Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Boston, Fidelity Investments is one of the largest financial services firms in the U.S. It manages trillions in client assets and provides services spanning brokerage, wealth management, and robo-advisory platforms.
Fidelity’s brokerage services (Fidelity Brokers) allow investors to trade stocks, ETFs, options², mutual funds, bonds, and even access cryptocurrency via Fidelity Digital Assets. Its platform is well-regarded for its low fees³, transparency, and wide array of tools.
Fidelity Brokers is Fidelity’s self-directed investment platform, enabling users to manage their own portfolios. It offers trading in U.S. equities, ETFs, fixed income, mutual funds, and fractional shares. Fidelity also supports crypto exposure through Fidelity Digital Assets.
For less hands-on investors, Fidelity Go provides automated investment management, while Active Trader Pro caters to experienced traders needing complex tools. Education, webinars, and research from multiple providers are integrated into the experience.
Overall, Fidelity addresses a broad range of investor profiles, from first-time savers to seasoned traders, supported by reliable infrastructure and clear cost structures.
Fidelity is well-suited for:
| Feature | Description |
| Stock/ETF Trades | $0 commission¹ |
| Mutual Funds | 3,000+ no-transaction-fee funds; Fidelity ZERO funds |
| Options² | $0.65 per contract |
| Robo-advisor (Go) | Free under $25K; 0.35% fee above |
| Margin Trading | Competitive, tiered rates |
| Basket Investing | Custom baskets of securities |
| Fractional Shares | Min $1 trade size |
Fidelity offers a broad mix of self-directed and managed investing products:
Optional services include real-time data, advanced technical analysis, and personalized coaching.
Getting started is straightforward:
Verification and funding generally complete in 1–3 business days.
Yes, Fidelity’s mobile app is available on iOS and Android. It supports stock/ETF trades, research, watchlists, alerts, and limited options orders. Users can view portfolio performance, deposit checks, access news, and receive price alerts. The mobile platform is intuitive, but advanced traders may prefer desktop tools like Active Trader Pro.
Fidelity is regulated by FINRA and the SEC. Brokerage accounts are protected by SIPC up to $500,000 (including $250,000 cash). Additional insurance is provided through Lloyd’s of London.
Fidelity uses two-factor authentication, strong encryption protocols (SSL), and device monitoring. They do not accept payment for order flow, aligning execution practices more closely with user interests.
Fidelity offers 24/7 customer support via phone. Live chat and virtual assistant tools are also available on the site and mobile app. Fidelity maintains a robust Help Center with FAQs, tutorials, and financial literacy content. Support for international users may vary.
Customer service is generally rated highly, though support during high-volume trading periods may have wait times.
Fidelity Brokers stands out for its strong balance of low costs and feature-rich services. It offers commission-free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs*, a wide selection of mutual funds (including no-expense-ratio options), and support for cryptocurrencies via Fidelity Digital Assets.
Users have access to sophisticated tools such as Active Trader Pro and the newer Fidelity Trader+ platform. Fidelity Go provides a simple robo-advisory option, while the mobile app supports seamless portfolio management on the go. Investors also benefit from basket investing and fractional shares, allowing strategic customization.
With robust security measures, transparent execution practices, and 24/7 support, Fidelity is a trusted platform for both beginners and experienced investors. It avoids payment for order flow, helping ensure fairer trade execution. Overall, Fidelity Brokers remains a compelling choice in the online investing landscape.
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917
Is Fidelity good for beginners?
Yes. Fidelity offers educational content, zero-fee trades, and an intuitive mobile app, making it a strong choice for new investors.
Does Fidelity have hidden fees?
No. Most trades are free, and there are no account maintenance fees³. Margin rates and some bond trades do have charges.
Can I buy crypto on Fidelity?
Yes, Bitcoin and Ethereum are available via Fidelity Crypto® to eligible users. Not all states support it yet.
This review was created using information from the company’s website, customer support, financial news outlets, third-party review platforms, and regulatory resources (e.g., FINRA).
Disclaimers
Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.
1. $0.00 commission applies to online U.S. equity trades and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in a Fidelity retail account only for Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC retail clients. Sell orders are subject to an activity assessment fee (historically from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). Other exclusions and conditions may apply. A limited number of ETFs are subject to a transaction-based service fee of $100. See full list at Fidelity.com/commissions. Employee equity compensation transactions and accounts managed by advisors or intermediaries through Fidelity Institutional® are subject to different commission schedules.
2. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.
3. Zero account minimums and zero account fees apply to retail brokerage accounts only. Expenses charged by investments (e.g., funds, managed accounts, and certain HSAs) and commissions, interest charges, or other expenses for transactions may still apply. See Fidelity.com/commissions for further details.
Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully
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AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.
