Broker comparison

Fidelity vs.
Public

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Checked on 22 October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides

Fidelity has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Public (4/5). Fidelity offers 6 instrument types, while Public offers 5. Oversight: Fidelity: SEC/FINRA; Public: SEC/FINRA. Fidelity: Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract. Public: Yes, commission-free, optional per-contract rebate.

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

US broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsFidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity AppPublic App, Public Web
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDsStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Crypto
Options tradingYes, US options from $0.65 per contractYes, commission-free, optional per-contract rebate
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Fidelity

Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App

Public

Public App, Public Web

Product types

Fidelity

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

Public

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Crypto

Options trading

Fidelity

Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract

Public

Yes, commission-free, optional per-contract rebate

Fee model

Fidelity

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

Public

$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee

Minimum deposit

Fidelity

0 $

Public

0 $

Regulation

Fidelity

SEC/FINRA

Public

SEC/FINRA

More information

Fidelity

Details

Public

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 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee

Published fee
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee
Minimum deposit
0 $
See terms at provider

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

Worked out

What does it actually cost?

Typical months at Fidelity and Public, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.

ScenarioFidelityPublic
ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a monthUS$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1US$0~$230 US ETF buy (Investment Plan): $0 commission
10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a monthUS$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 ordersUS$0$0 per order × 10 (wholesale route); Smart/Lit routes $0.003/share
10 US option contracts a monthUS$6.50$0.65 per contract × 10US$0$0 per stock/ETF contract × 10; opt-in rebate program pays $0.06–0.18 per contract
One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000US$11.501% trading fee (Fidelity Crypto) × $1,150US$14.38zerohash fee 1.25% × $1,150 (orders over $500)
Custody and account fee per yearUS$0$0 for standard account services per fee pageUS$0Account maintenance $0; $3.99/mo inactivity fee only if < $70 value and 6 months inactive

Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: fidelity.com · fidelity.com · public.com

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
StocksETFsOptionsBondsCrypto

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

Public App · Public Web

US broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app

Explore platform

Regulation & security

Fidelity

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (crypto: Fidelity Digital Assets)

Supervisor
SEC / FINRA
Investor compensation
SIPC member: up to $500,000 per customer (max. $250,000 cash) if the broker fails; no cover for market losses
Cash
Uninvested cash in the account: SIPC up to $250,000

Public

Open to the Public Investing, Inc. (broker-dealer); crypto via Zero Hash LLC

Supervisor
SEC / FINRA
Investor compensation
SIPC member: up to $500,000 (incl. $250,000 cash); crypto not covered by SIPC or FDIC
Cash
High-Yield Cash Account: swept to partner banks, eligible for FDIC insurance (cap not stated on page)

Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.

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 broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options
  • Optional rebate per options contract
  • Bonds and crypto in the same app
  • Only for US residents
  • Comparatively high fee on crypto purchases

Find the broker that fits

Fidelity oder Public?

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.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Fidelity and Public?
Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Public: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options; crypto carries a fee. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Fidelity or Public?
Fidelity offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs. Public offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Crypto.
How are Fidelity and Public regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Fidelity and SEC/FINRA for Public. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Fidelity or Public better for beginners?
Fidelity lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App. Public lists 0 $ and offers Public App, Public Web. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Fidelity vs Public: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Fidelity (4.6/5, 2400 reviews) and Public (4/5, 0 reviews) depends on your needs. Fidelity: One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services. Public: US broker for stocks, ETFs, options and crypto in one app.

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