Two brokers clash over costs and platforms. The axis centers on commission-free trading and zero-expense funds versus copy trading and regulated CFDs.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Fidelity if you want commission-free trading and zero-expense index funds.
Choose if…
Choose HFM if you want HFcopy automatic equity-strategy copying and 500+ share CFDs.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Fidelity | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Fidelity rates 4.6/5 versus 3.8/5 for HFM. Fidelity edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
HFM starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Fidelity. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
HFM requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Fidelity.
Both Fidelity and HFM 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, HFM 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.
Fidelity lists maximum leverage of 1:4, while HFM lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
HFM 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.
Fidelity supports Active Trader Pro, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while HFM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Fidelity has exclusive access to Active Trader Pro and Proprietary Web/Mobile. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Fidelity offers commission-free stock trading while HFM 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.
HFM 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.
Fidelity wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free trading and zero-expense funds.
HFM wins safety & regulation thanks to broader regulatory coverage and a compensation scheme.
Fidelity wins long-term investing with zero-expense funds and fractional shares.
Fidelity wins active trading with its proprietary platform and advanced tools.
HFM wins for beginners with multilingual support and no inactivity fees.
Fidelity wins global market access with more exchanges.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free EFT; $10 wire transfer | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | SEC FINRA | DFSA CySEC FSCA FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Active Trader Pro Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Fidelity edges HFM on overall editorial score, driven by zero-expense-ratio funds, commission-free trading, and a robust proprietary platform.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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