Charles Schwab vs Fidelity Investments

Charles Schwab

• ✓Zero-commission trades with access to the thinkorswim platform from TD Ameritrade
• ✓Excellent customer service consistently rated among the best in the industry
• ✓Physical branch network for in-person consultations and support
• ✓Schwab Intelligent Portfolios offers free robo-advisory with no advisory fee
• ✓Comprehensive banking products including checking, savings, and credit cards

Fidelity Investments

• ✓Zero-commission trades on stocks, ETFs, and options
• ✓Zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX) with no investment minimum
• ✓Best-in-class research and educational resources
• ✓Over 200 physical investor centers for in-person guidance
• ✓Fractional shares available starting at $1

Charles Schwab

• !Schwab Intelligent Portfolios requires a $5,000 minimum investment
• !Integration of TD Ameritrade features is still ongoing
• !Fractional shares limited to S&P 500 stocks through Schwab Stock Slices
• !International trading options are more limited than some competitors

Fidelity Investments

• !Active Trader Pro desktop app has a steeper learning curve
• !Mutual fund selection can be overwhelming with thousands of options
• !International stock trading fees apply and are higher than some competitors
• !Website navigation can feel dated compared to newer platforms

Charles Schwab

• →Investor wanting a full-service platform with both online and branch access
• →Active trader seeking the advanced thinkorswim charting and analysis tools
• →Saver wanting integrated brokerage and banking under one roof

Fidelity Investments

• →Long-term investor wanting zero-cost index funds and no commissions
• →Retiree needing a full-service platform with in-person investor center access
• →Active trader seeking powerful tools and best-in-class research

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a premier investment platform offering zero-commission stock and ETF trading, a vast mutual fund marketplace, and comprehensive financial planning services. Following its merger with TD Ameritrade, Schwab now combines the best of both platforms including the thinkorswim trading platform. Schwab is known for outstanding customer service, a network of physical branches, and a commitment to serving everyday investors. The company offers proprietary Schwab Intelligent Portfolios robo-advisory service and a full range of banking products.

Fidelity Investments

Fidelity is one of the largest and most respected investment platforms in the world, managing trillions in customer assets. The company offers zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, along with proprietary zero-expense-ratio index funds that literally cost nothing to own. Fidelity's research platform is consistently rated best-in-class, and the company provides a full suite of retirement accounts, managed portfolios, and financial planning services. With 24/7 customer support, over 200 investor centers, and a powerful active trader platform in Active Trader Pro, Fidelity serves everyone from beginners to sophisticated investors.