Fidelity Review 2026: Is It Good for ETF Investing?
Last updated: March 2026 • Rating: 9.2/10 • Overall best for beginners
Quick Verdict
One of the largest and most trusted brokerages in the US. Known for excellent research tools, zero-commission trading, and strong customer service. A top choice for beginner ETF investors.
Fidelity at a Glance
| Commission-Free ETFs | Yes |
| Fractional Shares | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| ETFs Available | 2,000+ |
| Mobile App | Yes |
| Research Tools | Excellent |
| Best For | Overall best for beginners |
| Our Rating | 9.2/10 |
Fidelity for ETF Investors: What You Need to Know
One of the largest and most trusted brokerages in the US. Known for excellent research tools, zero-commission trading, and strong customer service. A top choice for beginner ETF investors. With commission-free ETF trading and fractional share support (invest from $1) , Fidelity makes it easy to get started with no minimum deposit requirement.
The platform offers access to over 2,000 ETFs, giving you plenty of options whether you're looking for broad market index funds like VOO and VTI, dividend-focused ETFs like SCHD, or sector-specific funds. The research tools are rated excellent, which means you'll have access to comprehensive screening tools, analyst reports, and educational resources to make informed decisions.
Fidelity's mobile app lets you manage your ETF portfolio on the go, set up automatic investments, and monitor your holdings from anywhere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓No account minimums or commissions
- ✓Excellent research and education tools
- ✓Fractional shares from $1
- ✓Strong customer service
Cons
- ✗Interface can feel overwhelming at first
- ✗No cryptocurrency trading
Recommended: This beginner-friendly ETF course on Udemy covers everything from ETF fundamentals to building a recession-proof portfolio in 7 days.
How to Open a Fidelity Account for ETF Investing
- Visit Fidelity's website and click "Open an Account." You'll need your Social Security number, government ID, and bank information.
- Choose your account type — Individual Brokerage (most common for beginners), Roth IRA (tax-advantaged retirement), or Traditional IRA. If you're not sure, start with an individual brokerage account.
- Fund your account via bank transfer. There's no minimum deposit, so you can start with any amount.
- Search for your chosen ETF (e.g., VOO, VTI, or SCHD) using the search bar and place your first trade.
- Set up automatic investing to buy your chosen ETF(s) on a regular schedule. This is dollar cost averaging — the simplest and most effective strategy for beginners.
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How Fidelity Compares
| Broker | Commission-Free | Fractional | ETFs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | Yes | Yes | 2,000+ | 9.2/10 |
| Charles Schwab | Yes | Yes | 2,000+ | 9/10 |
| Vanguard | Yes | Yes | 1,800+ | 8.8/10 |
| Robinhood | Yes | Yes | 500+ | 7.5/10 |
| E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley) | Yes | No | 1,500+ | 8.2/10 |