About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments, founded in 1946 by Edward Johnson II, is one of the largest and most trusted financial services companies in the world, managing over $12 trillion in assets. Unlike most of its competitors, Fidelity is privately held — meaning it's not beholden to quarterly earnings pressure and can focus entirely on clients.
Fidelity made history in 2018 when it launched the world's first zero-expense-ratio index funds — FZROX and FZILX — disrupting the already-cheap index fund market and cementing its position as the top choice for passive, long-term investors.
The platform offers a comprehensive suite of investment options including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, and CDs. Its research offering is among the best in the industry, with in-house analysis supplemented by third-party research from Morningstar, S&P, and others.
Fees & Pricing
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- ✓ Zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX)
- ✓ Excellent in-house and third-party research
- ✓ Fractional shares on stocks and ETFs
- ✓ $0 commissions with no account minimums
- ✓ Outstanding retirement account options
- ✓ No payment for order flow on equities
❌ Cons
- ✗ Limited advanced trading tools vs IBKR or thinkorswim
- ✗ No direct crypto trading (only crypto ETFs)
- ✗ Website can feel dated in some areas
- ✗ Limited international market access
Key Features
- Zero-expense-ratio index funds — FZROX, FZILX, FZESX, FZIPX
- $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options (+ $0.65/contract)
- Fractional shares — invest in any stock from $1
- Comprehensive retirement accounts — Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA
- Top-tier research from Fidelity, Morningstar, S&P, and more
- Fidelity Mobile — highly rated iOS and Android app
- No payment for order flow on equities
- HSA accounts and 529 college savings plans
Who Is It Best For?
Fidelity is the ideal choice for long-term, buy-and-hold investors — especially those building retirement portfolios. Its zero-expense-ratio funds and no-fee structure make it the lowest-cost option for passive investors. It's also excellent for retirement accounts and investors who value deep, reliable research.
⚖️ Our Verdict
Fidelity is the best overall broker for long-term investors in 2026. Its zero-cost index funds, comprehensive research, and retirement account options are genuinely best-in-class. While it lacks the advanced trading tools of IBKR or thinkorswim, for anyone focused on building long-term wealth, Fidelity is the benchmark.