Yes! You can use AI to fill out Fidelity Investments Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Form
The Fidelity Investments Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization form allows account holders to set up standing EFT instructions to transfer funds to or from their Fidelity accounts and an external bank account, or to a third party's bank account. It is an essential form for automating routine transfers between financial institutions, covering both personal and eligible retirement accounts. The form requires account owner information, bank routing and account details, and an authorized signature—and in some cases, a Medallion signature guarantee. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Our AI automatically handles information lookup, data retrieval, formatting, and form filling.
It takes less than a minute to fill out Fidelity EFT Authorization using our AI form filling.
Securely upload your data. Information is encrypted in transit and deleted immediately after the form is filled out.
Form specifications
| Form name: | Fidelity Investments Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization Form |
| Number of pages: | 1 |
| Filled form examples: | Form Fidelity EFT Authorization Examples |
| Language: | English |
Instafill Demo: filling out a legal form in seconds
How to Fill Out Fidelity EFT Authorization Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a FIDELITY EFT AUTHORIZATION form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your FIDELITY EFT AUTHORIZATION form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your FIDELITY EFT AUTHORIZATION form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload the Fidelity EFT Authorization form or select it from the available form library.
- 2 Enter your personal information in Section 1, including your first name, middle name, last name, and any additional owner or authorized individual name.
- 3 Complete Section 2 by providing your Fidelity account number(s), selecting the bank account type (checking or savings), and entering your bank routing/ABA number, bank name, and account number. Attach a voided check, deposit slip, or bank statement as required.
- 4 If applicable, complete Section 3 for 3rd Party EFT by providing the Fidelity account number(s) and the third party's bank account details, including owner name(s), routing number, bank name, and account number.
- 5 If you are a W-8-certified non-U.S. citizen sending funds to a country different from your tax residence country, complete Section 4 by providing the required explanation.
- 6 Review all entered information for accuracy, then sign and date the form in Section 5. Obtain a Medallion signature guarantee if you are establishing 3rd Party EFT and are not completing the form at a Fidelity Investor Center.
- 7 Submit the completed form by scanning or photographing it and uploading it via Fidelity.com/upload-EFT, or mail it to the appropriate Fidelity address if digital submission is not possible.
Our AI-powered system ensures each field is filled out correctly, reducing errors and saving you time.
Why Choose Instafill.ai for Your Fillable Fidelity EFT Authorization Form?
Speed
Complete your Fidelity EFT Authorization in as little as 37 seconds.
Up-to-Date
Always use the latest 2026 Fidelity EFT Authorization form version.
Cost-effective
No need to hire expensive lawyers.
Accuracy
Our AI performs 10 compliance checks to ensure your form is error-free.
Security
Your personal information is protected with bank-level encryption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form Fidelity EFT Authorization
This form is used to establish standing Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) instructions on your Fidelity account, allowing routine transfers to or from your bank account. It covers both eligible retirement and nonretirement accounts. Note that this form is NOT used to request a specific one-time transaction.
Standard EFT allows you to transfer money both to and from your own bank account linked to your Fidelity account. 3rd Party EFT allows you to transfer money FROM your Fidelity account TO someone else's bank account, but it cannot be used for commercial purposes and only works in one direction (Fidelity to outside account).
For standard EFT, you must attach a voided check, preprinted deposit slip, or bank statement showing the account number and all owner names. For 3rd Party EFT, you must also attach an account statement, voided check, or deposit slip for the third party's account. All names on the supporting documents must match the names on your Fidelity account.
EFT is not available for Workplace Self-Directed Brokerage, Money Purchase and Profit Sharing Plans, and Investment-Only Retirement Accounts. Additionally, 3rd Party EFT is not available for Self-Employed 401(k)s, Mutual Fund Only Accounts, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), or Business Accounts.
A Medallion signature guarantee is required only when establishing 3rd Party EFT instructions for a bank account that is not in your name. However, if you complete the form in person at a Fidelity Investor Center with all signers present, the Medallion signature guarantee is not required. Note that a notary seal or stamp is NOT a substitute for a Medallion signature guarantee.
EFT and 3rd Party EFT may not be available during the first four to five days after the feature is established on your account. There is typically a four-day waiting period after Fidelity processes your request before you can begin transferring funds.
Fidelity does not charge a fee to use the EFT service. However, your own financial institution or bank may charge transaction fees, so it's worth checking with your bank beforehand.
EFTs initiated on Fidelity.com are subject to a maximum cumulative daily amount of $100,000 for transfers out of your Fidelity account and $250,000 for deposits into your Fidelity account. Transfers out of your Fidelity account are typically limited to three per day, and the minimum transfer amount is $0.01.
Any transaction in your Fidelity IRA initiated with EFT instructions will be treated as a distribution and reported to the IRS. This distribution will generally result in taxable income for the year it is distributed, unless it is rolled over to another IRA or qualified employer plan within 60 days.
For faster processing, you can complete and sign the form, then scan or photograph the entire form and required documents, and upload them at Fidelity.com/upload-EFT or by scanning the QR code on the form. If you cannot use the digital upload process, visit Fidelity.com/customer-service/mailing-address for mailing instructions.
Contact Fidelity immediately by calling 800-343-3548 (available 24/7) or writing to Fidelity Investments, PO Box 770001, Cincinnati, OH 45277. You must report errors no later than 60 days after the first statement showing the problem was mailed to you. Reporting within 2 business days of discovering a lost or stolen password limits your liability to $50.
Yes, you can use AI-powered services like Instafill.ai to auto-fill this form accurately and save time. Instafill.ai can also convert flat, non-fillable PDF versions of this form into interactive fillable forms, making the process even easier. Simply visit Instafill.ai, upload the form, and let the AI guide you through completing each field.
Yes, trust accounts are eligible for EFT. If your bank account is owned by the same trust, the supporting document must match the full trust name at Fidelity and list the trustee name(s) to enable 1st Party EFT. If your bank account is personally owned, the supporting document should list your full name.
For Self-Employed 401(k) accounts, only transfers FROM an outside bank TO Fidelity are available — you cannot transfer from Fidelity to an outside account. Additionally, the Plan Administrator must sign in Section 5 of the form, and only standard EFT (not 3rd Party EFT) is available for this account type.
You can stop a scheduled EFT payment by calling Fidelity at 800-343-3548 or writing to them, but your notice must be received at least three business days before the payment is scheduled. Fidelity may require you to follow up your call with a written request within 14 days. Revocation of EFT authorization must be done in writing with enough notice for both Fidelity and your bank to act on it.
Compliance Fidelity EFT Authorization
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Account Owner First and Last Name Are Required
The First Name and Last Name fields in Section 1 must not be left blank, as these identify the primary account owner initiating the EFT authorization. Without a complete name, Fidelity cannot match the form to an existing account or verify identity. If either field is missing, the form cannot be processed and will be returned to the submitter.
2
At Least One Fidelity Account Number Must Be Provided
Either Section 2 (EFT Authorization) or Section 3 (3rd Party EFT Authorization) must contain at least one valid Fidelity account number. Fidelity account numbers follow a specific format and must correspond to an eligible account type. If no account number is provided in either section, there is no account to link the EFT instructions to, rendering the form incomplete and unprocessable.
3
Bank Routing/ABA Number Format Validation
The Bank Routing/ABA Number field must contain exactly 9 numeric digits, as all valid U.S. bank routing numbers are 9 digits in length. The number should also pass a standard ABA checksum algorithm to confirm it corresponds to a real financial institution. An invalid or malformed routing number will cause EFT transactions to fail or be misdirected, potentially resulting in financial loss.
4
Bank Account Number Is Present and Numeric
The Checking or Savings Account Number field must be populated and contain only numeric characters, as bank account numbers do not include letters or special characters. This applies to both Section 2 (standard EFT) and Section 3 (3rd Party EFT). A missing or non-numeric account number will prevent Fidelity from correctly routing funds and may result in failed or erroneous transactions.
5
Bank Account Type Selection Is Required
The form requires the submitter to select either 'Checking' or 'Savings' for each bank account listed in Section 2 and Section 3. Only one account type may be selected per bank account entry, and leaving this field blank creates ambiguity about how the receiving institution should process the transfer. Failure to select an account type may cause the transaction to be rejected by the bank.
6
Owner Name on Bank Account Matches Fidelity Account Owner Name
The 'Owner(s) Name(s) Exactly as on Bank Account' field must match the name(s) provided in Section 1 for standard EFT (Section 2), as Fidelity requires that the registration types and owner names match between the Fidelity account and the external bank account. A mismatch in names indicates a potential ownership discrepancy that could violate EFT eligibility requirements. If names do not match, the EFT setup will be rejected unless the 3rd Party EFT section is used instead.
7
Bank Name Field Must Not Be Blank
The Bank Name field in both Section 2 and Section 3 must be completed to identify the financial institution associated with the provided routing and account numbers. While the routing number technically identifies the bank, the bank name serves as a human-readable confirmation and cross-reference for processing staff. A blank bank name may delay processing or flag the form for manual review.
8
Medallion Signature Guarantee Is Required for 3rd Party EFT
If Section 3 (3rd Party EFT Authorization) is completed, a Medallion Signature Guarantee must be obtained and affixed in Section 5, unless the form is completed in person at a Fidelity Investor Center with all signers present. A notary seal or stamp is explicitly not an acceptable substitute for a Medallion Signature Guarantee. Without this guarantee, the 3rd Party EFT instructions cannot be established, as this requirement protects against unauthorized transfers to external accounts.
9
At Least One Authorized Signature and Date Are Present
Section 5 requires at least one valid signature and a corresponding date in MM/DD/YYYY format from the account owner, authorized individual, plan administrator, or trustee. For Mutual Fund Accounts (account numbers beginning with '2' followed by two letters), all owners must sign. Without a valid signature and date, the form explicitly states it cannot be processed, and any EFT instructions will not be established.
10
Signature Date Is in Valid MM/DD/YYYY Format and Is Not a Future Date
The date fields in Section 5 must follow the MM/DD/YYYY format as specified on the form, with valid month values (01–12), valid day values relative to the month, and a four-digit year. The date must not be a future date, as a signature cannot be legally valid before it is made. An improperly formatted or future-dated signature date may cause the form to be rejected or flagged for review.
11
Printed Owner Name in Section 5 Matches Section 1 Account Owner Name
The 'Print Owner/Authorized Individual/Plan Administrator Name/Trustee' field in Section 5 must match the account owner name provided in Section 1 to ensure consistency and confirm the correct individual is authorizing the EFT instructions. A discrepancy between these names may indicate an unauthorized party is attempting to sign the form. If the names do not match, the form should be flagged for manual verification before processing.
12
3rd Party EFT Is Not Used for Ineligible Account Types
Section 3 (3rd Party EFT) is only available for brokerage accounts and must not be submitted for Self-Employed 401(k)s, Mutual Fund Only Accounts, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Business Accounts, or SIMPLE IRAs. If a Fidelity account number provided in Section 3 corresponds to one of these ineligible account types, the 3rd Party EFT request must be rejected. Processing a 3rd Party EFT for an ineligible account type could result in unauthorized or non-compliant transactions.
13
Self-Employed 401(k) EFT Direction Is Transfers Into Fidelity Only
For Self-Employed 401(k) accounts, EFT instructions may only be established for transfers FROM the outside bank TO Fidelity, and the Plan Administrator must sign in Section 5. If a Self-Employed 401(k) account number is provided and the intended transfer direction is from Fidelity to an outside account, the request must be flagged and rejected. Additionally, if the Plan Administrator signature is absent for this account type, the form is incomplete.
14
W-8 Certified Customer Explanation Does Not Exceed 250 Characters
Section 4, applicable to non-U.S. citizens requesting standing instructions to a country different from their W-8 treaty country, limits the reason field to a maximum of 250 characters. If the submitted text exceeds this limit, it must be truncated or the submitter must be notified to shorten their explanation. Exceeding the character limit may cause data entry errors or system rejection during processing.
15
Supporting Bank Document Is Attached for Section 2 EFT Setup
When completing Section 2, the submitter must attach a voided check, preprinted deposit slip, or bank statement that shows the account number and all owner names as preprinted and unaltered. The form explicitly marks this attachment as 'REQUIRED,' and without it, Fidelity cannot verify the bank account details or confirm ownership. If no supporting document is attached, the EFT authorization cannot be established and the form will be returned incomplete.
16
3rd Party EFT Section Includes Supporting Bank Document Attachment
Section 3 requires the submitter to attach an account statement, voided check, or deposit slip for the third-party bank account being linked. This document is necessary to verify the third-party account details and confirm the account is owned by a natural person for personal, family, or household use as warranted in Section 5. Without this attachment, the 3rd Party EFT instructions cannot be validated or established.
Common Mistakes in Completing Fidelity EFT Authorization
One of the most common errors is providing a name on the form that does not exactly match the name registered on both the bank account and the Fidelity account. This mismatch causes the EFT setup to be rejected or delayed because Fidelity requires the registration types and names to match precisely. For example, using a nickname, omitting a middle name, or using an abbreviated name can trigger a rejection. Always use your full legal name exactly as it appears on both accounts, and double-check by referencing your bank statement and Fidelity account profile before submitting.
Many people confuse the routing number with the account number, or accidentally transpose digits when entering the 9-digit ABA routing number. An incorrect routing number will cause the EFT to fail or, worse, send funds to the wrong financial institution. The routing number is typically found at the bottom-left of a check and is distinct from the account number. Always verify the routing number directly with your bank or on an official bank statement, and consider using an AI-powered form filling tool like Instafill.ai to auto-validate the format and reduce transcription errors.
The form explicitly requires supporting documentation — a voided check, preprinted deposit slip, or bank statement — to verify the bank account details, yet many applicants submit the form without this attachment. Without the required document, Fidelity cannot process the EFT authorization and will return or reject the form, causing significant delays. Ensure the supporting document has the account number and all owner names preprinted and unaltered, and attach it securely to the form before submission.
When setting up 3rd Party EFT (transferring funds to someone else's bank account), a Medallion signature guarantee is required, but many people mistakenly obtain a standard notary seal or stamp instead. A notary seal is explicitly NOT a Medallion signature guarantee, and submitting one will result in the form being rejected. A Medallion signature guarantee must be obtained from an authorized financial institution such as a bank, credit union, or brokerage. Plan ahead, as not all branches offer this service and it may require an appointment.
People frequently try to set up 3rd Party EFT on account types that are not eligible for this feature, such as Self-Employed 401(k)s, Mutual Fund Only Accounts, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Business Accounts. This results in the request being denied and wasted processing time. Before completing Section 3, carefully review the 'Helpful to Know' section to confirm your account type is eligible for 3rd Party EFT, and note that for SIMPLE IRAs, only 3rd Party EFT is available while standard EFT is not.
A very common data entry mistake is swapping the bank routing/ABA number and the checking or savings account number in their respective fields. These are two distinct numbers found at the bottom of a check — the routing number is always 9 digits and appears first, while the account number follows. Entering them in the wrong fields will cause the EFT to fail or route funds incorrectly. Carefully label and verify each number before entering it, or use Instafill.ai to help auto-populate and validate these fields correctly.
Applicants often forget to check the box indicating whether the linked bank account is a checking or savings account, or they select the wrong type. This omission or error can cause the EFT transaction to be rejected by the bank, as the account type must match what is on file at the financial institution. Always confirm the account type with your bank statement or online banking portal before marking the checkbox, and ensure the selection matches the supporting document you attach.
The form cannot be processed without the required signature(s) and date(s) in Section 5, yet many people forget to sign, omit the date, or fail to have all required parties sign. For Mutual Fund Accounts (account numbers beginning with '2' followed by two letters), all owners must sign. For Self-Employed 401(k)s, the Plan Administrator must also sign. Missing signatures result in the form being returned unprocessed. Review the signature requirements carefully based on your account type before submitting, and ensure the date is written in MM/DD/YYYY format.
People sometimes enter Fidelity account numbers for account types that are not eligible for EFT, such as Workplace Self-Directed Brokerage accounts, Money Purchase and Profit Sharing Plans, or Investment-Only Retirement Accounts. Including ineligible accounts causes those specific EFT instructions to be rejected, even if other accounts on the form are valid. Before entering any Fidelity account number, verify its eligibility by reviewing the 'Helpful to Know' section or contacting Fidelity at 800-343-3548.
The EFT Authorization form is designed solely to establish standing (recurring) EFT instructions, not to initiate a specific one-time transfer. Many people misunderstand this and submit the form expecting an immediate or one-time transaction to occur. The form clearly states 'Do NOT use this form to request a specific transaction.' Using it for this purpose will not result in the desired transfer and may cause confusion. For one-time transfers, log in to Fidelity.com or call 800-343-3548 to initiate the transaction directly.
Many customers submit the EFT Authorization form and then immediately attempt to make a transfer, not realizing that EFT and 3rd Party EFT may not be available for four to five business days after the feature is established. This leads to failed transactions and frustration, especially if the transfer is time-sensitive. Plan ahead by submitting the form well in advance of when you need to make a transfer, and do not schedule any EFT transactions until you have confirmed the feature is active on your account.
Non-U.S. citizens who are W-8 certified and wish to send money to a financial institution in a country different from their W-8 treaty country often overlook Section 4, which requires a written explanation of up to 250 characters. Omitting this explanation will cause the form to be incomplete and potentially rejected. If you are a non-U.S. citizen with a W-8 on file and are setting up EFT to a non-U.S. bank in a different country than your tax residence, ensure you complete Section 4 with a clear and concise reason before submitting the form.
Saved over 80 hours a year
“I was never sure if my IRS forms like W-9 were filled correctly. Now, I can complete the forms accurately without any external help.”
Kevin Martin Green
Your data stays secure with advanced protection from Instafill and our subprocessors
Robust compliance program
Transparent business model
You’re not the product. You always know where your data is and what it is processed for.
ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR
Our subprocesses adhere to multiple compliance standards, including but not limited to ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Security & privacy by design
We consider security and privacy from the initial design phase of any new service or functionality. It’s not an afterthought, it’s built-in, including support for two-factor authentication (2FA) to further protect your account.
Fill out Fidelity EFT Authorization with Instafill.ai
Worried about filling PDFs wrong? Instafill securely fills fidelity-investments-electronic-funds-transfer-eft-authorization-form forms, ensuring each field is accurate.
