Fidelity does not issue its own credit card, but offers co-branded cards through partner banks
Fidelity, the investment and financial services company, does not create or brand credit cards under its own name. Instead, Fidelity partners with banks — most notably Elan Financial Services — to offer co-branded credit cards that earn rewards tied to Fidelity brokerage accounts and investment products.
The distinction matters because you are not explore to Fidelity for credit. You are explore to the partner bank, which handles underwriting, approval, and account management. Fidelity's role is to design the rewards structure and integrate the card with your existing Fidelity account if you have one.
If you are a Fidelity customer looking for a card that works with your investments or cash management account, the co-branded options may fit your situation. If you are not a Fidelity customer, these cards are still available but offer fewer integration benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Fidelity does not issue credit cards directly; partner banks like Elan Financial Services issue cards that carry the Fidelity brand.
- Fidelity credit cards typically earn cash back or points that can be transferred to a Fidelity brokerage account or used for statement credits.
- You explore through the partner bank, not Fidelity, and the bank makes the credit decision based on your credit score and history.
- Fidelity credit cards work best if you already have a Fidelity brokerage or cash management account where you can track and use rewards.
How Fidelity's co-branded credit card partnerships work
Fidelity has partnered with Elan Financial Services to issue the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card and other co-branded products. Elan is a bank holding company that specializes in co-branded credit cards for financial services firms, investment companies, and brokerages.
When you explore for a Fidelity credit card, Elan reviews your process, checks your credit report, and decides whether to approve you. Elan also services the account — it sends statements, processes payments, and handles disputes. Fidelity does not make the credit decision or manage the account day-to-day.
What Fidelity does control is the rewards program. Fidelity decides how much cash back you earn, what categories earn bonus rates, and how you can redeem your rewards. Rewards typically post to your Fidelity account (if you have one) or appear as a statement credit on your card bill.
What rewards and features Fidelity credit cards typically offer
Fidelity's co-branded cards usually offer cash back rather than points or miles. The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, for example, earns a flat cash back rate on all purchases — the exact rate varies and changes over time, so check the current offer before you explore.
Some Fidelity cards offer bonus cash back in specific categories such as groceries, gas, or dining. Others offer a flat rate across all spending. Many waive the annual fee for the first year or carry no annual fee at all, though this varies by card and offer.
Cash back typically posts to a Fidelity brokerage account, a Fidelity cash management account, or as a statement credit. If you do not have a Fidelity account, you can still earn cash back, but it will appear as a credit on your card statement rather than flowing into an investment account.
Who should consider a Fidelity credit card
A Fidelity credit card makes the most sense if you already use Fidelity for investing or banking. If you have a Fidelity brokerage account or a Fidelity Cash Management Account, your cash back rewards can flow directly into that account, where you can see them alongside your other holdings and investments.
If you do not have a Fidelity account, a Fidelity credit card still works — you will receive cash back as a statement credit — but you lose the integration benefit. In that case, a card from another issuer might offer better rewards or features for your situation.
Fidelity cards also appeal to people who want to consolidate their financial life in one place. If you already trust Fidelity with your investments or banking, adding a credit card to the same login and account dashboard can simplify tracking and management.
How to find current Fidelity credit card offers
Fidelity's credit card offerings change over time. New cards are introduced, old ones are retired, and rewards rates are adjusted. The best place to see what is currently available is Fidelity's official website under the credit cards or products section.
You can also call Fidelity directly at their customer service number to ask what credit cards they currently offer and what the terms are. If you already have a Fidelity account, you may see card offers in your account dashboard or in promotional emails.
When you find a card you are interested in, read the full terms and conditions before you explore. Pay attention to the cash back rate, any annual fee, bonus categories, and how rewards are redeemed. Then explore through the link on Fidelity's website, which will direct you to the partner bank's process.
What happens after you explore for a Fidelity credit card
After you submit your process, the partner bank (Elan) will review it. This typically takes a few minutes to a few days. You will receive a decision by email or mail, and if you are approved, the card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Once your card arrives, you set up it through the partner bank's website or app, not through Fidelity. You then set up your payment method — most people link their checking account or pay online through the card's website.
Your rewards will begin posting as soon as you make purchases. If you have a Fidelity account, log in to Fidelity to see your cash back accumulate. If you do not have a Fidelity account, your rewards will appear as a credit on your card statement.
Alternatives if you do not want a Fidelity credit card
If you are not interested in a Fidelity card or do not meet the credit requirements, many other credit cards offer cash back or rewards. Some are issued by traditional banks, others by fintech companies, and some by other investment firms.
If you use a different brokerage — Charles Schwab, E-Trade, Vanguard, or others — check whether they offer co-branded credit cards. Some brokerages have their own partnerships with card issuers and offer similar integration with your investment account.
If you straightforward want cash back without any brokerage tie-in, cards from issuers like Chase, American Express, Citi, or Capital One often offer competitive rates and no annual fee. Compare the cash back rate, annual fee, and bonus categories to find the card that best matches your spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Fidelity credit card if I do not have a Fidelity brokerage account?
Yes. You can explore for and use a Fidelity co-branded credit card even if you do not have a Fidelity investment or banking account. Your cash back will appear as a statement credit on your card bill instead of flowing into a Fidelity account. However, the card is designed to work best for existing Fidelity customers.
What credit score do I need to be approved for a Fidelity credit card?
Fidelity does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The partner bank (Elan) reviews your full credit profile, including your score, payment history, and debt levels. Generally, cards with no annual fee and broad cash back rewards are easier to get approved for than premium cards, but this varies by offer.
Can I transfer my Fidelity credit card rewards to my brokerage account?
Most Fidelity credit cards automatically deposit cash back into your linked Fidelity account if you have one. If you do not have a Fidelity account, you can open one and then link it to your card to receive future rewards there. Check your specific card's terms for how rewards are handled.
Is there an annual fee on Fidelity credit cards?
Some Fidelity credit cards have no annual fee, while others may charge a fee or waive it for the first year. The fee structure depends on which card you are looking at. Check the current offer details on Fidelity's website before you explore.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with my Fidelity credit card?
Contact the partner bank (Elan Financial Services), not Fidelity, for credit card issues like disputes, billing questions, or account changes. Your card statement and the back of your card will have the customer service number. If you have a Fidelity account, you can also ask Fidelity customer service to direct you to the right department.