Two brokers clash on cost structures and global reach. The axis pits commission models, long-term investing features, and regulatory protections against the breadth of international access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Fidelity if you prize commission-free US stock and ETF trading, fractional shares, and extended trading hours.
Choose if…
Choose Swissquote if you value strong regulation, Swiss banking protection, and broad international share access across 60 exchanges.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | N/A | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Fidelity | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Fidelity rates 4.6/5 and Swissquote rates 4.3/5. Fidelity has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Swissquote starts from 1.7. Current spread data is not available for Fidelity. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Swissquote requires $1000. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Fidelity.
Both Fidelity and Swissquote 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, Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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.
Fidelity supports Active Trader Pro, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Swissquote supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Fidelity has exclusive access to Active Trader Pro. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Fidelity offers commission-free stock trading while Swissquote 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.
Swissquote 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 US stock and ETF trades.
Swissquote wins safety & regulation with FINMA oversight and stronger depositor protection.
Fidelity is best for long-term investing thanks to DRIP and zero-expense funds.
Fidelity leads for active traders with advanced equity and options tools.
Fidelity suits beginners with no investment minimum for zero-expense index funds.
Swissquote wins global market access with 60 exchanges and Swiss bank custody.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transfer |
|---|
| 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 FCA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | Active Trader Pro Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Fidelity edges Swissquote on the editorial score. Its commission-free trading and DRIP strengthen long-term investing, while Swissquote offers stronger regulation and broader international access.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.3 / 5
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