Fidelity

4.6(2400)

SEC/FINRA

Vanguard

4.5(2300)

SEC/FINRA

Fidelity vs Vanguard

Head-to-Head Comparison 2026

Our Verdict

Fidelity has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Vanguard (4.5/5). Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider.

Comparison Table

Criteria	Fidelity	Vanguard
Rating	4.6/5 (2400 reviews)✓	4.5/5 (2300 reviews)
Regulation	SEC/FINRA	SEC/FINRA
Fees	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee
Min. Deposit	0 $	0 $
Instruments	Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs	Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs
Platforms	Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App	Vanguard Web, Vanguard App
Options Trading	Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract	Yes, US options available ($1 per contract)
Founded	1946	1975
Headquarters	Boston	Valley Forge

Detailed Comparison

Fee Comparison

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

Vanguard: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Product Range

Fidelity (6 categories)

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs

Vanguard (6 categories)

StocksETFsMutual FundsBondsOptionsCDs

Trading Platforms

Fidelity

Fidelity Web
Active Trader Pro
Fidelity App

Vanguard

Vanguard Web
Vanguard App

Regulation & Security

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

Vanguard is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: Valley Forge).

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

Vanguard

World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading

✓ World leader in low-cost index funds

✓ Commission-free stock and ETF trading

✓ Client-owned structure – no external shareholders

✗ Trading platform more functional than modern

✗ Only available for US customers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fidelity or Vanguard cheaper?

Fidelity charges $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Vanguard charges $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, Vanguard funds with no transaction fee. The minimum deposit is 0 $ at Fidelity and 0 $ at Vanguard.

Which broker offers more products: Fidelity or Vanguard?

Fidelity offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs. Vanguard offers Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, CDs.

Which broker is better regulated?

Fidelity is regulated by SEC/FINRA. Vanguard is regulated by SEC/FINRA.

Is Fidelity or Vanguard better for beginners?

Fidelity has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App as platforms. Vanguard has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers Vanguard Web, Vanguard App. Fidelity has the lower entry barrier.

Fidelity vs Vanguard: Which broker is better overall?

The choice between Fidelity (4.6/5, 2400 reviews) and Vanguard (4.5/5, 2300 reviews) depends on your needs. Fidelity: One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services. Vanguard: World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading.

Fidelity

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

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Vanguard

World-leading index fund provider with commission-free trading

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

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