Skip to main content

Charles Schwab vs Fidelity: 2023 Comparison

Franklin Carneiro da Silva| Updated: September 6, 2023

Are you confused about whether to choose Charles Schwab vs Fidelity as a broker for your investing needs?

In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Charles Schwab vs Fidelity to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.

Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!

Ideal for
all account types (US investors only)

Founded in 1971, Charles Schwab Corporation, commonly known as Schwab, is a leading American brokerage and banking company.

It pioneered the concept of discount brokerage, offering commission-free online trades and providing access to a vast selection of investment options.

Moreover, Schwab operates as a full-service bank, providing a range of banking products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, and loans.

Ideal for
Zero expense ratio index funds

Fidelity Investments is a prominent investment broker known for its comprehensive range of financial services.

The company offers multiple trading platforms, including Fidelity.com and Active Trader Pro, providing clients with a diverse set of tools and resources to manage their investments.

The company provides commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs, and options, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious investors.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 0% commissions on stocks and ETFss
  • Accoun types: Individual, joint, IRAs, education savings accounts, 529 education accounts, SEP IRA and solo 401(k)
  • Excellent research tools
  • Acess to fractional shares
  • Large selection of mutual funds
  • No minimum account

Cons

  • No direct investing in Crypto (only through futures, ETFs, etc)
  • No access to European stocks

Pros

  • 0% commission for online US stocks, ETFs and options
  • Customersupport available 24/7
  • Participate in new stocks at the IPO price
  • Fractional shares
  • Reliable investing tools

Cons

  • No futures or commodities
  • Designed mostly for US residents
  • overall fees above industry average
Charles Schwab vs Fidelity: 2023 Comparison 3
Charles Schwab vs Fidelity: 2023 Comparison 4
  •  
  • General Information
  • Founded in
  • Demo Account
  • Account Minimum
  • Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
  • Products
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Bonds
  • Funds
  • Options
  • Futures
  • CFDs
  • Leverage Products
  • Forex
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Commodities
  • Fees
  • US stocks
  • EU stocks
  • ETFs
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Custody Fee
  • Inactivity Fee
  • Withdrawal Fee
  • Connectivity Fee
  • Currency Conversion Fee
  • Security
  • Regulators
  • Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
  • Charles SchwabAsset 3
  • General Information
  • Founded in1971
  • Demo Account
  • Account Minimum$0
  • Interest on unninvested cash (annually)USD: UP to 5.09%
  • Products
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Bonds
  • Funds
  • Options
  • Futures
  • CFDs
  • Leverage Products
  • Forex
  • Cryptocurrencies*No direct investing - Only offers exposure through ETFs, mutual funds, futures, etc.
  • Commodities
  • Fees
  • US stocks$0
  • EU stocksNot Applicable
  • ETFs$0
  • CryptocurrenciesNot Applicable
  • Custody Fee$0
  • Inactivity Fee$0
  • Withdrawal Fee$0
  • Connectivity Fee$0
  • Currency Conversion Fee$0
  • Security
  • RegulatorsSEC and FINRA
  • Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)

    Up to $500,000 for assets (of which up to $250,000 is for cash).

  • Fidelity investmentsAsset 3
  • General Information
  • Founded in1946
  • Demo Account
  • Account Minimum$0
  • Interest on unninvested cash (annually)USD: Up to 4.75%
  • Products
  • Stocks
  • ETFs
  • Bonds
  • Funds
  • Options
  • Futures
  • CFDs
  • Leverage Products
  • Forex
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Commodities
  • Fees
  • US stocks0%
  • EU stocksFrom $9 per trade
  • ETFs0%
  • Cryptocurrencies1%
  • Custody Fee-
  • Inactivity Fee-
  • Withdrawal Fee-
  • Connectivity Fee-
  • Currency Conversion Fee0%
  • Security
  • RegulatorsSEC and FINRA
  • Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)

    Up to $500,000 for assets (of which up to $250,000 is for cash).

Franklin Carneiro da Silva
Co-Founder & Fintech Analyst

Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.

linkedin
youtube