Broker comparison

Fidelity vs.
Schwab International

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while Fidelity offers 6. Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider. Execution speed: Fidelity ~25 ms (Smart Order Router, high price improvement rate), Schwab International ~30 ms (Schwab Smart Routing).

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

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsFidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity Appthinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDsStocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Options tradingYes, US options from $0.65 per contractYes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Fidelity

Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App

Schwab International

thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App

Product types

Fidelity

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

Schwab International

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

Options trading

Fidelity

Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract

Schwab International

Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim

Fee model

Fidelity

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

Schwab International

$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract

Minimum deposit

Fidelity

0 $

Schwab International

0 $

Regulation

Fidelity

SEC/FINRA

Schwab International

SEC/FINRA

More information

Fidelity

Details

Schwab International

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

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

$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract

Published fee
$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options 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 FundsCDs
StocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex

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

Trading platforms

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

thinkorswim Desktop · thinkorswim Web · Schwab Mobile App

Schwab offers the legendary thinkorswim platform as desktop, web, and mobile versions with professional charting tools, thinkScript programming, options strategy builder, and paperMoney simulation. The Schwab Mobile App provides simplified access for long-term investors. thinkorswim is one of the most powerful available platforms, particularly for options and futures traders, featuring over 400 technical studies and customizable layouts.

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?

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

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

  • thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
  • Huge product selection
  • No minimum deposit
  • International accounts limited
  • Futures fees higher than competitors

Find the broker that fits

Fidelity oder Schwab International?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

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

Fidelity4.6
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Excellent research and educational resources
  • Huge fund selection including proprietary index funds
Schwab International4.6
  • thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
  • Huge product selection
  • No minimum deposit
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Fidelity and Schwab International?
Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Fidelity or Schwab International?
Fidelity offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs. Schwab International offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex.
How are Fidelity and Schwab International regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Fidelity and SEC/FINRA for Schwab International. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Fidelity or Schwab International better for beginners?
Fidelity lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App. Schwab International lists 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Fidelity vs Schwab International: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Fidelity (4.6/5, 2400 reviews) and Schwab International (4.6/5, 2800 reviews) depends on your needs. Fidelity: One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services. Schwab International: US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions.

Your next step

Your next step

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Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Options risks & opportunitiesWhat you can lose, and what the risk buys you.Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.
Terms in the glossary:MarginPremiumCall optionUnderlyingExercise