Fidelity vs. Charles Schwab: they are two of the most popular brokers out there. But which one is better for you? Here’s a quick comparison of the two to help you make a decision.
They both have similar fees and offer a wide range of investment options including mutual funds, ETFs, IRAs, and stocks. However, there are some key differences between the two brokers.
Fidelity offers more research and tools for its clients, while Charles Schwab has lower fees for some services. One key difference between Fidelity and Charles Schwab is the type of investors they cater to. Fidelity is geared towards more active and sophisticated investors who trade frequently and require robust research tools.
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments is best for:
- Beginner investors.
- Frequent traders.
- Retirement planning assistance.
- Research and data.
- Customer support
Fidelity aims to keep costs low, and it offers great resources that help investors analyze and manage their portfolios. Fidelity is constantly enhancing its systems to offer more comfort to investors and traders. Commission Fees: $0 (stock / ETF), $0.65/contract (options). Account Fees: $0. Account minimum: $0. Securities: Stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options.
Pros
Commission-free.
No account minimum.
Great mobile app (App Store, Google Play).
Strong customer service: Phone 24/7, email, live chat.
Rich educational offerings.
Cons
High broker-assisted trade fee.
Non-U.S. citizens or residents cannot open an account.
No cryptocurrencies available.
» Read our full review of Fidelity.
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is best for:
- Beginner investors.
- Advanced traders.
- No-minimum index funds.
- Premium research.
- Customer support.
Charles Schwab has no minimum balance requirement, which is excellent for new investors. Schwab offers a broad assortment of investment options, Commission-free trading on more than 3,000 mutual funds. Commission Fees: $0 (stock / ETF), $0.65/contract (options). Account minimum: $0. Account Fees: $25 fee for partial transfers / $50 for full transfers. Securities: Stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, mutual funds, futures.
Pros
Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
No account minimum.
Ally Mobile app (App Store, Google Play).
Customer support: Phone 24/7, chat, email.
Cons
No crypto currency or futures trading.
» Read our full review of Charles Schwab.
Fidelity vs. Charles Schwab: Which Is Better For You?
Fidelity has been around for nearly 50 years and is one of the most trusted names in the industry. They offer a wide range of products and services, including retirement planning, investing, and banking. They also have some of the lowest fees in the business.
Charles Schwab is a newer broker that has quickly gained popularity due to their extensive research offerings and customer service. They offer many of the same products and services as Fidelity, but tend to be more expensive.
So which should you choose? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a trusted name with low fees, then Fidelity is a great choice.
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» Compare more options: View our list of best online brokers for stock trading.