Fidelity Brokerage Account Review 2026: Self-directed investors who want $0 online stock and ETF trades, no account minimum, and clearly dated margin rates
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Our verdict
Fidelity is our top pick because its core pricing is low and its rate page is specific. The commissions page lists $0 for online US stock and ETF trades, $0 plus $0.65 per contract for options, $1.00 per bond for secondary bond trades, and no minimum to open an account (as of 2026-10-02). Mutual fund costs depend on the fund: no transaction fee funds are $0 to buy but carry a $49.95 charge if redeemed within 60 days, and transaction fee funds cost $49.95 per purchase. Margin is priced from a base rate of 10.825%, effective September 18, 2026, ranging from 12.075% on debit balances under $25,000 to 7.75% at $1 million and above. FINRA BrokerCheck lists Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (CRD 7784) as active, and Fidelity states the firm is a Member NYSE, SIPC. SIPC protection covers missing assets if a member firm fails; it does not protect against market losses. Rates and fees change, so confirm on Fidelity's site.
Score breakdown
- Fees (25%)9.0/10
- Value & Returns (25%)9.0/10
- Transparency (20%)9.0/10
- Security & Trust (15%)9.0/10
- Support (15%)7.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Self-directed investors who want $0 online stock and ETF trades, no account minimum, and clearly dated margin rates.
Pricing
$0 online US stock and ETF trades; options $0.65 per contract; no minimum to open (as of 2026-10-02)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US stocks and ETFs (online) | $0 | Per Fidelity's commissions page (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Options | $0 + $0.65 per contract | Per Fidelity's commissions page (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Transaction fee mutual funds | $49.95 per purchase | No transaction fee funds: $49.95 if redeemed within 60 days (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Margin (under $25,000) | 12.075% | Base rate 10.825% effective September 18, 2026 (as of 2026-10-02). Rates change. |
| Minimum to open | $0 | No minimums to open an account (as of 2026-10-02). |
What the evidence says
- $0 online US stock and ETF trades; options $0.65 per contract; NTF funds $49.95 on redemption within 60 days; TF funds $49.95 per purchase; margin base 10.825% effective September 18, 2026, 12.075% under $25,000, 7.75% at $1M+; no minimums; Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC (as of 2026-10-02). (Fidelity: Commissions and margin rates (official))
- FIDELITY BROKERAGE SERVICES LLC, CRD 7784, SEC 8-23292, status active (as of 2026-10-02). (FINRA BrokerCheck (firm search))
Pros & cons
Pros
- $0 commission on online US stock and ETF trades, per Fidelity's commissions page (as of 2026-10-02)
- No minimum to open an account (as of 2026-10-02)
- Margin rates are published with an effective date: base rate 10.825% effective September 18, 2026 (as of 2026-10-02)
- FINRA BrokerCheck lists Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (CRD 7784) as an active firm, and Fidelity states it is a Member NYSE, SIPC
Cons & red flags
- Options cost $0.65 per contract (as of 2026-10-02)
- Transaction fee mutual funds cost $49.95 per purchase, and no transaction fee funds carry a $49.95 charge if redeemed within 60 days (as of 2026-10-02)
- Margin borrowing is expensive at small balances: 12.075% on debit balances under $25,000 (as of 2026-10-02)
How it compares
Fidelity Brokerage Account scores 8.7/10 in our brokerages & investing evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Online Brokerages of 2026.
- Charles Schwab Brokerage Account review — 8.5/10, investors who want $0 online stock and etf trades, a large no transaction fee fund list, and no minimums
- E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley Brokerage Account review — 8.2/10, active options traders and investors who want dated, tiered margin rates and morgan stanley research
Frequently asked questions
Is Fidelity a SIPC member?
Fidelity states that Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC is a Member NYSE, SIPC, and FINRA BrokerCheck lists the firm (CRD 7784) as active (as of 2026-10-02). SIPC covers missing customer assets if a member firm fails, not investment losses.
What does Fidelity charge for options?
$0 commission plus $0.65 per contract on online trades (as of 2026-10-02).
What are Fidelity's margin rates?
From a 10.825% base rate effective September 18, 2026: 12.075% under $25,000 down to 7.75% at $1 million and above (as of 2026-10-02). Margin rates change often, so check the live table.
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