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Comparing Charles Schwab and Fidelity is kind of like comparing Robert De Niro to Al Pacino. Both are legendary, have countless awards, and a long track record of excellence.
And honestly, if you're a fan of one, there's a good chance you highly respect the other.
Fidelity and Schwab are both heavyweight brokerage firms and some of the most trusted names in finance. They each manage trillions in assets and serve millions of investors -- including myself!
Here is a fair comparison of each firm's account types, fees, investments, tools, and support to help you find the best fit.
4.90/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Commissions
Commissions
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares.
Commissions
$0 commission for online U.S. stock and ETFs*. No account fees****.
Both Charles Schwab and Fidelity offer a full lineup of account types -- more than enough to meet the needs of most investors.
Here are the common accounts you can open with either firm:
Individual and joint brokerage accounts
Traditional, Roth, SEP, and Rollover IRAs
Custodial accounts for kids
529 college savings plans
Solo 401(k)s and small business retirement plans
Trust and estate accounts
One small difference: Fidelity also offers a popular HSA (health savings account), while Schwab typically integrates with HSAs through partner platforms.
Bottom line: both brokers cover 99% of what everyday investors need, whether you're just getting started or managing a more complex portfolio. If your goal is to keep everything in one place, either firm can make that happen.
Current promotions
If you're looking to earn a little something extra when opening a new account, Schwab has active promotions, while Fidelity doesn't offer any new account bonuses right now for brokerage accounts. Take a look at our Schwab promo page to check for the latest.
Investment options: Fidelity goes deeper, but Schwab is no slouch
Most major brokers give you a massive range of investment options to build a diversified portfolio. And Fidelity and Charles Schwab both deliver here.
With either broker, you can invest in:
Stocks, bonds, and ETFs
Mutual funds and index funds
Options
IPO shares (limited)
Both firms offer robo-advisors if you want a hands-off way to build and manage a portfolio.
Where Fidelity tends to pull ahead is on its in-house fund lineup -- especially the Fidelity ZERO® index funds, which have a 0.00% expense ratio.
Fidelity also offers direct crypto trading through FidelityCrypto®, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Solana (SOL).
You can still get crypto exposure through Schwab, but you'll typically do it through crypto ETFs and crypto-related stocks, rather than buying coins directly inside a Schwab brokerage account.
Fees and commissions: A near tie, with some key differences
Both Schwab and Fidelity offer commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs, along with zero account minimums and no annual fees for most accounts types:
Broker
Stocks and ETFs
Options
Mutual Funds
Fidelity
$0 per trade
$0 plus $0.65 per contract
$0
Charles Schwab
$0 per trade
$0 plus $0.65 per contract
$0
Data sources: Charles Schwab and Fidelity
However, both Fidelity and Charles Schwab charge a $49.95 short-term redemption fee if you hold a mutual fund position for less than 60 days (Fidelity) or 90 days (Charles Schwab). In other words, if you buy and then sell within that time frame.
Platforms and tools: Fidelity wins on depth, Schwab on simplicity
I personally use both Fidelity and Charles Schwab, and both have excellent trading platforms. But, I think their strengths are slightly different:
Fidelity offers:
Powerful research tools and screeners
Deep data integrations with third-party research (Morningstar, S&P, etc.)
Active Trader Pro desktop platform
Advanced planning tools for retirement, taxes, and estate planning
Charles Schwab:
Clean, intuitive interface
Excellent mobile app
Robust ETF and mutual fund screeners
Thinkorsim trading platform
To be honest, if you're a long-term, buy-and-hold investor (I am), then you'll really be happy with either Fidelity or Charles Schwab. Real-time trading platforms and market intelligence at your fingertips is nice. But it's overkill for most retail investors.
Trust and support: Both are award-winning in 2026
You're in good hands with either Fidelity or Charles Schwab. Both are industry icons with decades of investor trust and a trophy case to back it up.
Fidelity was named Motley Fool Money's Best Stock Broker Overall for 2026 and also took home Best Broker for ETFs. Our expert team gave it a perfect 5-star rating based on platform strength, fees, research tools, and long-term value.
Charles Schwab remains a powerhouse too, winning Best Broker for IRA Investors in 2026. Its automated investing platform, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, also earned Best Robo-Advisor for Low Costs -- a big win for hands-off investors looking for value.
Both firms excel on the service front, with:
24/7 customer support via phone and live chat
Nationwide branch locations
Extensive educational content, webinars, and planning tools
SIPC insurance protection for brokerage accounts
Bottom line: these are two of the most trusted names in finance. Fidelity edges ahead in overall recognition this year, but Schwab's customer experience and retirement planning focus make it just as impressive.
Final verdict: Schwab vs. Fidelity
At the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with either. I honestly think it's an even tie.
Both brokers offer excellent value, robust tools, and trustworthy support. But depending on your style and goals, one might be a slightly better fit.
Choose Fidelity if you:
Want access to crypto trading, HSAs, or zero-fee index funds
Prefer a deeper research platform and planning tools
Value award-winning customer experience and execution
We recommend comparing brokerage options to ensure the account you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of our best trading platforms of 2026.
Broker
Best For
Commissions
Learn More
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Full-service investing at every experience level
$0 commission for online U.S. stock and ETFs*. No account fees****.
4.90/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Low-cost investing with a full-featured platform
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares.
4.80/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Low fees on stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options
$0 on trades of stocks, ETFs and their options. Other fees may apply.
Honestly speaking, for 99% of investors (especially beginners), Fidelity and Schwab are basically the exact same.
They both offer all the major account types, commission-free trading, great mobile apps, tons of investment options, and great customer support. Whether you're opening your first IRA, building a diversified portfolio, or just want a trustworthy place to park your money, either one will get the job done.
I've tested all kinds of brokers (it's part of my job) and both Fidelity and Schwab are the ones I recommend the most. You can't go wrong with either.
Yes. Fidelity supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin trading through its Fidelity Crypto platform. Schwab does not currently offer direct crypto trading, though you can invest in crypto-related ETFs.
There is no minimum deposit requirement at either Charles Schwab or Fidelity. Some transactions may have a minimum, such as $1 to $5 for fractional share transactions.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Motley Fool Stock Disclosures
Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O'Leary has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Best Buy, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Intuit, Solana, and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Charles Schwab and recommends the following options: short March 2026 $100 calls on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Fidelity Disclosure:
Fidelity disclosure Investing involves risk, including risk of loss
* - $0.00 commission applies to online U.S. equity trades and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in a Fidelity retail account only for Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC retail clients. Sell orders are subject to an activity assessment fee (historically from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). Other exclusions and conditions may apply. A limited number of ETFs are subject to a transaction-based service fee of $100. See full list at Fidelity.com/commissions. Employee equity compensation transactions and accounts managed by advisors or intermediaries through Fidelity Institutional® are subject to different commission schedules.
**Fidelity Crypto® is offered by Fidelity Digital Assets®. Investing involves risk, including risk of total loss. Crypto as an asset class is highly volatile, can become illiquid at any time, and is for investors with a high risk tolerance. Crypto may also be more susceptible to market manipulation than securities. Crypto is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Investors in crypto do not benefit from the same regulatory protections applicable to registered securities. Fidelity Crypto® accounts and custody and trading of crypto in such accounts are provided by Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC, which is chartered as a limited purpose trust company by the New York State Department of Financial Services to engage in virtual currency business (NMLS ID 1773897). Brokerage services in support of securities trading are provided by Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (“FBS”), and related custody services are provided by National Financial Services LLC (“NFS”), each a registered broker-dealer and member NYSE and SIPC. Neither FBS nor NFS offer crypto as a direct investment nor provide trading or custody services for such assets. Fidelity Crypto and Fidelity Digital Assets are registered service marks of FMR LLC.
***Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request. ****Zero account minimums and zero account fees apply to retail brokerage accounts only. Expenses charged by investments (e.g., funds, managed accounts, and certain HSAs) and commissions, interest charges, or other expenses for transactions may still apply. See Fidelity.com/commissions for further details.
Robinhood Disclosure:
Robinhood disclosure
Margin borrowing increases your level of market risk, as a result it has the potential to magnify both your gains and losses. Before using margin, customers must determine whether this type of strategy is right for them given their investment objectives and risk tolerance. Regardless of the underlying value of the securities you purchased, you must repay your margin loan. Robinhood Financial can change its maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below the minimum maintenance requirements (varies according to the security), you’ll have to deposit additional cash or acceptable collateral. If you fail to meet your minimums, Robinhood Financial may be forced to sell some or all of your securities, with or without your prior approval. For more information please see Robinhood Financial’s Margin Disclosure Statement, Margin Agreement and FINRA Investor Information.
Margin trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Borrowing on margin increases your level of market risk and can amplify both gains and losses.
Robinhood Financial may change maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below minimum maintenance requirements, you may need to deposit additional cash or collateral. If those requirements are not met, Robinhood Financial may sell securities in your account without prior approval.
The 3% matching on annual contributions requires a subscription with Robinhood Gold ($5/mo) and customers must stay subscribed to Gold for 1 year from the date of the first eligible deposit to keep the full Gold match. The funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Match rate subject to change. Non-Gold customers receive a 1% match. Offer only applies to self-directed IRAs. For more information refer to the IRA Match FAQ.
You must have compensation (wage income) in order to contribute to an IRA. Funds being contributed into or distributed from retirement accounts may entail tax consequences. Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions.
The Robinhood IRA is available to any U.S. customer with a Robinhood brokerage account in good standing.
The 3% matching on annual contributions requires a subscription with Robinhood Gold ($5/mo) and customers must stay subscribed to Gold for 1 year from the date of the first eligible deposit to keep the full Gold match. The funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Match rate subject to change. Non-Gold customers receive a 1% match. Offer only applies to self-directed IRAs. For more information refer to the IRA Match FAQ.
You must have compensation (wage income) in order to contribute to an IRA. Funds being contributed into or distributed from retirement accounts may entail tax consequences. Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions.
The Robinhood IRA is available to any U.S. customer with a Robinhood brokerage account in good standing.
Robinhood Strategies charges an annual management fee of 0.25% on the net portfolio value of each managed account. Eligible Robinhood Gold subscribers pay no management fees on the portion of their managed account net portfolio value that exceeds $100,000, thereby limiting the annual management fee to $250. Other fees apply.
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, ("RHF") a registered broker dealer (member SIPC) and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, ("RHS") a registered broker dealer (member SIPC).
RHF and RHS are not banks. All are separate but affiliated entities. Securities offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal.
Robinhood Gold is a subscription-based membership program of premium services offered through Robinhood Gold, LLC.
Portfolio management of managed accounts by Robinhood Asset Management, LLC (“Robinhood Strategies”), an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before trading options.
Cryptocurrency trading is offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Trading and holding digital assets involves significant risk, including the risk of substantial loss. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.
*Trading and owning digital assets involves significant risk, including the risk of substantial loss. Cryptocurrency trading is offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the
New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected.
** Network fees may apply. Availability may be subject to regulatory approval in certain states.
