What the Fidelity Visa Card Is

The Fidelity Visa is a rewards card issued by Fidelity in partnership with Visa. It's designed for people who already use Fidelity for investing or banking, or who want to earn rewards that can be deposited directly into a Fidelity account. The card earns cash back on purchases and lets you move those rewards into a brokerage account, money market fund, or other Fidelity products without converting to a separate currency.

This card is not a travel rewards card or a card with rotating categories. It offers a flat cash back rate on all purchases, which means you earn the same percentage whether you're buying groceries, gas, or clothing. The specific cash back rate and any annual fee depend on which version of the card you hold.

To use this card, you need a Fidelity account. If you don't have one, you'll need to open one before you can open a card account. The card itself is issued by Fidelity Investments and managed through their website and mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fidelity Visa earns a flat cash back rate on all purchases and deposits rewards directly into your Fidelity account.
  • You must have an open Fidelity account before you can open a card account, whether that's a brokerage, retirement, or banking account.
  • The card has no foreign transaction fees, which makes it useful if you travel internationally or make purchases from overseas merchants.
  • Rewards post to your account monthly and can be used to invest, transferred to a bank account, or left as cash in your Fidelity account.
  • The card is issued by Fidelity Investments, not by a bank, so the account process and customer service run through Fidelity's systems.

Opening a Fidelity Visa Account

To open a Fidelity Visa account, you first need a Fidelity account. If you already have a brokerage account, retirement account (like an IRA), or Fidelity banking account, you can skip this step. If you don't, you'll need to open one on Fidelity's website or by phone before you can request a card.

Once you have a Fidelity account, you can request the Fidelity Visa through your account dashboard or by calling Fidelity directly. You'll provide your Social Security number, income information, and employment details. Fidelity will run a credit check to determine whether to issue the card and at what credit limit.

The approval process typically takes a few business days. Once approved, Fidelity will mail the physical card to the address on file. You can usually begin using the card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives, depending on Fidelity's current policies.

Activating Your Card and Setting It Up

When your Fidelity Visa arrives, you'll need to set up it before you can use it. You can set up the card through the Fidelity website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of the card. set up is when ready and takes just a few minutes.

After set up, set up your PIN if you plan to use the card at ATMs or in-person at merchants that require it. You can set your PIN through the Fidelity app or website. You should also review your credit limit and contact information to make sure everything is correct.

Once the card is active, you can begin using it for purchases. Rewards will start posting to your Fidelity account the following month. You don't need to do anything to earn rewards—they accrue automatically on every purchase.

How Rewards Work and Where They Go

The Fidelity Visa earns cash back at a flat rate on all purchases. The exact rate varies depending on which version of the card you hold, so check your card documents or Fidelity's website for your specific rate. Unlike some rewards cards, there are no bonus categories or rotating categories—you earn the same percentage on everything.

Rewards post to your Fidelity account once per month, usually around the same date each month. The cash back appears as a credit in your account and can be used in several ways. You can leave it as cash in your account, use it to invest in stocks or funds, deposit it into a linked bank account, or use it to pay your card bill.

There is no minimum reward amount you must reach before the rewards post. Even small purchases earn rewards, and they accumulate month to month. You don't lose rewards if you don't use them—they remain in your account indefinitely unless you move them.

Paying Your Fidelity Visa Bill

Your Fidelity Visa bill is due on the same date each month, which Fidelity will specify when you open the account. You can view your current balance, due date, and payment history through the Fidelity website or app at any time.

You can pay your bill in several ways: through the Fidelity website or app, by automatic transfer from a linked bank account, by check mailed to Fidelity, or by phone. Setting up automatic payments from your bank account is the simplest way to avoid missing a due date. You can set the payment to cover your full balance, a minimum payment, or a specific dollar amount.

If you pay late, Fidelity will charge a late fee and may report the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. If you're unable to pay by the due date, contact Fidelity as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Fees and Interest Rates

The Fidelity Visa may have an annual fee, depending on which version of the card you hold. Some versions are free; others charge an annual fee. Check your card documents or Fidelity's website to confirm whether your card has an annual fee and what it is.

If you carry a balance from month to month, Fidelity will charge interest on that balance. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is set based on your credit score and creditworthiness. The better your credit, the lower your APR will typically be. You can find your current APR in your account or by calling Fidelity.

The card has no foreign transaction fees, which means you won't pay extra when you use the card to make purchases from merchants outside the United States or when you withdraw cash from ATMs abroad. This is useful if you travel internationally or shop from overseas websites.

Managing Your Account and Monitoring Activity

You can manage your Fidelity Visa account through the Fidelity website or mobile app. Both let you view your balance, recent transactions, due date, and rewards balance. You can also update your contact information, set up automatic payments, and read statements.

Review your transactions regularly to spot any unauthorized charges. If you see a charge you don't recognize, contact Fidelity when ready. The card has fraud protection, and Fidelity will investigate disputed charges and remove them from your account if they are found to be fraudulent.

You can also set up account alerts through the Fidelity app to notify you when your balance reaches a certain amount, when a payment is due, or when a large transaction occurs. These alerts help you stay on top of your account and catch problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an existing Fidelity account to get this card?

Yes. You must have an open Fidelity account before you can open a Fidelity Visa account. This can be a brokerage account, retirement account, or banking account. If you don't have one, you'll need to open one first, which you can do on Fidelity's website or by phone.

Can I use my rewards to pay my card bill directly?

Yes. Your monthly cash back rewards can be used to pay your card bill. You can direct the rewards to your card account, or you can move them to a linked bank account and pay from there. You can also leave them in your Fidelity account and pay the bill separately.

What happens if I close my Fidelity account?

If you close your Fidelity brokerage or banking account, your card account may be closed as well, depending on Fidelity's policies. Contact Fidelity before closing any account to understand what will happen to your card. Any remaining rewards balance will be handled according to Fidelity's procedures.

Is there a credit limit, and can I request a higher one?

Yes, Fidelity will set a credit limit when you open the account based on your credit score and income. You can request a credit limit increase by contacting Fidelity. They may perform a hard credit check, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.

Can I use this card internationally?

Yes. The Fidelity Visa is a Visa card and works at merchants worldwide that accept Visa. There are no foreign transaction fees, so you won't pay extra when you use it abroad. However, the merchant or ATM operator may charge their own fees, so check before you withdraw cash.