Two brokers clash over cost structures, platforms, and global access. The tension centers on whether Alpari's low entry and offshore regulation outweigh Fidelity's research tools and broad exchanges.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a $5 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 with full EA support.
Choose if…
Choose Fidelity if you want commission-free US stock trading and access to Active Trader Pro and extensive third-party research.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $5 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Fidelity is the stronger choice: it rates 4.6/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Alpari International starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Fidelity. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Alpari International requires $5. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Fidelity.
Fidelity holds top-tier regulation (SEC, FINRA), providing stronger investor protections. Alpari International may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Fidelity holds top-tier regulatory status, which provides a stronger safety baseline for newer traders. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, while Fidelity lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Alpari International charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Fidelity are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Fidelity supports Active Trader Pro, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Fidelity has exclusive access to Active Trader Pro and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Fidelity offers commission-free stock trading while Alpari International does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Fidelity wins for low cost trading with commission-free US stocks and ETFs.
Fidelity provides strong safety and regulation with SEC and FINRA oversight.
Fidelity supports long-term investing with zero-expense-ratio index funds and no investment minimum.
Fidelity provides Active Trader Pro and extensive research for active traders.
Fidelity is beginner-friendly with no investment minimums for funds and commission-free trading.
Fidelity offers broader global market access with 10 exchanges.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free EFT; $10 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA FSC | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Active Trader Pro Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Fidelity edges Alpari International overall, thanks to a higher editorial score and stronger regulation. Its commission-free US trading, extensive research tools, and broader exchange coverage reinforce the win.
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Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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