Navigating the world of investing has become more accessible thanks to mobile platforms like Fidelity. With just a few taps, users can buy or sell assets directly from their smartphones. This article will walk you through how to buy and sell stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App, ensuring you feel confident using the app’s trading features.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or someone with experience seeking a user-friendly way to manage your investments, Fidelity’s app offers a streamlined process to manage your portfolio anytime, anywhere.
Getting Started with the Fidelity App
Before diving into buying and selling, make sure you have downloaded the Fidelity app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and created an account. Once you log in, you’ll land on the main dashboard where your account balance and current holdings are displayed.
Understanding the Interface
The app’s main screen is clean and straightforward. Your account summary, including your available cash balance and investments, is immediately visible. You can also access transaction history, open orders, and market research tools from the navigation tabs.
How to Buy Stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App
Let’s break down the process step-by-step, using SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) as an example.
1. Tap “Transact”
To initiate a purchase, locate and tap the “Transact” button on the app’s main screen. This is your entry point to both buying and selling functions.
2. Search for a Stock or ETF
You’ll see a pop-up that lets you search for the stock or ETF you want to buy. If you’ve previously transacted with an asset (like SCHD), it may appear in your recent activity.
To look up a new asset:
- Tap “Research” or “Search”
- Type in the ticker symbol (e.g., SCHD)
- Tap on the desired result to view its detailed asset page
3. Review Asset Information
Once you tap on the asset, you’ll be directed to a screen showing:
- Current price
- Bid and ask prices
- Your historical performance if you’ve bought it before
- Charts and recent news
In our example, the user had purchased one share of SCHD previously at $27.25 and noticed a 7% loss.
4. Initiate the Buy Order
Tap the “Buy” button on the asset screen.
Here’s what you’ll see:
- Available cash in your account (e.g., $334)
- Bid/Ask prices
- A field to enter how many shares to buy (e.g., 1 share)
5. Select Order Type
Fidelity offers several order types:
- Market (executes immediately at current price)
- Limit (executes only at a specific price)
- Stop-loss
- Stop-limit
- Trailing stop-loss
For beginners or quick trades, market orders are often preferred. In our case, the user chose a market order.
6. Preview and Submit
After setting your preferences:
- Tap “Preview”
- Review the order summary
- If everything looks good, slide to confirm the purchase
You’ll see a confirmation screen showing that your order was submitted. Tap “Done” to exit.
7. Refresh Your Portfolio
Pull down on your portfolio screen to refresh. Your new asset should appear within about 30 seconds. You can now view your updated position and purchase history.
How to Sell Stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App
The process of selling assets is nearly identical to buying. Let’s walk through it.
1. Go to the Asset
Find the asset you want to sell in your portfolio. Tap on it to view its details.
2. Tap “Sell”
Once you’re on the asset’s page, tap the “Sell” button. You’ll be brought to the same trading interface used for buying.
3. Enter Sell Details
- Enter the number of shares you want to sell
- Choose the order type (market, limit, etc.)
- Tap “Preview”
4. Confirm the Sell Order
If the preview screen looks correct, slide to confirm the sale. Once completed, your account balance will reflect the change and the asset position will be updated accordingly.
Order Types Explained
When placing trades, it’s important to understand the differences between order types:
- Market Order: Executes immediately at the current market price.
- Limit Order: Executes only at a specified price or better.
- Stop-Loss: Sells your asset automatically when the price drops to a certain level.
- Stop-Limit: Similar to a stop-loss but includes a limit price for execution.
- Trailing Stop-Loss: Automatically adjusts the stop price based on market movements.
Choose the order type that aligns with your trading strategy and risk tolerance.
Viewing Trade History and Performance
Once your buy or sell order is complete:
- Return to your portfolio screen
- Scroll down slightly to view updated purchase or sale history
- Performance metrics like gain/loss percentages are visible for each asset
This transparency helps you track your investments and make informed decisions in the future.
Why Use Fidelity for Buying and Selling Stocks or ETFs?
Fidelity offers a balanced blend of:
- Low fees
- Broad investment selection
- Strong research tools
- User-friendly app design
Whether you are buying your first share or managing a diversified portfolio, Fidelity simplifies the process. As we demonstrated in this guide, buying and selling stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App is intuitive and quick.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App
Investing doesn’t need to be complicated. With clear steps and a modern interface, buying and selling stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App is within everyone’s reach.
To recap:
- Use the Transact button to initiate a buy or sell
- Search and select your asset
- Choose your order type carefully
- Always review before confirming
- Refresh your portfolio to see updated holdings
With these steps in mind, you’re ready to take control of your investments and make confident decisions from the convenience of your mobile device.
By using the Fidelity app effectively, you empower yourself to invest smartly and track your financial goals on the go. So go ahead, explore the platform, and enjoy the experience of managing stocks or ETFs on the Fidelity App with ease.
