Wealthy PotInteractive Brokers vs Fidelity (2026)
Interactive Brokers and Fidelity aim at different users. IBKR is the choice for advanced and international traders who need global market access and the lowest margin rates; Fidelity is the friendlier home for US investors who want great funds and research without a pro learning curve. Go IBKR for reach and cost at scale, Fidelity for everyday investing.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Advanced | Full-service |
| Stock/ETF commission | $0 (IBKR Lite) | $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 | Advanced and international traders who need the broadest global market access | Most investors — beginners, IRAs, and index-fund buyers who want one strong all-rounder |
Where Interactive Brokers wins
- Access to 150+ global markets
- The lowest margin rates in the industry
- Professional-grade tools and order types
- Fractional shares on many US names
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?
Interactive Brokers and Fidelity aim at different users. IBKR is the choice for advanced and international traders who need global market access and the lowest margin rates; Fidelity is the friendlier home for US investors who want great funds and research without a pro learning curve. Go IBKR for reach and cost at scale, Fidelity for everyday investing.
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.