Fidelity Download problem

[4Profits]

Mark,
Do you know of something wrong with downloading transactions from Fidelity? We have 5 accounts that have worked for years and today every account fails but I can still log in from the web.
Thanks, Jim

[Mark]

Hi Jim,

Yes, unfortunately, it looks like Fidelity has cut off access to their OFX server that Fund Manager was using. It appears they've transitioned to an FDX server, but we do not have access to it. We are trying to reach out to them to see about getting access, but we don't have any special contacts. I'm afraid this may be like Vanguard where we have to move to downloading and importing...

[onlyme]

Mark,
Will you communicate the detailed process/procedure for us to use in order to stay current with Fidelity transactions? Any thoughts on when it's reasonable to expect a solution?
--
Max

[Mark]

Yes, I will let you know when we have some solution. Right now it looks like it will be a "helper" spreadsheet that makes it easier to import the downloaded CSV file, as that is the only file format Fidelity makes available.

[Mark]

We have made some instructions available for downloading and importing transactions from Fidelity. These instructions are here.

I realize this isn't as functional/convenient as the prior retrieval feature, but until we can get Fidelity to grant us access to their new FDX server this is an alternative. If you have an account with Fidelity please consider contacting them and voicing your support for them giving us access.

[onlyme]

Mark,
Hopefully my request to Fidelity will be taken seriously.
--
Max

[4Profits]

Mark,
I have some friends that use Quicken and download directly. I have asked them if they are having problems now. I would think Intuit would have more pull to get this resolved.

[4Profits]

Mark,
I just spent 20 min with Fidelity on the phone. They have not discontinued the OFX server but have supposedly restricted it to Quicken and TurboTax, for security reasons. I was not allowed to talk to Tech Support, who makes these decisions, but I did get to a supervisor. I tried to explain that if you allow them access, there is a much greater chance of security problems from a product that has Millions more users than Fund Manager (I assume). I pointed out that Schwab, E-Trade, and Interactive Brokers allow this access. They said they would pass the concern along, but if you notify all your users who use Fidelity to call and voice their concerns, and also do it online, it may help. I know I will most likely move my five accounts from there.
Thanks for your support over the years.
Jim

[Mark]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your efforts. I have been trying to suggest that FM customers call Fidelity to complain. That is probably the only way they'll consider giving us access.

If you use Quicken to retrieve from Fidelity now, you'll see it works slightly differently, in that they redirect you to log into Fidelity through a website. This is how FDX works. It is one of the benefits of FDX in that you don't need to enter your login credentials in the app (Fund Manager, Quicken, etc). So, it appears to me that they've moved to FDX and disabled their older OFX server.

[onlyme]

Mark,
I'm currently on with my Premium Services rep at Fidelity. We'll see if they can help!
--
Max

Quick follow-up. I was referred to Fidelity Electronic Channel Support Group at 800-544-7595. Have you already dealt with them about the OFX to FDX server transition?

--
Max

[MartyP]

For what it's worth...
When I contacted Fidelity, a (non-technical) rep contacted Tech support internally. Tech support told the rep, who reported to me, that:
1) Quicken users are having problems too. Fidelity is aware and working on a solution.
2) The inability of 3rd parties attempting to connect to OFX is on the 3rd party's side, not Fidelity's; the OFX server is up and running.
3) Reach out to the 3rd party for support.

I noticed also that Fidelity has changed the layout of their website home page. There is now no phone number to call for support.
Hmmm. I have a call into my advisor.
Marty

[MartyP]

FYI: I called the number in Max's post and that person said the OFX server was disconnected.
Marty

[Mark]

Thanks Marty/Max for all the help and efforts reaching out to Fidelity. I called the number 800-544-7595 and was able to get an email address where I was able to send a request for access to their new API. Hopefully they will choose to give us access. I will of course keep you posted.

[drwehby]

Thanks Marty/Max for all the help and efforts reaching out to Fidelity. I called the number 800-544-7595 and was able to get an email address where I was able to send a request for access to their new API. Hopefully they will choose to give us access. I will of course keep you posted.

Spoke with my Fidelity rep just now. He is not technical, but he wrote down the details (as we know them) of the problem, and will convey it to the technical teams. I emphasized the importance of all the end-of-year planning that requires accurate and timely knowledge of the portfolio.

[Quentin]

Mark, I emailed Fidelity with your company info and their Electronic Channel Support group said that they would reach out to you. Keep us posted. Thanks.