Fidelity

4.6(2400)

SEC/FINRA

Schwab International

4.6(2800)

SEC/FINRA

Fidelity vs Schwab International

Head-to-Head Comparison 2026

Our Verdict

Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while Fidelity offers 6. Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider.

Comparison Table

Criteria	Fidelity	Schwab International
Rating	4.6/5 (2400 reviews)	4.6/5 (2800 reviews)
Regulation	SEC/FINRA	SEC/FINRA
Fees	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract	$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Min. Deposit	0 $	0 $
Instruments	Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs	Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Platforms	Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App	thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Options Trading	Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract	Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Founded	1946	1971
Headquarters	Boston	Westlake TX

Detailed Comparison

Fee Comparison

Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Product Range

Fidelity (6 categories)

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs

Schwab International (7 categories)

StocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex

Trading Platforms

Fidelity

Fidelity Web
Active Trader Pro
Fidelity App

Schwab International

thinkorswim Desktop
thinkorswim Web
Schwab Mobile App

Regulation & Security

Fidelity is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: Boston).

Schwab International is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: Westlake TX).

Who Is It For?

Fidelity

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

Schwab International

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fidelity or Schwab International cheaper?

Fidelity charges $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Schwab International charges $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. The minimum deposit is 0 $ at Fidelity and 0 $ at Schwab International.

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.

Which broker is better regulated?

Fidelity is regulated by SEC/FINRA. Schwab International is regulated by SEC/FINRA.

Is Fidelity or Schwab International better for beginners?

Fidelity has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App as platforms. Schwab International has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Fidelity has the lower entry barrier.

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.

Fidelity

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

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Schwab International

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Fidelity read review →Schwab International read review →