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Fidelity vs Firstrade 2026

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

September 17, 2025
  Fact Checked

In this head to head comparison of Fidelity vs Firstrade, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Fidelity
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.65
Firstrade
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00

Range of investments

For investors looking for a wide mix of account types and trading choices, Fidelity comes out ahead overall, but Firstrade still covers many of the most common needs. Both brokers offer stock trading, margin trading, fractional shares, OTC stocks, mutual funds, options trading, traditional IRA accounts, and Roth IRA accounts. Fidelity also adds forex trading, crypto trading, and advisor services, while Firstrade does not offer those features. Neither broker offers futures trading. In short, if you want more ways to invest and more account support in one place, Fidelity has the edge, while Firstrade may still work well for simpler investing needs.

Fidelity gives investors access to stocks, mutual funds, options, margin trading, fractional shares, OTC stocks, forex, and crypto trading. Its crypto offering includes 5 coins, which is limited compared with larger crypto platforms but still gives users some exposure. Fidelity also supports traditional and Roth IRA accounts, plus advisor services for people who want extra guidance. This makes Fidelity a strong choice for both self-directed investors and those who want help managing their accounts.

Firstrade also supports a solid list of investment options, including stocks, margin trading, fractional shares, OTC stocks, mutual funds, options, traditional IRA accounts, and Roth IRA accounts. However, it does not offer forex trading, crypto trading, futures trading, or advisor services. On ratings for range of investments, Fidelity earns 5 out of 5 stars and is ranked #2 out of 14 brokers by StockBrokers.com, while Firstrade earns 4 out of 5 stars and is ranked #5 out of 14. That makes Fidelity the stronger pick for investors who want more variety, while Firstrade remains a good fit for core investing accounts.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Stock Trading Yes Yes
Account Feature - Margin Trading Yes Yes
Fractional Shares (Stocks) Yes Yes
OTC Stocks Yes Yes
Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Options Trading Yes Yes
Futures Trading No No
Crypto Trading Yes No
Crypto Trading - Total Coins 5 0
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026

Trading platforms and tools

Bottom line: Fidelity outpaces Firstrade for trading platforms and tools. In this Fidelity vs Firstrade comparison, Fidelity earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks 4th of 14 brokers for platforms and tools, while Firstrade scores 1 out of 5 stars and ranks 12th. If you want deeper charting and more ways to access your account, Fidelity is the stronger pick.

Platform access favors Fidelity: it offers downloadable desktop platforms for both Windows and Mac, plus a browser-based platform. Firstrade provides a browser platform only. Neither broker offers paper trading. Fidelity includes a trading journal; Firstrade does not. For watch lists, Fidelity supports 92 columns compared with Firstrade’s 50. Fidelity also lets you adjust open orders directly on a stock chart, a feature Firstrade lacks.

Charting tools are wider at Fidelity, with 129 technical indicators and 38 drawing tools versus Firstrade’s 102 indicators and 8 drawing tools. Fidelity alone lets you add notes to charts, display historical trades, show corporate events like earnings and dividends, set custom date ranges, and save multiple chart profiles. Both brokers provide automated chart pattern recognition and neither supports custom studies. When editing an SMA study, Fidelity offers five fields and Firstrade offers six. For traders comparing desktop trading platforms and browser trading, Fidelity delivers more features that matter day to day.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Web Trading Platform Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform Yes No
Desktop Platform (Mac) Yes No
Paper Trading No No
Watchlists - Total Fields 92 50
Charting - Indicators / Studies 129 102
Charting - Drawing Tools 38 8
Advanced Trading 4/5 Stars 1/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026

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Beginners and education

Fidelity vs. Firstrade for beginner and investor education: both brokers teach stock investing and options, and both offer educational videos and webinars. Fidelity goes further with lessons on ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds, while Firstrade does not cover those topics. Neither broker offers paper trading. Fidelity also includes interactive quizzes and tools to track your learning progress; Firstrade does not.

For quality and depth, Fidelity earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 14 brokers for education at StockBrokers.com. Firstrade earns 2.5 stars and ranks #13 of 14. Choose Fidelity if you want a fuller learning path with quizzes, progress tracking, and coverage across ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds. Choose Firstrade if you only need basic stock and options education through videos and webinars.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Education (Stocks) Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) Yes No
Education (Options) Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) Yes No
Education (Fixed Income) Yes No
Videos Yes Yes
Webinars Yes Yes
Education 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms & Apps for Beginners in 2026

Stock trading apps

Fidelity vs. Firstrade: For most mobile traders, Fidelity comes out ahead. Both brokers cover the basics well, but Fidelity earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #3 out of 14 for stock trading apps on StockBrokers.com, while Firstrade scores 4/5 stars and ranks #8. Fidelity’s edge shows up in extra features and research tools that help if you trade or track markets on the move.

App availability is strong on both sides: Fidelity and Firstrade offer iPhone and Android apps. Fidelity also supports Apple Watch, while Firstrade does not. Both apps include mobile options trading, streaming quotes, stock alerts, and customizable watch lists with adjustable columns. For media and education, Fidelity adds streaming live TV and on‑demand videos; Firstrade does not offer these. Fidelity supports after‑hours trading in the app; Firstrade’s mobile after‑hours availability is not specified here.

Charting is deeper on Fidelity. Both brokers let you rotate to landscape, compare stocks on charts, and switch among multiple time frames. Fidelity adds after‑hours charting and provides 128 technical studies, compared with Firstrade’s 81. If you want fuller charts and more market content in your pocket, Fidelity is the better fit; if you only need core trading and alerts, Firstrade can still do the job.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
iPhone App Yes Yes
Android App Yes Yes
Apple Watch App Yes No
Stock Alerts Yes Yes
Charting - After-Hours Yes No
Charting - Technical Studies 128 81
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026

Fees

When evaluating online brokers, Fidelity and Firstrade offer distinct advantages depending on your trading needs. Both platforms boast no minimum deposit requirement and free regular stock trades, making them accessible for all types of investors. However, when it comes to options trading, Firstrade stands out with zero charges per options contract compared to Fidelity’s $0.65 fee. Meanwhile, for margin rates and account transfers, Fidelity tends to be more affordable especially with margin balances under $50,000 and free account transfer services, unlike Firstrade, which charges for account transfers.

Fidelity and Firstrade both cater to retirement-focused investors with no fees for IRA account maintenance or closure. Their similar offerings in this regard can make them excellent choices for those looking to manage retirement funds without incurring extra fees. Users looking for flexibility in account handling may prefer Fidelity, which does not charge fees for account transfers, whether partial or full, contrasting with Firstrade's fees of $55 for partial and $75 for full account transfers.

For investors focused on maximizing their returns on options trades, Firstrade presents a compelling option due to its zero-cost per contract charge and no additional fees for options exercises or assignments, which is similarly offered by Fidelity. However, for margin trading, Fidelity offers notably lower rates for varying balance tiers, providing potential savings over time compared to Firstrade's higher charges. This cost comparison is crucial for active traders deciding between these two platforms, based on their specific trading strategies and financial priorities.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Minimum Deposit $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) $0.65 $0.00
Options Exercise Fee $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee $0.00 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee $0.00 $0.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2026

Day Trading

For anyone venturing into day trading, choosing the right online broker can significantly impact the trading experience. Fidelity stands out with its offerings tailored for active traders. It provides essential tools like streaming time and sales data for stocks and streaming live TV, which keep traders informed in real-time. Fidelity also supports direct market routing, allowing for greater control over trade execution, and includes keyboard trade entry with trading hotkeys. Notable features like level 2 quotes and a basic strategy backtesting option further enhance its appeal. Additionally, Fidelity offers a short locator tool, enabling traders to check the real-time availability of shares to short, a vital feature for those interested in short selling.

By contrast, Firstrade might face limitations for a day trader. While it serves as a functional broker, it lacks several of the advanced tools that Fidelity provides. Firstrade does not offer streaming time and sales data, live TV, or direct market routing, which could be a dealbreaker for traders seeking comprehensive market insights. Moreover, it does not support trading hotkeys, level 2 quotes, or backtesting capabilities, both basic and advanced, which might make strategy evaluation and quick trading more challenging. Additionally, the absence of a short locator tool might restrict short selling opportunities compared to Fidelity. While both brokers do not give order liquidity rebates or ladder trading options, Fidelity generally presents more resources for an active day trading environment.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Streaming Time & Sales Yes No
Streaming TV Yes No
Direct Market Routing - Equities Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv No No
Short Locator Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms and Apps for 2026

Market Research

Fidelity comes out ahead for market research. It earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com, while Firstrade earns 4 stars and ranks #6. Both brokers cover the core research needs, but Fidelity offers more report variety and detail, making it better for research‑heavy investors. Firstrade is a good pick if you want solid, straightforward tools without as many extras.

Feature for feature, both brokers check most of the same boxes: research for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, OTC/Pink Sheets, and bonds; portfolio allocation by asset class; and access to social media sentiment and ESG insights. The biggest difference is in downloadable reports. Fidelity provides seven PDF analyst reports for stocks versus one at Firstrade. Both offer PDF reports for ETFs, and neither offers PDF reports for mutual funds.

Idea generation is strong on both platforms, with screeners for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds. If you value multiple analyst opinions and a deeper library of materials, Fidelity is the stronger fit. If you prefer essential research and easy screening without the extra layers, Firstrade gets the job done.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Research - Stocks Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks Yes Yes
Research - ETFs Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Screener - Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Research - Fixed Income Yes Yes
Screener - Fixed Income Yes Yes
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing the banking features of Fidelity and Firstrade, several key differences stand out for potential customers. Firstrade offers checking accounts, while Fidelity does not, which might be a draw for those looking to manage daily finances within their brokerage. However, neither broker provides savings accounts. Both companies offer debit cards, making account access convenient, but only Fidelity provides credit cards, adding another layer of flexibility for users. When it comes to larger financial needs, Fidelity also offers mortgage loans, setting it apart from Firstrade, which does not. For those interested in investing in certificates of deposit, both Fidelity and Firstrade offer CDs as part of their banking capabilities, providing options for earning interest over time.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
Firstrade logoFirstrade
Checking Accounts No Yes
Savings Accounts No No
Debit Cards Yes Yes
Credit Cards Yes No
Mortgage Loans Yes No
Brokerage CDs Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2026

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Fidelity is better than Firstrade. Fidelity finished with an overall score of 92.5%, while Firstrade finished with a score of 67.8%.

Fidelity is a value-driven online broker offering $0 trades, industry-leading research, excellent trading tools and an easy-to-use mobile app.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Fidelity or Firstrade?

Fidelity offers crypto trading with access to 5 coins, while Firstrade does not currently offer cryptocurrency trading. For investors who want direct exposure to digital assets, Fidelity provides a crypto option that Firstrade lacks.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026

Does Fidelity or Firstrade offer IRAs?

Both Fidelity and Firstrade provide traditional and Roth IRA accounts without any annual fees and do not charge a closure fee, making them equally competitive options for investors seeking fee-free IRA account management.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026

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Compare

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Overall Rating Fidelity Firstrade
Overall 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Advanced Trading 4/5 Stars 1/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Customer Service 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Fidelity Review Firstrade Review
Broker Screenshots Fidelity Firstrade
Broker Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees Fidelity Firstrade
Minimum Deposit $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) $0.00 $0.00
Mutual Fund Trade Fee Varies $0
Options (Per Contract) $0.65 $0.00
Futures (Per Contract) (Not offered) (Not offered)
Broker Assisted Trade Fee $32.95 $19.95
Margin Rates Fidelity Firstrade
Margin Rate Under $25,000 12.575% 12.75%
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 12.075% 12.50%
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 11.125% 12.00%
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 11.075% 11.50%
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 10.825% 11.25%
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 8.500% 9.35%
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 8.250% 8.75%
Account Fees Fidelity Firstrade
IRA Annual Fee $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee $0.00 $0.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) $0.00 $55.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) $0.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee $0.00 $0.00
Investment Options Fidelity Firstrade
Stock Trading Yes Yes
Account Feature - Margin Trading Yes Yes
Fractional Shares (Stocks) Yes Yes
OTC Stocks Yes Yes
Options Trading Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs 4 4
Futures Trading No No
Forex Trading Yes No
Crypto Trading Yes No
Crypto Trading - Total Coins 5 0
Fixed Income (Treasurys) Yes Yes
Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) Yes Yes
Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) Yes Yes
Traditional IRAs Yes Yes
Roth IRAs Yes Yes
Advisor Services Yes No
International Countries (Stocks) 25 0
Order Types Fidelity Firstrade
Order Type - Market Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit Yes Yes
Order Type - After Hours Yes Yes
Order Type - Stop Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop Yes Yes
Order Type - OCO Yes Yes
Order Type - OTO Yes Yes
Order Type - Broker Assisted Yes Yes
Beginners Fidelity Firstrade
Education (Stocks) Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) Yes No
Education (Options) Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) Yes No
Education (Fixed Income) Yes No
Education (Retirement) Yes Yes
Retirement Calculator Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary Yes Yes
Paper Trading No No
Videos Yes Yes
Webinars Yes Yes
Progress Tracking Yes No
Interactive Learning - Quizzes Yes No
Stock Trading Apps Fidelity Firstrade
iPhone App Yes Yes
Android App Yes Yes
Apple Watch App Yes No
Trading - Stocks Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours Yes Yes
Trading - Simple Options Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options Yes Yes
Order Ticket RT Quotes Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes Yes Yes
Stock App Features Fidelity Firstrade
Mobile Research - Market Movers Yes Yes
Stream Live TV Yes No
Videos on Demand Yes No
Stock Alerts Yes Yes
Option Chains Viewable Yes Yes
Watchlist (Real-time) Yes Yes
Watchlist (Streaming) Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization Yes Yes
Stock App Charting Fidelity Firstrade
Charting - After-Hours Yes No
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally Yes Yes
Charting - Multiple Time Frames Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies 128 81
Charting - Study Customizations Yes Yes
Charting - Stock Comparisons Yes Yes
Trading Platforms Fidelity Firstrade
Active Trading Platform Active Trader Pro N/A
Desktop Trading Platform Yes No
Desktop Platform (Mac) Yes No
Web Trading Platform Yes Yes
Paper Trading No No
Trade Journal Yes No
Watchlists - Total Fields 92 50
Stock Chart Features Fidelity Firstrade
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart Yes No
Charting - Indicators / Studies 129 102
Charting - Drawing Tools 38 8
Charting - Notes Yes No
Charting - Historical Trades Yes No
Charting - Corporate Events Yes No
Charting - Custom Date Range Yes No
Charting - Custom Time Bars Yes No
Charting - Automated Analysis Yes Yes
Charting - Save Profiles Yes No
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis Yes Yes
Charting - Study Customizations 5 6
Charting - Custom Studies No No
Day Trading Fidelity Firstrade
Streaming Time & Sales Yes No
Streaming TV Yes No
Direct Market Routing - Equities Yes No
Ladder Trading No No
Trade Hot Keys Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv No No
Short Locator Yes No
Order Liquidity Rebates No No
Research Overview Fidelity Firstrade
Research - Stocks Yes Yes
Research - ETFs Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB Yes Yes
Research - Fixed Income Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs Yes Yes
Screener - Mutual Funds Yes Yes
Screener - Fixed Income Yes Yes
Portfolio Asset Allocation Yes Yes
Stock Research Fidelity Firstrade
Stock Research - PDF Reports 7 1
Stock Research - Earnings Yes Yes
Stock Research - Insiders Yes Yes
Stock Research - Social Yes Yes
Stock Research - News Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG Yes Yes
Stock Research - SEC Filings Yes Yes
ETF Research Fidelity Firstrade
ETFs - Investment Objective Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings Yes Yes
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings Yes Yes
ETFs - Sector Exposure Yes Yes
ETFs - Risk Analysis Yes Yes
ETFs - Ratings Yes Yes
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap Yes Yes
ETFs - PDF Reports Yes Yes
Mutual Fund Research Fidelity Firstrade
Mutual Funds - Investment Objective Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Prospectus Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - StyleMap Yes Yes
Options Trading Fidelity Firstrade
Option Chains - Total Greeks 5 5
Option Analysis - P&L Charts Yes Yes
Banking Fidelity Firstrade
Bank (Member FDIC) No No
Checking Accounts No Yes
Savings Accounts No No
Credit Cards Yes No
Debit Cards Yes Yes
Mortgage Loans Yes No
Customer Service Fidelity Firstrade
Phone Support (Prospective Customers) Yes Yes
Phone Support (Current Customers) Yes Yes
Email Support Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospective Customers) Yes Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) Yes Yes
24/7 Support Yes No
Overall Fidelity Firstrade
Overall 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Advanced Trading 4/5 Stars 1/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Fidelity Review Firstrade Review
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