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Advantages of Fidelity

1. Fractional Share Investing

   • Fidelity offers “Stocks by the Slice,” allowing you to invest in ETFs and individual stocks with as little as $1. This feature is ideal for dollar-cost averaging or investing smaller amounts.

2. Zero Fees

   • No commission on U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options trades. Fidelity also has no account fees or minimums, which makes it cost-effective.

3. Best-in-Class Research and Tools

   • Access to advanced screening tools, third-party research (like Morningstar and CFRA), and retirement calculators.
   • Fidelity is also consistently ranked as one of the top platforms for long-term investors.

4. User-Friendly Interface

   • The mobile app and desktop platform are intuitive, with robust tools for both beginners and advanced users.
   • Fractional investing integrates seamlessly into their user experience.

5. Customer Service and Reliability

   • Excellent customer service with 24/7 availability via phone, chat, and email.
   • Long history of financial stability and reputation.

6. No-Payment-for-Order-Flow

   • Fidelity routes your trades to secure the best price rather than profiting from payment-for-order-flow, ensuring better trade execution.

7. Retirement and HSA Benefits

   • Fidelity offers top-tier IRA options and one of the best Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in the market.

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Comparison with Charles Schwab

FeatureFidelityCharles SchwabFractional SharesYes (ETFs and stocks)Yes (stocks, not ETFs)Trading FeesNo commissionsNo commissionsResearch and ToolsSuperior third-party researchExcellent research as wellMobile and Desktop AppsUser-friendly and advancedAlso user-friendly, slightly less advancedInternational InvestorsLimitedMore robust international accessCash ManagementIndustry-leading cash sweep ratesCompetitive

• Fidelity is stronger for fractional ETF investing, research tools, and customer-centric features.
• Schwab is better if you need international market access or already benefit from their ecosystem (e.g., Schwab Intelligent Portfolios).

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Other Brokerage Options

1. Vanguard

   • Best for buy-and-hold investors who prioritize low-cost index funds and ETFs.
   • Lacks robust trading tools or fractional share investing in individual stocks/ETFs.

2. Robinhood

   • Fractional shares, no commissions, and an easy-to-use platform.
   • Lacks the depth and reliability of Fidelity or Schwab; better for small-scale or casual traders.

3. E*TRADE

   • Great for options trading and advanced tools, but it doesn't match Fidelity's fractional share offerings.

4. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

   • Excellent for active traders and international markets.
   • Less intuitive for beginners and may not cater to casual investors.

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Should You Move to Fidelity?

Yes, if fractional ETF investing is a priority or you want a more research-driven, cost-efficient, and customer-focused platform. Fidelity is also ideal for long-term, retirement-focused investors due to its superior tools and no-fee structure.

If you're satisfied with Schwab's ecosystem for most of your needs and only want fractional ETFs, consider keeping your Schwab account while opening a supplementary account with Fidelity to test its offerings. This way, you diversify platform risks while enjoying the best of both worlds.