Broker comparison

E*TRADE vs.
Fidelity

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

On stocks, ETFs and the standard options price ($0.65 per contract) the two are level. E*TRADE is the better fit for active options traders: from 30+ trades the price drops to $0.50, Power E*TRADE is built around options, and futures are available. Fidelity (4.6/5) wins on research, fund selection and around 25 ms execution through its Smart Order Router, but offers no futures.

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsE*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE AppFidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, FuturesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs
Options tradingYes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADEYes, US options from $0.65 per contract
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

E*TRADE

E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App

Fidelity

Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App

Product types

E*TRADE

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures

Fidelity

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs

Options trading

E*TRADE

Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE

Fidelity

Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract

Fee model

E*TRADE

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)

Fidelity

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract

Minimum deposit

E*TRADE

0 $

Fidelity

0 $

Regulation

E*TRADE

SEC/FINRA

Fidelity

SEC/FINRA

More information

E*TRADE

Details

Fidelity

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsFutures
StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

E*TRADE Web · Power E*TRADE · E*TRADE App

E*TRADE offers three trading platforms: E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, and the E*TRADE App. The web platform provides standard trading functions with research and educational resources. Power E*TRADE is the flagship, offering one of the best options platforms on the market with visual options chains, strategy builders, and real-time risk analysis. The mobile app combines elements of both platforms and enables trading of stocks, options, and futures on the go.

Explore platform

Fidelity Web · Active Trader Pro · Fidelity App

Fidelity offers three trading platforms: Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, and the Fidelity App. The web platform provides comprehensive research tools, screening functions, and educational resources. Active Trader Pro is a desktop platform for active traders with real-time data, advanced charts, options analysis, and customizable layouts. The mobile app offers quick access to all account features and trading options with an intuitive user interface.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform

  • Power E*TRADE – excellent options platform
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Part of Morgan Stanley – high security
  • Only available for US customers
  • International markets not available

One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services

  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Excellent research and educational resources
  • Huge fund selection including proprietary index funds
  • Only available for US customers
  • International stocks limited availability

Find the broker that fits

E*TRADE oder Fidelity?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Open The Dealing Room

In-depth analysis

Costs: On stocks and ETFs both brokers charge $0 commission, and options cost $0.65 per contract at each. E*TRADE lowers the options fee to $0.50 per contract for active traders making more than 30 trades per quarter — Fidelity offers no such volume-based discount. Minimum deposit is $0 at both.

Products and execution: E*TRADE covers stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds and futures, whereas Fidelity is limited to stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds and CDs — per the broker data, futures are not tradable. On execution Fidelity leads: ~25 ms via its Smart Order Router with a high price-improvement rate, versus ~40 ms on Power E*TRADE routing.

Profile and verdict: Both are SEC/FINRA-regulated; E*TRADE (founded 1982, New York) belongs to Morgan Stanley, while Fidelity (founded 1946, Boston) is one of the largest US asset managers. Ratings: Fidelity 4.6/5, E*TRADE 4.3/5. For active options and futures traders, E*TRADE is the stronger pick thanks to the volume discount and the Power E*TRADE platform; for long-term investors who value execution quality, price improvement and a broad fund lineup, Fidelity leads.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between E*TRADE and Fidelity?
E*TRADE: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: E*TRADE or Fidelity?
E*TRADE offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures. Fidelity offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs.
How are E*TRADE and Fidelity regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for E*TRADE and SEC/FINRA for Fidelity. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is E*TRADE or Fidelity better for beginners?
E*TRADE lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App. Fidelity lists 0 $ and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
E*TRADE vs Fidelity: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between E*TRADE (4.3/5, 1900 reviews) and Fidelity (4.6/5, 2400 reviews) depends on your needs. E*TRADE: Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform. Fidelity: One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services.

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