Head to head
Fidelity vs Charles Schwab
- Written by
- Juan Manuel Gonzalez
- Published
- Data verified
Verdict
This is the closest pairing in our database, and most readers will do fine with either. Both publish $0 listed equity commissions, $0.65 per options contract, $0 account minimums and long, clean registration records. Fidelity edges ahead on account-type breadth — it is the only firm in our set publishing an HSA — and on publishing $0 for asset transfers. Schwab's distinguishing feature is a global account in its published lineup and a very deep no-transaction-fee fund range.
A full-service US brokerage with a zero-commission equity schedule and no account minimum.
- Safety and regulation
- 9/10
- Fees and total cost
- 9/10
- Investment selection
- 8/10
- Account types and features
- 10/10
A long-established US brokerage with $0 listed equity commissions and no account or trade minimums.
- Safety and regulation
- 9/10
- Fees and total cost
- 8/10
- Investment selection
- 9/10
- Account types and features
- 9/10
What actually separates them
Account wrappers
Fidelity publishes the widest lineup we recorded: taxable, joint, every IRA variant, custodial, trust, solo 401(k) and HSA. Schwab publishes the same set minus the HSA and solo 401(k). For most households that gap never matters; for the self-employed or anyone on a high-deductible health plan it is the whole decision.
The OTC exception
Schwab publishes $6.95 per online trade on US over-the-counter equities, and $6.95 plus a $25 service charge broker-assisted. Fidelity's schedule did not carry an equivalent OTC commission on the page we read. If you buy OTC-quoted securities regularly, this is a recurring cost difference rather than a rounding error.
International access
Schwab names a Schwab Global Account in its published account lineup with $0 opening and maintenance fees and no minimum. Fidelity offers international equities but we did not confirm an equivalent dedicated account product. Neither is a substitute for Interactive Brokers on breadth of market access.
Managed options if you stop wanting to self-direct
Schwab publishes Intelligent Portfolios at no advisory fee from a $5,000 minimum, and states that part of the portfolio is held in an FDIC-insured cash deposit — which is a return drag worth understanding before enrolling. Fidelity's managed pricing was not on the schedule we read.
Consider Fidelity if
You need an HSA or solo 401(k), you want the widest account-type coverage in one place, or you want a schedule with no OTC surcharge and no transfer fee.
Consider Charles Schwab if
You want a dedicated global account in the same lineup, a very deep no-transaction-fee fund range, or a zero-advisory-fee managed portfolio at a $5,000 minimum.
These are conditionals describing which published facts favour which firm, not recommendations. Neither is a statement about what is suitable for you.
Full side-by-side
Both firms across every field we track, verified on August 28, 2026. You can add up to two more brokers to the comparison.
Sources
- [1]Fidelity — Commissions and margin ratesRead August 28, 2026
- [2]FINRA BrokerCheck — Fidelity Brokerage Services LLCRead August 28, 2026
- [3]Charles Schwab — Pricing and account feesRead August 28, 2026
- [4]FINRA BrokerCheck — Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.Read August 28, 2026
- [5]Charles Schwab — Pricing Guide for Individual Investors (April 2026)Read August 30, 2026
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