Many investors ask, can I buy S&P 500 on Fidelity, and the straightforward answer is yes. Fidelity enables you to purchase shares of an S&P 500 index fund or ETF with low costs and strong execution quality.
The following guide walks through how to place the trade, the specific funds available, and what to watch so you can implement this strategy with confidence.
| Feature | SPY | VOO | IVV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer | State Street | Vanguard | BlackRock |
| Expense Ratio | 0.0945% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| Average Daily Volume | High | High | High |
| Minimum Investment | 1 share | 1 share | 1 share |
| Custodian for Fidelity | Fidelity | Fidelity | Fidelity |
How Fidelity Supports Buying S&P 500 Exposure
Fidelity offers multiple ways to gain S&P 500 exposure, including mutual funds that track the index and exchange-traded funds listed on major exchanges. You can place trades through the Fidelity web platform or mobile app using the same familiar order flow used for individual stocks.
Because these products are index-based, they aim to mirror the performance of the S&P 500 rather than beat it, which makes them suitable for long-term investors who want broad market exposure without picking individual stocks.
The platform provides research, charting tools, and pricing data so you can review historical performance and compare fee structures before you place a trade.
Available S&P 500 Funds on Fidelity
Several index products give you access to the S&P 500 on Fidelity, and each has small differences in structure, cost, and share classes. Understanding these details helps you choose the option that best fits your account type and objectives.
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY)
SPY is one of the oldest and most liquid ETFs tracking the index, with a low expense ratio and deep market depth that suits both small and large traders.
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
VOO has a slightly lower expense ratio than SPY and benefits from Vanguard’s strong index fund heritage, making it a popular choice for long-term investors who prioritize low costs.
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
IVV offers another low-cost alternative with a minimal fee and efficient tax management, supported by BlackRock’s extensive ETF infrastructure.
How to Place an Order for S&P 500 on Fidelity
To buy an S&P 500 fund on Fidelity, you first log in to your account, search for the ticker symbol, and choose the order type that matches your trading goals. Whether you prefer a market order for immediate execution or a limit order to control price, the process is designed to be intuitive and reliable.
You can fund the purchase using cash in a brokerage account or by linking an external bank account, and you have the flexibility to set parameters such as the number of shares or the total dollar amount you want to invest.
After submission, you can monitor the order status and view trade confirmations in the activity section of your account, giving you clear visibility into each transaction.
Key Features and Considerations
- Multiple low-cost options: SPY, VOO, and IVV provide diversified S&P 500 exposure.
- Strong execution quality: Fidelity offers competitive pricing and fast fill rates.
- Flexible order types: Use market, limit, or stop orders depending on your strategy.
- Tax efficiency: ETF structures can offer tax advantages in taxable accounts.
- Research tools: Access charts, news, and analyst insights to inform decisions.
Next Steps for Investing in S&P 500 via Fidelity
- Log in to your Fidelity account and search for SPY, VOO, or IVV.
- Review the fund details, including expense ratio and performance history.
- Choose your order type and funding method, then place the trade.
- Consider setting up automatic investments for consistent long-term growth.
- Monitor your holdings periodically and rebalance as needed to stay aligned with your goals.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I buy S&P 500 on Fidelity if I have a retirement account such as an IRA?
Yes, you can hold SPY, VOO, or IVV in both Traditional and Roth IRAs on Fidelity, and the same low-cost index options are available within those accounts.
How do I compare the total cost of SPY, VOO, and IVV on Fidelity?
Compare the expense ratios, trading commissions, and any account fees, noting that Fidelity does not charge commissions for ETF trades, so the primary differentiator is the expense ratio.
What is the minimum investment when buying an S&P 500 ETF on Fidelity?
There is no set minimum beyond the cost of one share, so you can start with a single share or a small dollar amount that fits your budget.
Can I set up automatic investments into an S&P 500 ETF on Fidelity?
Yes, you can enable automatic purchases through Fidelity’s recurring investment feature, which allows you to invest a fixed amount on a regular schedule into your chosen fund.