Compare
Charles Schwab
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
Charles Schwab and Fidelity are two reputable brokerage firms with a long-standing presence in the financial industry, catering to different types of traders. Charles Schwab, founded in 1971, is known for its comprehensive research, education, and banking services, making it appealing to traders seeking a robust platform with extensive support, though its offering is primarily US-focused. In contrast, Fidelity, established in 1946, is renowned for its vast assets under management and the ability to trade fractional shares, attracting investors interested in long-term portfolio growth without incurring account fees. While both brokers offer zero commission on US stocks and ETFs, Charles Schwab provides limited cryptocurrency options, whereas Fidelity does not support crypto trading at all.
Charles Schwab
Fidelity
| Charles Schwab | Fidelity | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.6/5 | 3.6/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:2 |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC | SEC, CFTC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Charles Schwab (3.6/5) and Fidelity (3.6/5) are closely matched. Charles Schwab has lower spreads; the better pick depends on your priorities.
See full side-by-side comparison belowCharles Schwab
Fidelity
Charles Schwab
Fidelity
Charles Schwab
3.6/5
Choose Charles Schwab if you want…
Fidelity
3.6/5
Choose Fidelity if you want…
Charles Schwab (3.6/5) and Fidelity (3.6/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale. The better choice depends on your priorities — fees, regulation, platforms, or available markets. See the full comparison above.
Charles Schwab offers spreads from 0 pips, while Fidelity starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
Charles Schwab requires a minimum deposit of $0. Fidelity requires $0.
Charles Schwab is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while Fidelity holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
Charles Schwab supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Fidelity supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across 345 brokers
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.