Fidelity vs. TD Ameritrade are two of the most popular brokers in the United States. They both offer a wide range of products and services, and they have similar fees. However, there are some differences between them.
Fidelity has a higher minimum account fee requirement than TD Ameritrade. TD Ameritrade also offers a wider variety of investment products than Fidelity. Both brokers offer excellent customer service and have strong reputations. However, TD Ameritrade may be better for more experienced investors, while Fidelity may be better for beginners.
Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments is best for:
- Beginner investors.
- Frequent traders.
- Retirement planning assistance.
- Research and data.
- Customer support
Fidelity aims to keep costs low, and it offers great resources that help investors analyze and manage their portfolios. Fidelity is constantly enhancing its systems to offer more comfort to investors and traders. Commission Fees: $0 (stock / ETF), $0.65/contract (options). Account Fees: $0. Account minimum: $0. Securities: Stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options.
Pros
Commission-free.
No account minimum.
Great mobile app (App Store, Google Play).
Strong customer service: Phone 24/7, email, live chat.
Rich educational offerings.
Cons
High broker-assisted trade fee.
Non-U.S. citizens or residents cannot open an account.
No cryptocurrencies available.
» Read our full review of Fidelity.
TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade is best for:
- Beginner investors.
- Advanced traders.
- Fund investors.
- Trading platform and mobile app
- Wide range of securities
- Research and education
TD Ameritrade's brokerage has a $0 commission rate on trades, top quality educational program, a traditional platform, and a mobile app that is optimized for both new investors and day traders. Commission Fees: $0 (stock / ETF), $0.65/contract (options). Account Fees: $75 transfer, No annual or inactivity fee. Account minimum: $0. Securities: Stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options, futures, forex.
Pros
Commission-free stock and ETF trades.
No account minimum.
TD Ameritrade Mobile App (App Store, Google Play).
Customer service: Phone 24/7, email, +175 branches.
Rich educational programming
Cons
Higher fund fees than competitors.
No fractional shares.
» Read our full review of TD Ameritrade.
Fidelity vs. TD Ameritrade: Which Is Better For You?
If you’re trying to choose between TD Ameritrade and Fidelity, there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about what kind of investor you are. If you’re a beginner, TD Ameritrade may be a better choice because it offers more resources and support for new investors. However, if you’re an experienced investor who is comfortable making your own decisions, Fidelity may be a better option because it has lower fees.
Another important factor to consider is the investment products you’re interested in. If you want to invest in mutual funds, TD Ameritrade has over 500 commission-free options available. However, if you’re interested in ETFs, Fidelity has over 2,000 commission-free options. So depending on your investment goals, one brokerage may be better suited for you than the other.
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» Compare more options: View our list of best online brokers for stock trading.