Fidelity Investments
Overview
Fidelity Investments is a US-based multinational financial services corporation that operates as a brokerage firm, mutual fund manager, and investment advisor. Established in 1946, it is one of the largest asset managers in the world. As of 2026, Fidelity serves a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from individual retail investors and active traders to retirement savers and institutions. The platform is known for its wide selection of investment products, proprietary research tools, and "ZERO" index funds which carry no expense ratios.
Key Specifications
| Account Minimum | $0 |
|---|---|
| Stock & ETF Trade Fee | $0 (Online US trades) |
| Options Fee | $0.65 per contract |
| Regulatory Fees | Standard SEC & TAF fees apply |
| Fractional Shares | Yes (Stocks by the Slice™) - Over 7,000 stocks/ETFs |
| Uninvested Cash Interest | ~3.43% (via SPAXX sweep, as of Jan 2026) |
Trading Platforms
Fidelity offers three primary access points for investors:
1. Fidelity.com (Web)
The standard browser-based platform handles account management, research, screening, and basic trade execution. It includes access to Fidelity's Learning Center and third-party research reports.
2. Active Trader Pro (Desktop)
Available for Mac and PC, this downloadable software is designed for frequent traders. It features customizable layouts, real-time streaming data, advanced charting with technical indicators, and the "Trade Armor" tool for managing entry and exit points.
3. Fidelity Mobile App
The mobile application (iOS and Android) supports trading of stocks, options, and fractional shares. Recent updates in 2025 have introduced a multi-screen trade experience and enhanced options chain visualization. The app also supports check deposits and bill pay features.
Investment Features
- Fractional Shares: Through "Stocks by the Slice," users can purchase fractional shares of over 7,000 US stocks and ETFs with a minimum investment of $1.00.
- Cash Management: The default "core position" for brokerage accounts is often the Fidelity Government Money Market Fund (SPAXX), which accrues interest on uninvested cash.
- Research: Clients have access to equity summary scores and reports from independent firms such as Argus, Ned Davis Research, and McClathy.
- International Trading: Fidelity offers online trading in 25 international markets and 16 currencies, though fees and commissions apply to these specific trades.
Account Types
The platform supports a comprehensive list of account structures, including:
- Individual and Joint Taxable Brokerage Accounts
- Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRAs
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA)
- Fidelity Youth Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
