Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform 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.
4.6 / 5
Best for active, global, and advanced traders. Lowest margin rates in the industry, broadest international access (160+ exchanges, 36 countries), and the most complete API stack in retail brokerage.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Fidelity | Interactive | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.70 / 5 | 4.60 / 5 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.60 | 4.80 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.40 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 5.00 | 4.00 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 4.20 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 4.00 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 3.80 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.20 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.30 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 7.50% | 5.83% | Interactive |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.26% | 4.33% | Interactive |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Does not accept | Does not accept | Tie |
| Asset class | Fidelity | Interactive |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / penny stocks | Limited | Yes |
| Options (up to Level 4) | Yes | |
| IPOs | Limited | Yes |
| International direct | Yes | |
| Forex | No | Yes |
| Futures / futures options | No | Yes |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | Yes |
| Spot crypto ETPs | Yes | |
| 24-hour overnight equity trading | No | Yes |
| Precious metals (physical) | Yes | |
| Options (US + global) | Yes | |
| International stocks | Yes | |
| Prediction markets | Yes |