This comparison pits FBS, a CFD broker with a $1 minimum, against Fidelity, which offers commission-free trading and broad exchange access. The tension centers on cost, access, and regulation.
Fidelity wins on the overall editorial score, benefiting from top-tier regulation, broader exchange access, and commission-free US trading; FBS remains appealing for a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 support.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Fidelity wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free US stock and ETF trades.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $20/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | 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 FBS, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
FBS starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Fidelity. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
FBS requires $1. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Fidelity.
Fidelity holds top-tier regulation (SEC, FINRA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS 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.
FBS lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, 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.
FBS charges $20 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.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Fidelity supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, Active Trader Pro. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Fidelity has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and Active Trader Pro.
Fidelity offers commission-free stock trading while FBS 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 safety and regulation with SEC/FINRA oversight.
Fidelity wins for long-term investors with zero-expense-ratio index funds.
Fidelity wins for active traders via Active Trader Pro and tools.
| 2 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | 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 CySEC IFSC | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile Active Trader Pro |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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