Fidelity vs Charles Schwab (2026) — real fee comparison, feature breakdown, and verdict. Both offer $0 commissions and no account minimum. Key differences: PFOF, crypto, futures, and expense ratios.
| Fee / Cost | 🟢 Fidelity Investments | 🔵 Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Commission | $0 | $0 |
| ETF Commission | $0 | $0 |
| Options / Contract | $0.65 | $0.65 |
| Account Minimum | $0 | $0 |
| Broker-Assisted Trades | $32.95 per trade | $25 per trade |
| Margin Rate (Base) | ~9.25% (as of Q1 2026, varies by balance) | ~11.25% (as of Q1 2026, declines with balance) |
| Mutual Funds | $0 NTF; $49.95 for non-NTF; ZERO funds at 0.00% expense ratio | $0 NTF; $49.95 for non-NTF; Schwab ETFs from 0.03% expense ratio |
Data as of March 2026. Verify current pricing at official brokerage websites. Sources: Fidelity Commissions & Fees · FidelityCrypto® Info · Fidelity ZERO Funds · Schwab Pricing Guide · thinkorswim Platform · Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
| Feature | 🟢 Fidelity Investments | 🔵 Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency | Yes — direct trading via FidelityCrypto® (BTC, ETH, LTC, SOL) | No direct crypto; exposure via crypto ETFs and related stocks only |
| Futures Trading | No direct futures trading | Yes — via thinkorswim® platform |
| Forex Trading | No direct forex | No direct retail forex |
| Robo-Advisor | Fidelity Go® — 0.35% for $25,000+; free under $25,000 | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® — no advisory fee (0.00%), $5,000 minimum |
| Payment for Order Flow | No — Fidelity does not accept PFOF | Yes — Schwab accepts PFOF on equities |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS & Android) | Yes (iOS & Android) + thinkorswim® mobile |
| Account Types | Brokerage, IRA (Traditional/Roth/SEP/SIMPLE), 401k, 529, HSA, trust, custodial | Brokerage, IRA (Traditional/Roth/Rollover/SEP/SIMPLE), 401k, 529, trust, custodial, banking |
| Best For | Long-term investors, mutual fund investors, cost-conscious traders | All investor types, especially active traders wanting thinkorswim platform |
Fidelity edges out Schwab for most investors due to no payment for order flow, direct crypto trading, and ultra-low-cost ZERO index funds (0.00% expense ratio). Schwab is the better pick if you want futures trading or the thinkorswim® platform.
All data on this page is sourced directly from official brokerage websites and SEC/FINRA disclosures. We do not fabricate pricing, invent features, or make up statistics.
Data as of March 2026. Fees and features change — always verify at the official brokerage website before making decisions. This comparison is for informational purposes only. See our AI Disclaimer and Terms of Service.
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