Wealthy PotE*TRADE vs Fidelity (2026)
E*TRADE and Fidelity are both full-service brokers, but Fidelity is the stronger all-rounder for most investors thanks to zero-cost index funds, fractional shares, and better cash yield. E*TRADE counters with the Power E*TRADE options platform. Pick Fidelity for long-term investing, E*TRADE if options are your focus.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | E*TRADE | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full-service | Full-service |
| Stock/ETF commission | $0 | $0 |
| Options per contract | $0.65/contract | $0.65/contract |
| Account minimum | $0 | $0 |
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop |
| Best for | All-round investors and options traders who want the Power E*TRADE platform | Most investors — beginners, IRAs, and index-fund buyers who want one strong all-rounder |
Where E*TRADE wins
- Power E*TRADE is a strong options platform
- Deep mutual-fund and bond lineup
- Solid research and screeners
- Backed by Morgan Stanley
Where Fidelity wins
- Zero-expense-ratio index funds you can hold for free
- Excellent research, screeners, and planning tools
- High yield on uninvested cash by default
- Fractional shares and a strong IRA lineup
Which should you choose?
E*TRADE and Fidelity are both full-service brokers, but Fidelity is the stronger all-rounder for most investors thanks to zero-cost index funds, fractional shares, and better cash yield. E*TRADE counters with the Power E*TRADE options platform. Pick Fidelity for long-term investing, E*TRADE if options are your focus.
Compare these against every option in our online brokers comparison.
We summarize hands-on assessment, not user reviews. Commissions, options fees, and account minimums change often and are re-checked against each broker's official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links — that never affects our comparisons. Nothing here is investment advice.