Broker Review

Fidelity Review (2026)

Fidelity is the best default broker for most people: low-cost funds, strong research, and genuinely useful cash management, all in one account. If you are not sure where to start, start here.

By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026

TypeFull-service

Stock/ETF commission$0

Options per contract$0.65/contract

Account minimum$0

Fractional sharesYes

Best forMost investors — beginners, IRAs, and index-fund buyers who want one strong all-rounder

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Pros

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

Cons

Active-trader tools are good but not the deepest
No direct crypto trading in the main brokerage

Who Fidelity is for

Best for beginners, long-term investors, and anyone building IRAs or index-fund portfolios who wants one dependable all-rounder rather than a specialist platform.

Fees

Fidelity charges $0 for online stock and ETF trades, with options at $0.65/contract. Account minimum: $0. Fractional shares: yes.

The bottom line

Fidelity is the best default broker for most people: low-cost funds, strong research, and genuinely useful cash management, all in one account. If you are not sure where to start, start here. Main drawback: active-trader tools are good but not the deepest.

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We summarize hands-on assessment, not user reviews. Commissions, options fees, and account minimums change often and are re-checked against Fidelity's official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links — that never affects which brokers we include or how we rate them. Nothing here is investment advice.