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.
3.7 / 5
Direct-access broker built for active day traders who need DAS Trader Pro, ECN order routing, integrated short locates, and OTC/penny stock access. Strong on short-locate workflow; weak on transparency, mobile, and reputation given multiple FINRA enforcement actions.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Fidelity | SpeedTrader | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.70 / 5 | 3.70 / 5 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.60 | 3.50 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 4.40 | 4.30 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 5.00 | 2.50 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 2.50 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 2.50 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 4.00 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.20 | 2.80 | Fidelity |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.30 | 4.70 | SpeedTrader |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 7.50% | 8.00% | Fidelity |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 3.26% | — | Fidelity |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Does not accept | Does not accept | Tie |
| Asset class | Fidelity | SpeedTrader |
|---|---|---|
| OTC / penny stocks | Limited | |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Options (up to Level 4) | Yes | |
| Mutual funds | Yes | Limited |
| US Treasuries | Yes | |
| Corporate / muni bonds, CDs | Yes | |
| IPOs | Limited | |
| International direct | Yes | |
| Futures / futures options | No | |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | No |
| Spot crypto ETPs | Yes | |
| Precious metals (physical) | Yes | |
| OTC / Pink Sheets / OTCQX / OTCQB | Yes | |
| Options (equity, ETF, SPX, other indices) | Yes | |
| US Treasuries / bonds | Limited | |
| Futures | No | |
| Foreign stocks ("F" tickers) | Limited | |
| IRAs | No | |
| Cash accounts | No | |
| Hard-to-borrow short locates | Yes |