Step-by-Step: Completing Your KYC on Robinhood, Fidelity, and Interactive Brokers

Congratulations on reaching the final step in Module 7! You’ve now learned the core concepts of investing, the basic types of assets you can invest in, how to identify secure platforms, and how the KYC (Know Your Customer) process works. You’re ready to put it into action.

In this final section, we’ll walk you through how to complete your account opening process, including identity verification (KYC) on three of the most popular and secure investment platforms: Robinhood, Fidelity, and Interactive Brokers. Each platform has its own layout, but they all follow a similar flow and can be completed in just a few minutes from your smartphone or computer.

1. 🟢 How to Complete KYC on Robinhood

Robinhood is a popular U.S.-based app known for its user-friendly interface and zero-commission trading. It’s ideal for beginners and available only to U.S. residents.

Step-by-Step:

Download the App or Visit the Website
Go to robinhood.com or download the Robinhood app from the App Store or Google Play.
Start the Sign-Up Process
Tap “Sign Up” or “Get Started.”
Enter your full name, email address, and create a password.
Enter Personal Information
Input your date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security Number (SSN).
Robinhood only accepts U.S. citizens or legal residents, so an SSN is required.
Employment & Financial Profile
Answer simple questions about your job, annual income, investment experience, and net worth.
These answers help the platform comply with financial regulations.
Verify Your Identity (KYC)
Upload a photo of your driver’s license or state ID.
Take a selfie directly in the app to confirm your identity.
Most users get verified in a few minutes.
Link Your Bank Account (Optional at this stage)
You can now link your bank to fund your account, or you can skip this and do it later.
You’re Ready to Invest!
Once approved, you’ll be directed to your Robinhood dashboard where you can start browsing stocks, ETFs, and more.

2. 🔵 How to Complete KYC on Fidelity Investments

Fidelity is one of the most reputable and secure brokers in the United States. It offers advanced tools but is also beginner-friendly and offers strong customer support. It allows U.S. citizens and some non-U.S. investors to open accounts.

Step-by-Step:

Go to the Fidelity Website
Visit fidelity.com and click “Open an Account.”
Choose Account Type
Select “Brokerage Account” for general investing.
You can also choose IRA (retirement) or Custodial (for minors), but start with a standard brokerage.
Enter Personal Details
Provide your full name, date of birth, home address, citizenship, SSN (or ITIN), and employment info.
If you're a non-U.S. citizen, follow the instructions for international applicants and prepare a passport and tax ID.
Financial Background
Share your investment goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, and current financial situation.
Identity Verification (KYC)
Upload your government-issued ID—this can be a passport, driver’s license, or state ID.
Fidelity may send a text code or email code for additional verification.
Agree to Terms & Review
Read the brokerage terms and submit the application.
You may need to verify your email address.
Account Approval
This may take a few hours to 1 business day depending on your residency and documents.
Link a Bank (Optional)
Add a bank account to deposit funds and start investing.

3. 🔴 How to Complete KYC on Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global platform used by both professionals and beginners. It supports users in over 200 countries, making it a great option for international investors who want to trade in the U.S. stock market.

Step-by-Step:

Visit the Interactive Brokers Website
Go to interactivebrokers.com and click “Open Account.”
Create a User ID and Password
Choose a username, password, and enter your email address.
Select Your Account Type
Choose Individual Account (for one person) or Joint Account (for two people).
Confirm your residency and citizenship.
Enter Personal Information
Include your name, birth date, address, phone number, and national ID number (passport, SSN, or equivalent).
For international users, a passport and proof of address (like a utility bill or bank statement) may be required.
Employment & Financial Information
Choose your employment status, income range, net worth, and level of investing experience.
Identity Verification (KYC)
Upload a photo ID (passport or driver’s license).
Take a selfie or submit a video if prompted.
Upload proof of residence (a bank or utility bill issued in the last 3 months).
Review, Submit, and Wait
IBKR’s review process can take from several minutes to one business day, depending on the documents submitted and your country of residence.
Fund Your Account
You can fund your account through a local bank transfer, wire transfer, or other international options.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Platform That’s Right for You

Now that you’ve seen the process for completing KYC on three of the most popular investing apps, the next question is: Which one should you choose?

Platform	Best For	U.S. Residents Only?	Minimum to Start
Robinhood	Beginners, mobile-first users	✅ Yes	$1
Fidelity	Long-term investors, trusted support	✅ Mostly U.S.	$0
Interactive Brokers	Global users, advanced tools	❌ Open globally	$0 (in many cases)

Your choice depends on your country of residence, your comfort with technology, and your investment goals. All three are regulated, secure, and beginner-accessible.

You’ve Done It!

By completing your KYC and opening your investment account, you’ve officially taken a major step toward financial independence. You're no longer on the outside looking in—you’re now a participant in one of the most dynamic financial systems in the world.

Next up in your education: understanding how to analyze stocks, build a simple portfolio, and grow your investments over time. But for now, take a moment to celebrate.