Fidelity
Fidelity charges $0 commissions on online US stock, ETF, and option trades, with no account minimum to open. Combined with its strong research, broad fund lineup, and no-expense-ratio index funds, it's one of the best all-around brokerages — and we verified the pricing on Fidelity's own page.
Is the Fidelity worth it?
Fidelity is the brokerage we point most long-term investors to first. It charges $0 commissions on online US stock, ETF, and option trades, with no account minimum to open — and its lineup of low-cost (and a few zero-expense-ratio) index funds keeps your ongoing costs down once you’re invested.
It’s worth being precise about protection: a brokerage is not a bank, so your assets are not FDIC-insured. Instead, Fidelity carries SIPC protection, which covers securities up to applicable limits if the brokerage itself fails — it does not protect against the market falling.
The breadth that makes Fidelity great can also overwhelm a first-timer, and options trades still carry a per-contract fee. But for low costs, deep fund selection, and strong research under one roof, it’s hard to do better. Fees can change; this is not financial advice. Confirm current pricing on Fidelity’s site before opening.
How does a brokerage account work?
A brokerage account lets you buy and sell investments yourself — stocks, ETFs, and more. Leading brokers charge $0 commission on U.S. stocks and ETFs. Your money is typically SIPC-protected against the firm failing, but that does not protect against investment losses.
What are the pros and cons of the Fidelity?
The Fidelity stands out for $0 commissions on online US stocks, ETFs, and options, though options trades still carry a per-contract fee.
- $0 commissions on online US stocks, ETFs, and options
- No account minimum to open
- Strong research tools and a deep, low-cost fund lineup
- Options trades still carry a per-contract fee
- The platform's breadth can overwhelm absolute beginners
- Not FDIC-insured (brokerage assets carry SIPC protection instead)
Who should get the Fidelity?
The Fidelity is best for long-term investors who want low costs and deep fund selection.
- Long-term investors who want low costs and deep fund selection
- Beginners who want no account minimum and fractional shares
- Anyone consolidating retirement and taxable accounts in one place
How does the Fidelity compare?
Among the 8 online brokerages we track, the Fidelity ranks #1 with a money8020 score of 97/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 97 | Essential | Fidelity Investments |
| Charles Schwab | 96 | Essential | Charles Schwab |
| Interactive Brokers IBKR Lite | 96 | Essential | Interactive Brokers |
| E*TRADE | 94 | Essential | Morgan Stanley |
| Robinhood | 94 | Essential | Robinhood |
See all online brokerages, ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a brokerage account
- Assuming "$0 commission" means no costs — options, margin, and broker-assisted trades can carry fees.
- Confusing SIPC protection with insurance against investment losses.
- Trading frequently and letting taxes and spreads erode returns.
- Holding uninvested cash that earns little instead of a swept high-yield option.
Key takeaways
- Fidelity earns a money8020 score of 97/100, ranking #1 of 8 online brokerages.
- $0 commissions on online US stocks, ETFs, and options
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- Best for long-term investors who want low costs and deep fund selection.
- Rate and FDIC status fetched from Fidelity Investments and corroborated against a regulator.
Frequently asked questions about the Fidelity
Does Fidelity charge trading commissions?
Per Fidelity, there are $0 commissions for online US stock, ETF, and option trades, with any number of shares or trades. Options trades carry a per-contract fee. There is no account minimum to open a standard brokerage account.
Is my money at Fidelity FDIC insured?
Brokerage assets are not FDIC-insured — that protection is for bank deposits. Instead, Fidelity brokerage accounts carry SIPC protection, which covers securities (up to applicable limits) if the brokerage fails. It does not protect against investment losses.
Is my money safe in the Fidelity?
Brokerage accounts are typically SIPC-protected against the firm failing, but that does not protect against investment losses — the value of your holdings can fall.
Does the Fidelity really charge $0 commissions?
Leading brokers charge $0 commission on online U.S. stock and ETF trades. Other products — options contracts, broker-assisted trades, or margin — may still carry fees, so check the schedule.
Sources
We fetched these figures from the provider and corroborated them against a regulator, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: