximum check amounts may apply for retirement and mutual fund accounts, as outlined in the prospectus.

To add checkwriting to your current Fidelity account, you can log in and use the pre-filled form, or you can print and mail the appropriate blank form. For a retirement account, this is the retirement account form (PDF). For a non-retirement account, this is the non-retirement account form (PDF).

Fidelity offers free standard checks and deposit slips, and you can also order custom-style checks (e.g. duplicate checks) and accessories by contacting a Fidelity representative. After submitting a new or reorder request, you should receive your checks within 10 business days, but custom orders may take up to four weeks.

Fidelity also offers a mobile check deposit service, allowing you to deposit checks in seconds using the Fidelity Investments app. This service is available on Apple, Android, and Amazon devices.

Custom checks are not accepted if they are made payable to cash

When depositing a check by mail, Fidelity will only accept checks that are made payable to Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC or to one or more account owners.

Fidelity will not accept checks that are made payable to cash. Other types of checks that are not accepted include those in a foreign currency or drawn on a foreign bank, and stale-dated checks (generally, checks dated more than 180 days prior to receipt).

When depositing a check through the Fidelity mobile app, the same types of checks that are accepted by mail are also accepted. However, there are additional types of checks that are not accepted through the mobile app. These include checks requiring activation codes, foreign checks, checks with different written and numeric amounts, and non-negotiable items.

If a check is not accepted, you will receive an alert through the email notification service. You may then need to mail your check to the following address:

Fidelity Investments

PO Box 770001

Cincinnati, OH, 45277-0003

Custom checks are not accepted if they are drawn on a foreign bank

Fidelity Investments does not accept custom checks drawn on a foreign bank. This is because such checks are considered a security risk, and there are strict regulations surrounding their acceptance.

Fidelity Investments has a comprehensive list of requirements that must be met for a check to be accepted. These include the type of check, the date of issue, and the payee. For example, checks must be made payable to Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC or to one or more account owners. Additionally, they must be in a format that can be easily read and processed by their systems. This includes having a clear background and all the necessary information, such as the account number and routing number, clearly visible.

For custom checks to be accepted, they must meet all the standard requirements, and there are further restrictions on checks drawn on foreign banks. This is due to the increased risk of fraud and money laundering associated with international transactions. There are also practical considerations, such as the time difference and the potential for language barriers, which can make it more challenging to verify the authenticity of a check.

As such, Fidelity Investments does not accept custom checks drawn on foreign banks to protect its customers and comply with relevant regulations. It is important to note that this policy is not unique to Fidelity Investments, and many other financial institutions have similar policies in place.

Frequently asked questions