[pc86]

How long ago was this?

I opened both Fidelity and E*Trade brokerage accounts in the last 3 weeks and it took minutes to submit options applications for both, at max levels. ET was approved instantly and Fidelity the next day. Not a single piece of paper from either one.

[curryst]

Depending on how much money you are putting in your account, you might be getting a different reaction. It also might depend on the product; I think Fidelity has at least 2 different types of trading accounts (I think one is paid). The paid one may not have as many guardrails.