-
December 2025 by Stephanie Schnapp
Really upset with what I just experienced. I had signed up to have strategic advisors manage my retirement account about a year ago. I now feel confident that I can manage it myself so I wanted to move the funds over to my original IRA.
I asked my advisor for the best way to get this accomplished. She did say that said calling was probably easiest. However, I specifically asked her if I could just go into a branch to get it done because I’m afraid of phone calls and scams. In fact, Fidelity itself, says to be wary of phone calls. She confirmed that going into a branch should be pretty easy, as well. Since that was my comfort zone, that was what I chose to do.
This morning, I had had only about three hours of sleep, but it was the day that I was wanting to go over to Fidelity. Checking my statements, I feared if I waited any longer, I would get charged their fee again this month. I forced myself to drive over to Berkeley.
The drive was a nightmare. Of course, I’m extremely tired. I probably shouldn’t even have been driving. Then, construction everywhere, detours, people walking everywhere. It was very stressful. I finally made it to the location about 30 minutes later.
I walked in to find a pleasant guy who welcomed me. I told him what I need to do and that’s where things got weird. Maybe he was new? He had to consult with a woman sitting next to him. They whispered amongst themselves and then I was told I needed to CALL. She dialed some number for me and without much instruction just handed me the phone. I told her I didn’t feel comfortable with phone calls. She said it didn’t matter because this is what had to be done to confirm what I was doing.
I reluctantly listened and followed the instructions on the prompts. I had to enter my Social Security number. Mind you, I had already entered my Social Security number at the front desk and given my ID. Now, this phone call was asking me for my Social Security number, and then on top of that, a password. I didn’t know what flipping password I would be needing to enter on a touch tone phone. I don’t usually deal with things like this. Especially when it’s my entire retirement fund. I would rather have given a drop of blood than make a phone call WITHIN a bank. Dumb.
I got so upset that I just ended up walking out.
I really want to understand why I can’t make a transaction like this within a branch without needing to make another phone call? I thought it was very sketchy. I really believe it’s just a tactic for them to postpone you from taking your money out of their managed accounts.
In the end, I’m going to have to call anyway. I’m sure you can understand why I just walked out of the branch. Going to a physical location was pointless and a giant waste of time.
I’m so unhappy. Right now, I’m trying to figure out how to move my funds entirely away from Fidelity.
-
July 2023 by Patricia F.
As a walk-in, I found the Fidelity advisor who pleasantly greeted me to be very professional, knowledgeable and super helpful in that he quickly assessed my situation, went over my paperwork with me, and explained my financial options. Impressive!
-
February 2023 by Ronald B.
Very bureaucratic. Can't really reach the local branch. The company reps are very hit and miss - some good, some not. I am having a hard time with them.
-
January 2023 by Myron Roy
I lost my card how can I insure funds I deposit in future will be safe I already lost 500,000 dollars microventures to terrorism groups I invested 2000 with home Depot and made 20,000 what should I do with it should I use nft since new currencies arent secured or insured I have apple stock but I haven't developed stock into higher investment increases stock value . How should I increase value of accounts and funds what investment and stocks will create revenue streams.
-
October 2022 by Michael NYLAN
The person who helped me on the first phone call got everything wrong (telling me I could not simultaneously contribute to a 403b and a 435b, contrary to the IRS's own website). The second person I talked to refused to give her last name on the phone call, though I was required to give her my full name and information. I do not want such people "helping me."
-
October 2022 by R
While the people at this branch are friendly, it is hard to reach them. On the whole, there is a very bureaucratic process to reach a representative, and the company is not at all oriented towards service. .
-
July 2020 by SpaGo D.
After waiting an hour on the phone...it hung up! Just frustrating dealing with this investment firm!
-
January 2020 by Marcia D.
Had an appointment. Arrived after rushing to be on time, was told I had been bumped back an hour. No notification. No calls, no emails. Nothing. Get it together! However, my investment advisor does a good job, but giving a one star because I'm very disappointed.
-
September 2019 by Neil Kumar
Went there to move some money and they didn’t get it right , took forever and were generally incompetent. It’s very closed off and doesn’t give you a welcoming feeling.
-
September 2019 by Paul Morales
Very professional, I work for UC Berkeley and told me the office for us employees is on Addison near campus, my fault but is really close
-
September 2019 by crystal swabeck
I came in to set up a retirement account. They were friendly, but just set me up at a kiosk and had me fill out paperwork and called a customer service line. I was in hold for a while. I had many unanswered questions and would have appreciated sitting down with someone. Left without setting up an account.
-
December 2018 by Joey F.
One of the few instances where the company is better on the phone than in person. Service at this branch is incredibly slow and staff are not knowledge about basic banking functions.
-
September 2017 by Alex Krentsel
Great service, easy to come and talk to them.
