In this head-to-head, Fidelity and XTB square off on cost models, platform capabilities, and global access. The tension centers on commission structures, long-term investing features, and regulatory protections.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Fidelity if you want commission-free US trading and access to deep research.
Choose if…
Choose XTB if you want access to more global venues and a built-in screener on xStation 5.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | N/A |
| Spreads from | N/A | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Fidelity | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Fidelity rates 4.6/5 versus 4.1/5 for XTB. Fidelity edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Fidelity and XTB 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, XTB 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 XTB lists up to 1:5. 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 XTB supports xStation 5. Fidelity has exclusive access to Active Trader Pro and Proprietary Web/Mobile. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
Yes, you can open an account with XTB independently of your Fidelity account. There is no formal transfer process for open positions; you would need to close existing trades with Fidelity before funding and trading with XTB.
Yes, both Fidelity and XTB 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 Fidelity and XTB 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.
XTB 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 trading.
Fidelity is best for safety & regulation due to SEC/FINRA oversight and excess SIPC coverage up to $1 billion.
Fidelity wins for long-term investing due to zero-expense-ratio index funds and no minimums.
Fidelity wins for active traders with the Active Trader Pro platform and advanced tools.
XTB wins for beginners thanks to fractional shares on major US equities.
XTB wins for global market access with 16 exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free EFT; $10 wire transfer | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | SEC FINRA | CySEC FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Active Trader Pro Proprietary Web/Mobile | xStation 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Fidelity secures the higher editorial score, underpinned by stronger trust/regulation and broader trading tools. XTB trails on overall score, despite solid platform and regulation.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.6 / 5
Score 4.1 / 5
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