Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.5 / 5
Best for full-service investors who want thinkorswim, broad 24/5 trading, deep customer service, and integrated banking. Cost-competitive on most fronts but lags on margin rates and fractional-share breadth.
4.7 / 5
Best overall broker for long-term investors, retirement, mutual funds, and cash management. Industry-leading sweep yield, zero-expense-ratio funds, and no PFOF on equities.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Charles | Fidelity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.50 / 5 | 4.70 / 5 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.20 | 4.60 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 5.00 | 4.40 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.40 | 5.00 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 5.00 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 5.00 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 4.90 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.70 | 4.20 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.70 | 4.30 | Charles |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 11.13% | 7.50% | Fidelity |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 0.45% | 3.26% | Fidelity |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | Fidelity |
| Asset class | Charles | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / penny stocks | Yes | Limited |
| Fractional shares | Limited | Yes |
| Options (single & multi-leg) | Yes | |
| Forex | Yes | No |
| Futures / futures options | Yes | No |
| International stocks | Limited | |
| IPOs | Yes | Limited |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | Yes | No |
| Options (up to Level 4) | Yes | |
| International direct | Yes | |
| Spot crypto ETPs | Yes | |
| Precious metals (physical) | Yes |