Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I open my account?

    To open your account, go to the Amazon Stock portal and click the Select Fidelity button. From there, we'll guide you through opening and setting up your account. We've created this step-by-step guide (PDF), just in case you need it.

  • What if I already have an account with Fidelity through another employer?

    If you already have an individual brokerage account with Fidelity, you can use that account. Go to the Amazon Stock portal and click the Select Fidelity button. You will be logged into your Fidelity account.

  • My existing individual brokerage account is considered a beneficiary or transfer on death (TOD) account. Can I use it for my Amazon stock plan?

    Yes, you can link a TOD account to your Amazon stock plan. Here's how:

    1. Choose Fidelity as your broker from the Amazon Stock portal.
    2. You'll be taken to a page that prompts you to open an account. Do not open an account. (This happens because Fidelity does not recognize the TOD account as an option).
    3. Call Fidelity Stock Plan Services at 800-544-9354. A representative will help you link your TOD account. This will take approximately 5 business days to complete.

    4. If you don't want to use your TOD account, you can open a new individual brokerage account to manage your Amazon awards.

  • I had backup withholding withheld. Can I request a refund?

    Yes. You can request a refund if you have a backup withholding withheld after you recertify your account. Certification takes less than 15 minutes, call Fidelity once you recertify to request a refund.

  • How do I sell my shares?

    You can sell shares online or with the Fidelity Mobile® app. Follow these step-by-step instructions (PDF), or call a Fidelity Stock Plan Services representative at 800-544-9354. Online transactions generally cost less and can be completed faster.

  • My shares have vested. Why am I unable to sell them?

    After your shares have vested, it may take a few business days for the shares to appear in your account. Once they are deposited, they’ll be available to sell.

  • Will I be charged a fee to sell my shares?

    Yes, when you sell your shares, you'll be shown the estimated fees before finalizing the transaction.

    You can also review your trade confirmation after the trade is placed in the Statements section at Fidelity.com, which will show the exact amount of fees charged.

    Note that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also imposes a fee at the time of sale, which is required for all equity trades.

  • Can I trade fractions of shares versus the whole share?

    Yes. You have the convenience of trading fractions of a share instead of having to trade a whole share. This provides more flexibility and the ability to help diversify your investment portfolio. When you place your first trade, you will be asked to review the Fidelity® Account Customer Agreement (PDF). Proceeding with the trade acknowledges your agreement to the terms and conditions in the agreement.

  • How do I deposit funds into my brokerage account?
    There are several ways to deposit money into your brokerage account. For more information, click here. To learn more about the differences between a bank wire and EFT click here. Or to link your bank account now click hereLog In Required.
  • How do I change my tax elections on my RSUs?

    The default withholding election for your Amazon RSUs is Sell to Cover, meaning a portion of your shares will be sold at the time your RSUs vest to cover your estimated tax obligation. You may still owe additional taxes after your vest takes place. Please see a tax advisor for more information.

    There are three withholding elections that you are able to choose from for your Amazon RSU vest events - Pay Cash to Cover Taxes, Sell All Shares, or Sell to Cover (default.) To make changes to your current election or to review additional information regarding these tax elections see instructions here (PDF) .

    If you elect to pay cash to cover taxes, you must deposit the estimated tax withholdings into your account in time for the deposit to settle 5 business days prior to vest date. To open your account follow the instructions here (PDF) and note that this process can take up to 48 hours to complete before you can begin to deposit funds to your account.

    To deposit funds into your account click hereLog In Required.

  • How do I get my money once I've sold my stock?

    Once you've sold your stock, you can have the cash in your account sent directly to your bank by setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT). Learn more about adding EFT to your account.

  • If I have shares at Morgan Stanley that are vested, can I transfer them to my Fidelity account?

    Yes, once you've opened your account, you can transfer any vested shares into your Fidelity account. To do this, follow these directions (PDF).

  • How do I transfer my shares to another broker?

    You can transfer your shares to another broker of your choice. The preferred method is to request the transfer through your broker. If you are not able to do so, complete this form (PDF).

    You can submit the form by regular mail, overnight, or fax directly to TOA at (877) 236-4162. You can expect to have the full asset transfer completed in 5 to 7 days.

    Before you complete the form, make sure you have the following information from the broker you are transferring to:

    • Receiving broker's name
    • Receiving broker's address
    • DTC number or clearinghouse number (DTC number in the more common), and
    • Your account number at the receiving firm

    Note: Your name should be presented as it appears on your Fidelity Account®.

  • How do I update my address on Fidelity NetBenefits®?

    If you are an active Amazon employee, address changes are done through Amazon. It will take 3–5 days for Fidelity to receive the update.

    PeoplePortal users: Just click the Personal Information link to update your address.

    A to Z users: Click the Profile button to update your address.

    Active Whole Foods Market Team Members: Please update your address in Workday.

    If you are no longer an active employee at Amazon, you can update your address at Fidelity.com. Just log in and click the Profile link at the top of the page. Use the Edit personal information link under the Personal Information section of the page.

  • Can I help manage my taxes by donating my shares to charity?

    By contributing any appreciated stock you've held for longer than one year to Fidelity Charitable®, rather than selling the stock and then donating the funds, you can potentially eliminate the capital gains tax on any increase in value. To do this, you'll need to open a Giving Account® (if you don't already have one). Good news: Eligible Amazon employees can qualify for an exclusive fee discount on the Giving Account®—learn more on the Fidelity Charitable® page for Amazon employees. Once your Giving Account is opened, you can simply contribute the appreciated asset to Fidelity Charitable. Fidelity Charitable will sell the stock, and fund your Giving Account with the proceeds. Those funds are then available for you to recommend grants to your favorite charities. With this strategy, your favorite charities can potentially receive more support.

    Your tax deduction is generally equal to the fair market value of the stock on the day of the contribution, provided that the requisite holding periods are met.