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Fidelity vs E*TRADE 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

July 03, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Fidelity vs E*TRADE, 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
E*TRADE
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5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.65

Range of investments

When comparing online brokers Fidelity and E*TRADE, both offer comprehensive investment options, but Fidelity takes a slight edge in terms of variety and depth. While both brokers provide essential services like stock trading, margin trading, and mutual funds, Fidelity distinguishes itself with its broader range of fractional shares and crypto trading availability, offering trades in three cryptocurrencies. E*TRADE, on the other hand, offers futures trading, which Fidelity does not. This slight difference in offerings reflects in their rankings and ratings, with Fidelity rated 5 stars for its range of investments and ranked third by StockBrokers.com, just one spot ahead of E*TRADE.

Both Fidelity and E*TRADE provide essential features such as stock and options trading, margin accounts, and the inclusion of OTC stocks. Investors looking for IRA options will find both brokers accommodating, as they each support traditional and Roth IRA accounts. Moreover, both companies offer advisor services, catering to investors who may seek guidance in managing their portfolios. However, those interested in fractional shares or exploring cryptocurrency will find Fidelity more appealing, while E*TRADE's advantage in futures trading may attract more experienced traders.

Ultimately, the choice between Fidelity and E*TRADE will depend on your specific investment interests and goals. Fidelity's higher rating in investment range, alongside its standing rank, suggests a well-rounded offering with an enhanced focus on flexible and innovative trading options, like crypto. E*TRADE continues to be a strong competitor, particularly for those who wish to delve into futures trading. Both platforms provide strong foundations for investors, making them solid choices based on individual investing needs.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Account Feature - Margin Trading info Yes Yes
Fractional Shares (Stocks) info Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Futures Trading info Yes
Crypto Trading info Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 3 0
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to an Advanced Market

Trading platforms and tools

Fidelity and E*TRADE both offer impressive trading platforms, but Fidelity edges out with a slightly higher ranking and rating according to StockBrokers.com, earning 4.5 stars and taking the 4th spot out of 14 brokers. E*TRADE is not far behind with a 4-star rating and the 5th position. While both platforms cater to a wide range of investor needs with numerous features, the final choice depends on the specific tools and functionalities that each investor prioritizes.

For those who prefer downloadable desktop platforms, Fidelity offers support for both Windows and Mac users, while E*TRADE's offerings remain unspecified in this context. Both brokers provide browser-based platforms, but when it comes to practicing trading without risk, E*TRADE stands out with its paper trading feature, an option not available with Fidelity. For extensive watch list customization, Fidelity offers more columns, providing 92 fields compared to E*TRADE's 43, which might appeal to investors who prefer in-depth watch list capabilities.

Charting tools are also a critical component for traders, and both Fidelity and E*TRADE offer a strong array of features, including the ability to adjust open orders directly on charts, view corporate events, and save multiple chart profiles. Fidelity has a slight advantage in technical indicators and drawing tools, providing 129 indicators and 38 drawing tools, compared to E*TRADE's 121 and 37, respectively. Additionally, Fidelity supports trading journals and offers the ability to add notes to charts, which could be beneficial for users who value detailed record-keeping.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) info Yes
Paper Trading info Yes
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 92 43
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 129 121
Charting - Drawing Tools info 38 37
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025

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Beginners and education

Fidelity and E*TRADE both provide comprehensive educational resources for individuals new to investing. Fidelity offers a well-rounded learning experience with resources on stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and bonds. They enhance users' experience with educational videos, webinars, and quizzes, providing the ability to track learning progress, which is an added benefit for those who like to monitor their development. Fidelity is rated five stars for education by StockBrokers.com and holds the impressive position of second out of 14 brokers.

E*TRADE also delivers a strong educational offering, covering stock, ETF, options, mutual fund, and bond education. It provides engaging content through educational videos and webinars. E*TRADE offers paper trading, which allows beginners to practice without financial risk, but it doesn’t include the tracking of learning progress like Fidelity does. Rated five stars for its educational services, E*TRADE ranks fourth among 14 brokers according to StockBrokers.com. This comparison shows that both platforms excel in investor education while offering different tools to support their users’ learning journeys.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info Yes Yes
Education (Options) info Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info Yes Yes
Education (Fixed Income) info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes Yes
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025

Stock trading apps

Fidelity and E*TRADE both offer top-tier stock trading apps, each receiving a commendable five-star rating. When ranked among 14 brokers by StockBrokers.com, Fidelity secured the third spot, with E*TRADE closely following at fourth. Both platforms provide comprehensive mobile accessibility with apps available for iPhone, Android, and Apple Watch, supporting a range of features that cater to today's tech-savvy traders.

For active traders, both Fidelity and E*TRADE support essential functionalities like mobile options trading, streaming quotes, and live TV. They also provide stock alerts and allow users to create and customize watch lists. Unique to Fidelity’s app is the ability to stream videos on demand, which E*TRADE does not offer. When it comes to charting, Fidelity gives users an edge with 119 technical studies compared to E*TRADE's 107, which might appeal to more analytically inclined investors.

Detailed market analysis is at your fingertips with both Fidelity and E*TRADE offering versatile charting tools, including after-hours charting, landscape mode views, and the ability to see multiple time frames. Both apps allow stock comparisons within charts, providing traders with a dynamic and enriched trading experience. Ultimately, whether you choose Fidelity or E*TRADE, you're assured a high-quality mobile trading platform designed to meet a wide array of investor needs.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 119 107
Mobile Trading Apps 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Fees

Both Fidelity and E*TRADE offer competitive pricing structures, making them attractive choices for investors looking for affordable online brokerage options. They both require no minimum deposit and provide commission-free stock trades, ensuring accessible entry points for traders. However, when comparing margin rates, Fidelity generally offers lower rates than E*TRADE, particularly for balances below $50,000. Additionally, while neither charges fees for IRA accounts or closures, full account transfers are cost-free with Fidelity, whereas E*TRADE imposes a $75 fee.

Fidelity and E*TRADE are aligned in terms of options trading, with both brokers charging $0.65 per contract. They also offer risk-free IRA management, as both platforms waive annual and closure fees for IRA accounts. However, the distinction arises with account transfer fees, where Fidelity maintains a no-cost approach for both partial and full transfers, contrasting with E*TRADE’s $75 charge for full account transfers.

Regarding margin accounts, Fidelity emerges as the more cost-effective option with rates starting at 13.075% for balances below $25,000 and gradually decreasing as the balance increases. Comparatively, E*TRADE's rates are slightly higher across similar tiers, starting at 14.2% for lower balances. Furthermore, both Fidelity and E*TRADE charge no fees for options exercises and assignments, reinforcing the cost-effectiveness of trading options on these platforms. However, Fidelity's overall lower margin rates and no-fee policy for full account transfers may give it an edge for budget-conscious investors.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.65 $0.65
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $0.00 $0.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025

Day Trading

When it comes to day trading, both Fidelity and E*TRADE present a range of features tailored to active traders. Both platforms provide streaming time and sales for stocks, allowing traders to stay updated with real-time data. They also support streaming live TV, keeping users informed with market insights and news. Direct market routing is available with both brokers, giving traders the flexibility to manage their trades efficiently. Additionally, Fidelity and E*TRADE both support trading hotkeys for keyboard trade entry and offer Level 2 quotes, which are crucial for making informed trading decisions. However, while both platforms support basic strategy backtesting, only Fidelity extends a tool for viewing the real-time availability of shares available for shorting.

While both brokers excel in several key areas, there are some notable differences. For instance, neither platform supports ladder trading, and both fall short by not offering advanced strategy backtesting or order liquidity/maker-taker rebates. These limitations may influence more experienced day traders looking for advanced functionalities. Ultimately, traders should consider these features alongside their personal trading needs and preferences when deciding between Fidelity and E*TRADE for their day trading activities. With their unique offerings, both platforms cater well to the needs of most day traders, while leaving certain advanced needs unfulfilled.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes Yes
Streaming TV info Yes Yes
Direct Market Routing - Equities info Yes Yes
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info Yes Yes info
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info Yes
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info
Short Locator info Yes

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025

Market Research

When it comes to market research capabilities, both Fidelity and E*TRADE shine as comprehensive platforms for investors, each receiving a perfect five-star rating in this area. However, E*TRADE slightly edges out Fidelity in StockBrokers.com's rankings, taking the #2 spot among 14 brokers, while Fidelity is ranked #3. This makes E*TRADE a marginal favorite for those who prioritize broker rankings in choosing their research resources.

Both brokers offer extensive research features, covering a wide range of security types including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, pink sheets/OTCBB, and bonds. Additionally, they each provide an array of tools to help investors make informed decisions, such as the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class and leverage stock screeners for trade ideas. Investors interested in the latest trends can take advantage of social media sentiment data provided by both platforms.

Despite their similarities, minor distinctions do exist. Fidelity offers a slight edge in the number of downloadable PDF research reports for stocks with 11, compared to E*TRADE's eight. Conversely, E*TRADE offers downloadable reports for mutual funds, a feature not available from Fidelity. Both provide downloadable reports for ETFs, ensuring investors have access to vital information across these types of securities. Additionally, Fidelity offers ESG research, an option not explicitly provided by E*TRADE, which may appeal to socially conscious investors.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
Screener - Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
Research - Fixed Income info Yes Yes
Screener - Fixed Income info Yes Yes
Research 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing the banking capabilities of Fidelity and E*TRADE, both online brokers provide a range of financial products to suit various needs. Fidelity does not currently have standalone checking or savings accounts, whereas E*TRADE offers both options to its customers. For those looking for more everyday banking features, both Fidelity and E*TRADE supply debit and credit cards, providing more flexibility and convenience for transactions. When it comes to mortgage loans and Certificates of Deposit (CDs), both brokers also offer these services, enabling users to manage a broader array of financial commitments. Overall, E*TRADE might appeal more to individuals seeking traditional banking products combined with brokerage services, while Fidelity offers a comprehensive suite of investment-focused products.

Feature Fidelity logoFidelity
E*TRADE logoE*TRADE
Checking Accounts info Yes
Savings Accounts info Yes
Debit Cards info Yes Yes
Credit Cards info Yes Yes
Mortgage Loans info Yes Yes
Brokerage CDs info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2025

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 E*TRADE. Fidelity finished with an overall score of 96.2%, while E*TRADE finished with a score of 95.4%.

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 E*TRADE?

When comparing online brokers, Fidelity offers an advantage for cryptocurrency enthusiasts by providing trading options for three coins, while E*TRADE currently does not offer crypto trading.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025

Does Fidelity or E*TRADE offer IRAs?

Both Fidelity and E*TRADE offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual fees or closure fees, making them cost-effective choices for investors seeking flexible retirement savings options.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025

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Compare

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Overall Rating Fidelity E*TRADE
Overall 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Customer Service 4.5/5 Stars 4.0/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Fidelity Review E*TRADE Review
Broker Screenshots Fidelity E*TRADE
Broker Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees Fidelity E*TRADE
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $0.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info $0.00 $6.95 info
Mutual Fund Trade Fee info Varies info $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.65 $0.65
Futures (Per Contract) info (Not offered) $1.50
Broker Assisted Trade Fee info $32.95 $25
Margin Rates Fidelity E*TRADE
Margin Rate Under $25,000 info 13.075% 14.2% info
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 info 12.575% 13.7%
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 info 12.125% 13.2%
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 info 11.575% 12.7%
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 info 11.325% 12.2%
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 info 9.00% Varies info
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 info 8.75% Varies info
Account Fees Fidelity E*TRADE
IRA Annual Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $0.00 $0.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $0.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Investment Options Fidelity E*TRADE
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Account Feature - Margin Trading info Yes Yes
Fractional Shares (Stocks) info Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes Yes
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs info 4 4
Futures Trading info Yes
Forex Trading info
Crypto Trading info Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 3 0
Fixed Income (Treasurys) info Yes Yes
Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) info Yes Yes
Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) info Yes Yes
Traditional IRAs info Yes Yes
Roth IRAs info Yes Yes
Advisor Services info Yes Yes
International Countries (Stocks) info 25 0
Order Types Fidelity E*TRADE
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info Yes Yes
Order Type - After Hours info Yes Yes
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - OCO info Yes Yes
Order Type - OTO info Yes Yes
Order Type - Broker Assisted info Yes Yes
Beginners Fidelity E*TRADE
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info Yes Yes
Education (Options) info Yes Yes
Education (Mutual Funds) info Yes Yes
Education (Fixed Income) info Yes Yes
Education (Retirement) info Yes Yes
Retirement Calculator info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes Yes
Progress Tracking info Yes
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info Yes
Stock Trading Apps Fidelity E*TRADE
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info Yes Yes
Trading - Stocks info Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info Yes Yes
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info Yes Yes
Stock App Features Fidelity E*TRADE
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info Yes Yes
Videos on Demand info Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Column Customization info Yes Yes
Stock App Charting Fidelity E*TRADE
Charting - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info Yes Yes
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 119 107
Charting - Study Customizations info Yes Yes
Charting - Stock Comparisons info Yes Yes
Trading Platforms Fidelity E*TRADE
Active Trading Platform info Active Trader Pro Power E*TRADE
Desktop Trading Platform info Yes
Desktop Platform (Mac) info Yes
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info Yes
Trade Journal info Yes
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 92 43
Stock Chart Features Fidelity E*TRADE
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 129 121
Charting - Drawing Tools info 38 37
Charting - Notes info Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades info Yes Yes
Charting - Corporate Events info Yes Yes
Charting - Custom Date Range info Yes Yes
Charting - Custom Time Bars info Yes
Charting - Automated Analysis info Yes Yes
Charting - Save Profiles info Yes Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info Yes Yes
Charting - Study Customizations info 5 8
Charting - Custom Studies info
Day Trading Fidelity E*TRADE
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes Yes
Streaming TV info Yes Yes
Direct Market Routing - Equities info Yes Yes
Ladder Trading info
Trade Hot Keys info Yes Yes
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info Yes Yes info
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info Yes
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info
Short Locator info Yes
Order Liquidity Rebates info
Research Overview Fidelity E*TRADE
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info Yes Yes
Research - Fixed Income info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
Screener - Fixed Income info Yes Yes
Portfolio Asset Allocation info Yes Yes
Stock Research Fidelity E*TRADE
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 11 8
Stock Research - Earnings info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Insiders info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Social info Yes Yes
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info Yes
Stock Research - SEC Filings info Yes Yes
ETF Research Fidelity E*TRADE
ETFs - Investment Objective info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Sector Exposure info Yes Yes
ETFs - Risk Analysis info Yes Yes
ETFs - Ratings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info Yes Yes
ETFs - PDF Reports info Yes Yes
Mutual Fund Research Fidelity E*TRADE
Mutual Funds - Investment Objective info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Prospectus info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds - StyleMap info Yes Yes
Options Trading Fidelity E*TRADE
Option Chains - Total Greeks info 5 5
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info Yes Yes
Banking Fidelity E*TRADE
Bank (Member FDIC) info Yes
Checking Accounts info Yes
Savings Accounts info Yes
Credit Cards info Yes Yes
Debit Cards info Yes Yes
Mortgage Loans info Yes Yes
Customer Service Fidelity E*TRADE
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Phone Support (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
Email Support info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) info Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
24/7 Support info Yes Yes
Overall Fidelity E*TRADE
Overall 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Fidelity Review E*TRADE Review
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