Wealthy PotFidelity vs Charles Schwab (2026)
Fidelity and Charles Schwab are the two strongest all-round brokers, and most investors would do well at either. Fidelity edges ahead for index-fund buyers and cash yield; Schwab wins for active options traders who want the thinkorswim platform and prefer having branches. Pick Fidelity for simplicity and low-cost funds, Schwab for trading depth.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | Fidelity | Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Most investors — beginners, IRAs, and index-fund buyers who want one strong all-rounder | IRA and long-term investors who also want a serious options platform (thinkorswim) |
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
Where Charles Schwab wins
- thinkorswim is one of the best options/trading platforms anywhere
- Around 400 branches plus full banking
- Strong research and a broad product range
- Fractional shares in S&P 500 stocks
Which should you choose?
Fidelity and Charles Schwab are the two strongest all-round brokers, and most investors would do well at either. Fidelity edges ahead for index-fund buyers and cash yield; Schwab wins for active options traders who want the thinkorswim platform and prefer having branches. Pick Fidelity for simplicity and low-cost funds, Schwab for trading depth.
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.