Investing Platforms: Fidelity

Fidelity Investments—often referred to simply as Fidelity—stands as one of the most established and expansive financial institutions globally, overseeing $5.9 trillion in discretionary assets under management and $15.9 trillion in assets under administration, as of the end of 2024 [1]. Founded in 1946 by Edward C. Johnson II, Fidelity remains a privately held firm that has built a reputation for its client-first ethos, consistent innovation, and wide array of services [2]. Multiple independent reviewers have consistently ranked Fidelity as a #1 overall online broker, praising its low costs, broad product selection, and robust customer support [2]. This guide offers a deep dive into Fidelity—covering brokerage services, mutual funds, retirement accounts, managed portfolios, and more—explaining why it remains a top choice for both newcomers and seasoned investors in 2025.

Brokerage Services (Account Types, Platforms, Trading Fees, Tools)

Fidelity provides a nearly comprehensive menu of account types, spanning individual taxable brokerage accounts, joint accounts, IRAs, 529 college savings plans, HSAs, and trusts [3]. Notably, they also offer a Fidelity Youth Account for investors aged 13–17, letting teens learn investing under parental oversight [3]. This robust selection ensures that virtually any financial goal—whether short-term saving, retirement planning, or business investing—has a suitable Fidelity account.

Trading Platforms

Clients enjoy two main trading platforms at Fidelity, both free to all brokerage customers [4]. The straightforward Fidelity.com web platform is ideal for most investors with its user-friendly interface, intuitive portfolio view, and integrated research. For more active traders, there’s Active Trader Pro—a downloadable desktop platform offering sophisticated charting, real-time streaming quotes, multi-leg options capabilities, and advanced order types [4]. Both platforms sync seamlessly with Fidelity’s mobile app, ensuring you can manage your account from anywhere.

Zero Commissions and Low Fees

Fidelity charges $0 commissions on all online U.S. stock and ETF trades [2]. Options trades also have no base commission; you only pay $0.65 per contract [2]. Furthermore, there are no account maintenance fees or inactivity fees, and no minimums to open a brokerage account [3]. This pricing model makes Fidelity extremely attractive for cost-conscious investors and is a key reason it consistently scores top marks for low-cost investing [2].

Tools and Research

Fidelity offers an array of advanced tools: robust stock and fund screeners, in-depth charting options, watchlists, and thorough third-party research (Morningstar, Zacks, CFRA, etc.) [4]. A distinctive feature is Fidelity’s accuracy-weighted analyst scorecard, which helps investors identify trustworthy analyst ratings [4]. Altogether, these resources make Fidelity an exceptional platform for both casual and active traders looking to make informed decisions.

Ready to enjoy zero commissions and world-class research? Open a Fidelity brokerage account today to get started.

Investment Products (Mutual Funds, ETFs, Stocks, Bonds, Options)

Stocks and ETFs

Fidelity offers commission-free trading on thousands of U.S. stocks and ETFs [2]. Clients can even purchase fractional shares, known as Stocks by the Slice, allowing investments as low as $1 into top-tier companies [5]. Fidelity stands out by avoiding the typical “payment for order flow” model, focusing on optimal price execution for customers [5]. The range of ETFs is expansive, including both third-party and Fidelity-branded ETFs covering every market sector and strategy [4].

Mutual Funds

Fidelity’s mutual fund offering is among the most robust: over 3,300 no-transaction-fee funds [2]. Its in-house funds are especially notable. The Fidelity ZERO index series has 0.00% expense ratios [2], making them some of the cheapest index funds in the industry. Many Fidelity funds also require no minimum investment and no load fees [1]. Combined, these features underscore Fidelity’s position as a top choice for fund investors.

Fixed Income (Bonds) and CDs

For fixed-income needs, Fidelity provides U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds, municipals, agency bonds, and CDs [4]. The broker charges no fee on new-issue bonds and a transparent concession for secondary bond trades [4]. Its fixed-income platform includes robust search filters and helpful yield comparisons, making bond investing straightforward even for novices.

Options

Investors can trade options with no base commission and a $0.65 per-contract fee [2]. Fidelity’s options analytics include strategy-building tools, “what-if” profit/loss scenarios, and advanced order routing [4]. While futures are not offered, most equity and index options strategies are supported.

Cryptocurrency

Fidelity has begun offering crypto trading (Bitcoin, Ethereum) for retail customers through a specialized Fidelity Crypto account, focusing on tight spreads over direct commissions [6]. Additionally, Fidelity has launched two crypto-themed ETFs as of 2024, allowing customers to gain digital asset exposure via ETFs within a Fidelity brokerage account [6].

Retirement Accounts (IRAs, Roth IRAs, Rollovers, Planning Tools)

Fidelity’s retirement solutions are widely regarded as industry-leading [7]. Whether you need a traditional or Roth IRA, a SEP or SIMPLE IRA, or a Solo 401(k) for self-employed individuals, Fidelity covers every account type without annual fees or minimums [7]. Customers can easily roll over old 401(k)s into Fidelity IRAs, taking advantage of the firm’s no-cost, no-hassle process [1]. Furthermore, Fidelity’s user-friendly Retirement Score tool and other calculators help you gauge if you’re on track for your retirement goals [7]. The educational center is filled with IRA comparison guides, RMD calculators, and Social Security estimators. Fidelity’s integrated approach—combining low-cost funds, robust digital tools, and access to advisors—consistently rates it the “Best Broker for IRA Investors” according to multiple publications [2,7].

Managed Accounts and Robo-Advisors (Fidelity Go, Personalized Planning & Advice)

Fidelity Go (Robo-Advisor)

Fidelity Go builds and manages a diversified portfolio of zero-expense Fidelity Flex funds [2]. Balances below $25k incur no advisory fee, and only 0.35% for larger balances [4]. It rebalances automatically, and once you exceed $25k, you gain access to human advisors at no extra cost [4]. This is a cost-effective way for hands-off investors to tap Fidelity’s professional expertise.

Personalized Planning & Advice

This hybrid advisory service gives you a dedicated advisor plus digital portfolio management for the same 0.35% fee [4]. Advisors can address broader financial planning questions—like “Am I saving enough for my child’s college?” or “When can I retire?”—while the robo engine invests your assets in low-cost Fidelity funds. Clients love that it merges robo efficiency with personal guidance [4].

Higher-End Wealth Management

For high-net-worth individuals, Fidelity offers Wealth Management and Private Wealth Management, complete with dedicated private advisors and specialized solutions [7]. Fees typically range from 0.5–1.5% based on total assets, but come with more personalized services like estate planning integration and custom portfolio construction [7].

Banking and Cash Management (Cash Management Account, Credit Cards, FDIC Sweep, Bill Pay)

Fidelity extends beyond traditional brokerage, offering banking-like features that let you manage daily finances seamlessly [2,4]:

• Fidelity Cash Management Account (CMA): Functions like a checking account—free debit card, checkwriting, unlimited ATM fee reimbursements, no monthly fees [2]. Uninvested cash can be swept into FDIC-insured program banks up to $5 million in coverage [4].

• Online Bill Pay: Pay utility bills or other expenses from your CMA [2]. ACH transfers are also free and straightforward.

• Credit Card with 2% Cashback: Fidelity’s Visa Signature card offers 2% cash back on all purchases when directed to a Fidelity account [5]. No annual fee, and a simple, flat rewards structure that automatically boosts your investments.

These banking services mean you can replace a traditional bank altogether, centralizing both everyday finances and long-term investments at Fidelity [1,2,4].

Research and Educational Resources (News, Stock Screeners, Learning Tools)

Rich Third-Party Research

Clients get extensive research from providers like Morningstar, Zacks, CFRA, and more, aggregated in Fidelity’s platform [4]. Fidelity also offers an “Equity Summary Score” that blends multiple analyst ratings for a quick snapshot [4].

Screeners and Tools

Advanced stock, ETF, and mutual fund screeners help you filter by performance, fees, fundamentals, or analyst consensus [4]. Technical traders can leverage advanced charting and strategy back-testing in Active Trader Pro [2]. These tools, all free to customers, give self-directed investors the data needed for thorough analysis.

Educational Content

Fidelity hosts a Learning Center with articles, tutorials, live webinars, and videos on everything from “Investing 101” to advanced options [4]. Detailed calculators help you plan retirement or estimate college costs. The Fidelity mobile app seamlessly integrates news feeds and curated content tailored to your holdings [2]. Together, these resources empower investors to grow in knowledge and confidence.

Mobile App and Technology (App Features, User Experience)

Fidelity’s mobile app consistently garners top ratings due to its robust functionality and ease of use [2]. It lets you view real-time quotes, trade stocks or options, deposit checks, pay bills, and monitor your entire portfolio—from anywhere [4]. Key highlights:

• Fractional Shares with “Stocks by the Slice” [5]

• Biometric logins, two-factor authentication

• Real-time streaming news and watchlists

• Push notifications for price alerts and confirmations

Active Trader Pro, Fidelity’s advanced desktop platform, offers professional-grade tools for those seeking deeper analytics [2]. Overall, Fidelity’s tech infrastructure is recognized as secure, stable, and friendly to both novices and power users alike [2,4].

Customer Support and User Experience (Support Channels, Accessibility, Reviews)

24/7 Customer Service

Fidelity provides round-the-clock phone support plus live chat, email, and a nationwide network of over 200 Investor Centers [2]. Customers repeatedly praise Fidelity’s knowledgeable reps and quick response times, reflected in high J.D. Power satisfaction scores [1,2].

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Though the website is feature-rich, Fidelity’s design ensures you won’t feel lost [4]. Mobile and web interfaces are highly rated for clarity and stable performance. Accessibility features (such as screen-reader compatibility) are available, making Fidelity welcoming to a diverse user base [3].

Long-Term Customer Loyalty

Reviewers often cite Fidelity’s comprehensive service and trusted reputation as reasons clients stay for decades [2]. The blend of top-tier support and best-in-class technology fosters a user-friendly environment at every stage of one’s financial journey.

Security and Insurance (SIPC Protection, Encryption, Two-Factor Authentication)

Fidelity is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), covering up to $500,000 ($250,000 for cash) if the firm were to fail [2]. It also carries excess SIPC insurance for higher amounts and offers a FDIC sweep program for uninvested cash, insuring balances up to $5 million [4]. On the cybersecurity side, Fidelity uses strong encryption, intrusion detection systems, and two-factor authentication to guard account logins [4]. Additionally, Fidelity has a “Customer Protection Guarantee,” reimbursing you if unauthorized account activity occurs through no fault of your own [2]. Combined, these measures assure customers that their funds and personal data remain secure.

Fees and Pricing (Zero Commissions, No-Fee Funds, Expense Ratios)

• $0 Commissions on online U.S. stock/ETF trades [2].

• $0 base commission for options; just $0.65 per contract [2].

• No annual fees or account minimums for brokerage or IRAs [1].

• Thousands of no-transaction-fee mutual funds, plus Fidelity ZERO index funds at 0.00% expense ratio [1,2].

• Robo-advisor Fidelity Go is free for balances under $25k, then 0.35% annually [4].

• No bank fees for the Cash Management Account, free ATM rebates [1,2].

These competitive rates and minimal hidden charges underscore why Fidelity stands among the best low-cost brokers, enabling investors to retain more of their returns.

Who Is Fidelity Best For? (User Types, Goals, Financial Stages)

1. Beginners: Benefit from zero commissions, intuitive tools, and ample educational content [2,4].

2. Active Traders: Access real-time streaming data, advanced order types, and fast executions via Active Trader Pro [2].

3. Long-Term Retirement Savers: Exploit Fidelity’s robust IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and low-cost index funds [7].

4. Those Seeking Convenience: Integrate banking, credit cards, and investing in one place, all fee-free [1].

5. Families and Diverse Investors: Custodial and youth accounts, 529 plans, HSAs, trusts—Fidelity can handle varied life stages [3].

Essentially, Fidelity appeals to almost everyone. Its blend of low costs, comprehensive resources, and top-rated customer care fosters loyalty across different wealth levels and goals [2].

Ready to join millions of satisfied investors? Open your Fidelity account now and start building your financial future with confidence.

Looking Ahead: Why Fidelity Remains a Top Choice

Fidelity stands out in 2025 for its client-centric model and commitment to delivering both full-service features and discount-level pricing [2]. It’s a rare combination—advanced technology, top-tier research, 24/7 support, and zero commissions—that ensures investors can accomplish all their financial goals under one roof [1,2]. Whether you’re a novice venturing into your first IRA or a seasoned trader seeking sophisticated tools, Fidelity consistently provides the guidance, security, and cost advantages needed to thrive.

From pioneering no-fee index funds to introducing crypto capabilities and advanced planning services, Fidelity continues evolving to meet modern demands [6]. Most important, it has never lost the trust of its massive clientele—a trust born of strong corporate values, sustained innovation, and ongoing dedication to helping individuals prosper over the long term [2]. At this point, few institutions can rival Fidelity’s blend of scale, technology, and personal support. As you plan your next steps in investing or retirement, it’s clear that Fidelity remains among the very best—providing everything an investor needs for success.

References

1. Fidelity Investments. (2024). Fidelity annual statement and key facts. Fidelity.com.

2. NerdWallet. (2025). Fidelity Investments review: Best overall brokerage for 2025. NerdWallet.com.

3. Fidelity. (2025). Account types overview and detailed options. Fidelity.com.

4. StockBrokers.com. (2025). Broker comparison: Fidelity’s platforms and pricing. StockBrokers.com.

5. Fidelity Investments. (2025). Fractional share trading with Stocks by the Slice. Fidelity.com.

6. Fidelity Digital Assets. (2024). Expanding crypto offerings for retail clients. FidelityDigitalAssets.com.

7. U.S. News & World Report. (2025). Top IRA brokers: Fidelity’s retirement accounts. USNews.com.