Charles Schwab vs Fidelity
How Charles Schwab and Fidelity compare on fees, safety, tools, mobile and regional availability — scored independently of any commercial relationship.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
| Overall score | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 Better |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Long-term US investors, Research-heavy investors | Long-term investors, Retirement accounts |
| Regulation & trust | 90/100 | 92/100 Better |
| Fees & hidden costs | 82/100 | 86/100 Better |
| Ease of use | 74/100 | 80/100 Better |
| Tools & features | 88/100 Better | 82/100 |
| Mobile app quality | 80/100 | 84/100 Better |
| Assets | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Funds, Bonds | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Funds, Bonds |
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Paper trading | Yes Better | No |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union |
| Fees summary | $0 US stock/ETF commissions; $0.65 per options contract; futures per-contract fees apply. | $0 US stock/ETF commissions; $0.65 per options contract; several zero-expense-ratio index funds. |
| Protection | SIPC coverage up to $500,000 (including $250,000 cash), plus additional 'excess-SIPC' insurance. | SIPC coverage up to $500,000 (including $250,000 cash). |
| Affiliate offer | Official link only | Official link only |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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- Best for
- Long-term US investors, Research-heavy investors
- Regulation & trust
- 90/100
- Fees & hidden costs
- 82/100
- Ease of use
- 74/100
- Tools & features
- 88/100Better
- Mobile app quality
- 80/100
- Assets
- Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Funds, Bonds
- Minimum deposit
- $0
- Paper trading
- Yes Better
- Mobile app
- Yes
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- $0 US stock/ETF commissions; $0.65 per options contract; futures per-contract fees apply.
- Protection
- SIPC coverage up to $500,000 (including $250,000 cash), plus additional 'excess-SIPC' insurance.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Deep research and education
- thinkorswim for active traders
- Strong customer support
- Cons
- Mainly US-focused
- Platform breadth can overwhelm beginners
- Best for
- Long-term investors, Retirement accounts
- Regulation & trust
- 92/100Better
- Fees & hidden costs
- 86/100Better
- Ease of use
- 80/100Better
- Tools & features
- 82/100
- Mobile app quality
- 84/100Better
- Assets
- Stocks, ETFs, Options, Funds, Bonds
- Minimum deposit
- $0
- Paper trading
- No
- Mobile app
- Yes
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- $0 US stock/ETF commissions; $0.65 per options contract; several zero-expense-ratio index funds.
- Protection
- SIPC coverage up to $500,000 (including $250,000 cash).
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Excellent research and service
- Zero-expense-ratio index funds
- Great for retirement investing
- Cons
- Not built for active day trading
- US-only focus
Our verdict
On our commission-independent scoring, Fidelity edges ahead overall (4.3/5 vs 4.2/5). But the right choice depends on your priorities: consider Charles Schwab for long-term us investors, and Fidelity for long-term investors. Rankings are never affected by commissions.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.