Frequently Asked Questions on IRAs

How does an IRA benefit me?

Many people are unsure of how much they need to save for retirement, and will potentially fall short of their retirement savings goals. Opening a Fidelity IRA may help you accumulate the money you'll need in retirement.1

Should I save in my 401(k) or IRA?

At Fidelity, we believe that you should consider contributing the full amount of 401(k) elective deferral contributions required to receive the maximum employer match offered in your workplace retirement plan as your first priority rather than leaving that money on the table. 401(k) deferrals are an easy way to start early and contribute regularly, with the discipline of payroll deductions.
For many savers, the simplicity and discipline of payroll deduction makes the logical next step to maximize your 401(k) elective deferrals up to the 402(g) annual deferral limit, $16,500 in 2010 ($22,000 if 50 years or older).

Are there income limits to contribute to an IRA?

Yes. You can make a contribution to a Roth IRA if your income is less than $105,000 in 2009 and 2010 (as a single filer) or $166,000 (married, filing jointly) in 2009 and $167,000 for 2010 and you can't make deductible IRA contributions. There are no income limits for Traditional IRAs2.

If I qualify to contribute to both a Trad IRA and Roth IRA, which one should I save in?

If you qualify for Roth IRA contributions, you should consider it because having a mix of both pre-tax and Roth contributions can help create additional flexibility in retirement to respond to what is a great unknown – future tax rates. For people who expect income in retirement as high or higher than the current level, younger people who expect steady income growth over their careers, or others who feel that their tax rate in retirement will be higher than they are today, Roth IRA contributions may again be the better choice. But if you believe that your tax rates will be lower in retirement than they are now, you may want to prioritize pre-tax vehicles like the Traditional IRA. Answer a few questions to find out which one might be right for you.

How much money do I need to open a Fidelity IRA?

There are no account minimums to open, but the minimum to get invested in a mutual fund is generally $2,500. But Fidelity will reduce the initial investment minimum to just $200 a month with automatic contributions in a SimpleStartSM IRA. Monthly or quarterly, on a date of your choosing, money is automatically transferred from your bank account to your IRA3.

What does a Fidelity IRA have to offer?

Today, over 24 million people rely on us to help them manage their assets for the future. And, with our more than 60 years of experience, we can help you, too. We make investing easier by offering the guidance you need at more than 100 Investor Centers, by phone at 1-800-FIDELITY or online at Fidelity.com. We also offer a broad range of investment choices and easy access to sophisticated online tools—like our fund evaluator.

How do I open a Fidelity IRA?

Simply choose between a Roth or a Traditional IRA and open it online1. It takes about 15 minutes.

Where should I invest my money?

We offer many options for investing your IRA assets, including stocks, bonds, CDs, and mutual funds. For many investors, Fidelity’s Freedom Funds® are an easy way to invest for retirement. Simply tell us when you expect to retire and we can show you a fund matching that time horizon4.

Can someone help me with my investing?

Yes. Fidelity offers a wide range of services and products that can give you as much or as little involvement in the management of your portfolio as you want. Visit Portfolio Advisory Services® to learn more about our professional money management services5.

How can I contribute to my Fidelity IRA?

You can contribute to your account by visiting the contribute to your IRA page. Another way to put your savings on autopilot is by investing a set amount on a monthly or quarterly basis with Fidelity Automatic Account Builder®3.

When can I make "catch-up" contributions?

Once you reach age 50, contribution limits on IRAs increase $1,000, allowing those who may have put off starting to save for retirement to "catch up" on their savings by contributing an amount over the standard contribution limit.

Can I withdraw money from my IRA?

Withdrawals from the contribution portion of a Roth IRA are tax- and penalty-free provided certain conditions are met. Generally, distributions are subject to ordinary federal income tax and are included in gross income. Generally, distributions before age 59½ are subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty. The IRS allows penalty-free withdrawals from Traditional IRAs and the earnings portion of Roth IRAs that have met the five year aging requirement before the age of 59½ for certain kinds of expenses, including a first home, certain educational expenses, and qualified medical expenses, among others6.

Can I convert my existing Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?

Yes. To be eligible, you must have AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) not exceeding $100,000 if filing single or jointly. In 2010, the income limit will be eliminated and the tax impact can potentially be spread over 2011 and 2012 (only for conversions made in 2010). Please speak with your tax advisor about your specific situation and whether this conversion opportunity may make sense for you7.

Can I transfer my IRA from another institution?

Yes. Visit the transfer your IRA page for a quick overview of the online process.

Can I transfer my old 401(k) from a previous employer to my Roth or Traditional IRA?

Yes. Contact our Rollover Representative, and they'll guide you through the entire process—from beginning to end. Call 1-800-544-5320 to get started.

IRA Limits and Deadlines.


  1. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 to open an IRA at Fidelity.
  2. For a Traditional IRA, full deductibility of a contribution for 2009 is available to active participants whose 2009 Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is $89,000 or less (joint) and $55,000 or less (single); partial deductibility for MAGI up to $109,000 (joint) and $65,000 (single). For contributions in tax year 2010, the full deductibility MAGI limits are $89,000 or less (joint) and $56,000 or less (single); partial deductibility for MAGI up to $109,000 (joint) and $66,000 (single). In addition, full deductibility of a contribution is available for working or nonworking spouses who are not covered by an employer-sponsored plan whose MAGI is less than $166,000 for 2009 and $167,000 for 2010; partial deductibility for MAGI up to $176,000 for 2009 and $177,000 for 2010.
  3. The minimum automatic contribution is $200 per month (or $600 per quarter). Non-Fidelity Funds and certain Fidelity Funds not eligible. Please ask for details.
  4. Fidelity Freedom Funds® are managed by Strategic Advisers, Inc., a subsidiary of FMR LLC . The investment risks of each Freedom Fund changes over time as its asset allocation changes. They are subject to the volatility of the financial markets, including equity and fixed income investments in the U.S. and abroad and may be subject to risks associated with investing in high yield, small cap, commodity-linked and foreign securities. Principal invested is not guaranteed at any time, including at or after their target dates.
  5. Fidelity Portfolio Advisory Service® is a service of Strategic Advisers, Inc., a registered investment adviser and a Fidelity Investments company. Fidelity Private Portfolio Service® may be offered through the following Fidelity Investments companies: Strategic Advisers, Inc., Fidelity Personal Trust Company, FSB (“FPT”), a federal savings bank and a registered investment adviser, or Fidelity Management Trust Company (“FMTC”). Non-deposit investment products and trust services offered through FPT and FMTC and their affiliates are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, are not obligations of any bank, and are subject to risk, including possible loss of principal. These services provide discretionary money management for a fee.
  6. Distribution from a Roth IRA is tax-free and penalty-free provided that the five-year aging requirement has been satisfied and one of the following conditions is met: age 59½, death, disability, qualified first time home purchase.
  7. Converted amounts are not included in your MAGI when determining eligibility. If you are married filing jointly or single, your MAGI cannot exceed $100,000 in the year you convert. If you are married filing separately, you are not eligible to convert unless you have lived apart from your spouse for the entire taxable year.