Two seasoned brokers clash over cost, long-term features, and market access. The tension hinges on platform depth versus accessibility for everyday investors.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose eToro if you value broad international access across 17 exchanges and protective features like negative balance protection.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $50 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | eToro | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Fidelity rates 4.6/5 versus 4.1/5 for eToro. Fidelity edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
eToro starts from 1. Current spread data is not available for Fidelity. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
eToro requires $50. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Fidelity.
Both eToro and Fidelity hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, eToro provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
eToro lists maximum leverage of 1:5, 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.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Fidelity supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, Active Trader Pro. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Fidelity has exclusive access to Active Trader Pro.
Yes, both eToro and Fidelity offer commission-free stock trading according to our data. Keep in mind that commission-free brokers may still charge spread costs, foreign exchange fees, or platform fees — always check the full fee schedule on each broker's website.
Yes, both eToro and Fidelity offer fractional share investing. This makes it easier to invest in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of capital, which is particularly useful for long-term portfolio building. Check each broker for the specific stocks eligible for fractional purchases.
eToro scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
Choose Fidelity if…
Choose Fidelity if you rely on extensive research, advanced charting, and extended trading hours.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Equally matched on cost due to commission-free trades.
Fidelity leads on regulation with SEC/FINRA and excess SIPC.
Fidelity offers zero-expense index funds and DRIP.
Fidelity provides Active Trader Pro and tools.
eToro has a beginner-friendly interface and fractional shares.
eToro gives access to 17 exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank TransferACHWire TransferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCardPayPalSkrill | Bank TransferACHWire TransferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | USD 5 per withdrawal | Free EFT; $10 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC KNF CMVM AMF FSRA HCMC MFSA Finanstilsynet CNB CySEC ASF MNB CMA FSA Seychelles Finansinspektionen FCA ASIC Finanstilsynet | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile Active Trader Pro |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
Fidelity wins on editorial score (4.6 vs 4.1) over eToro, thanks to stronger research tools, Active Trader Pro capabilities, and zero-expense index funds.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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