Fidelity vs Schwab
A closer look at two broad-service investing providers.
Both providers offer a broad investing experience. Compare the accounts, research workflow, service channels, and investment-specific fees that matter to you rather than looking for a universal winner.
| Compare the facts | FidelityOnline Brokers Visit site ↗ | Charles SchwabOnline Brokers Visit site ↗ |
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| Overview | Fidelity offers US retail brokerage accounts with access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, and crypto. Its brokerage offering includes recurring investments, trading specialists, research and trading tools, and Fidelity Trader+ experiences across mobile, web, and desktop. Retail brokerage accounts have no account minimums or account fees, subject to stated exceptions. | Charles Schwab’s US consumer brokerage offering provides self-directed access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, and other investments. Individual and joint accounts have no opening or maintenance fee and no account minimum. Customers can use online investing tools, the Schwab Mobile app, thinkorswim advanced trading tools, 24/7 support, and branch assistance. |
| Pricing | No fees to open a retail brokerage account; $0 commission for online US stock and ETF trades; online option trades are $0.65 per contract; other fees and expenses may apply. | $0 opening and maintenance fees; $0 account minimum; $0 online listed stock and ETF trades; options are $0 plus $0.65 per contract. |
| Access | No-fee access terms Free means zero account minimums and zero account fees for retail brokerage accounts, not that every trade, position, investment expense, or transaction is free. The reviewed pages do not establish a separate free cash-account plan. | No-fee access terms Free means the standard brokerage account has no opening or maintenance fee and no account minimum, while selected online trades have $0 commission. Options carry a $0.65 per-contract fee, and other products or service channels may have charges. |
| Platforms | Mobile · Web · Desktop | Schwab Mobile app · thinkorswim |
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| Official sources | Checked November 5, 2026 | Checked November 5, 2026 |
| Explore further | View Fidelity details → | View Charles Schwab details → |
How to use this comparison
Start with the features, account types, and level of support you need. Then read the linked official disclosures for current pricing, availability, and limitations. A feature list alone cannot tell you whether a service is appropriate for your circumstances.
This is a comparison of published facts, not a rating, a performance prediction, or personalized investment advice. Our pricing summaries are not a complete fee schedule.