The 1996 Fed Cup was the 34th edition of a competition between national teams in women's tennis. The final took place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey in the United States on 28–29 September, with the United States defeating Spain to give the USA their 15th title.

World Group

Draw

World Group play-offs

The four losing teams in the World Group first round ties (Argentina, Austria, Germany and South Africa), and four winners of the World Group II ties (Belgium, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Slovakia) entered the draw for the World Group play-offs. Date: 13–14 July

World Group II

The World Group II was the second highest level of Fed Cup competition in 1996. Winners advanced to the World Group play-offs, and loser played in the World Group II play-offs. Date: 27–28 April

World Group II play-offs

The four losing teams from World Group II (Australia, Bulgaria, Canada and Indonesia) played off against qualifiers from Zonal Group I. Two teams qualified from Europe/Africa Zone (Croatia and Switzerland), one team from the Asia/Oceania Zone (South Korea), and one team from the Americas Zone (Chile). Date: 13–14 July

Americas Zone

Group I

Venue: Club Palestino, Santiago, Chile (outdoor clay) Dates: 22–28 April

Group II

Venue: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (outdoor clay) Dates: 6–12 May

Asia/Oceania Zone

Group I

Venue: 700 Years Anniversary Complex, Chiang Mai, Thailand (outdoor hard) Dates: 21–24 February

Group II

Venue: 700 Years Anniversary Complex, Chiang Mai, Thailand (outdoor hard) Dates: 19–24 January

Europe/Africa Zone

Group I

Venue: La Manga Club, Murcia, Spain (outdoor clay) Dates: 22–24 April

Group II

Venue: Ramat HaSharon, Israel (outdoor hard) Dates: 25–30 March