J.P. Morgan vs. Fidelity: which is right for you?

This article compares J.P. Morgan's self-directed investing and Fidelity’s self-directed brokerage account by examining trading costs, account minimums, investment options, research tools, mobile access, technology, and security.

Here is a look at the key elements of both firms. 

J.P. Morgan vs. Fidelity: Key services

Both firms provide self-directed brokerage access, but the service experience differs.

J.P. Morgan self-directed investing:

• Self-directed trading: Clients manage investments on their own through a J.P. Morgan self-directed investing account and primarily engage online.
• Core investment access: The platform supports online trading in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, money market funds, Treasuries, and other fixed income securities.
• Fractional shares: Investors can buy eligible S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 stocks and ETFs in amounts starting at $5.
• Research and tools: J.P. Morgan provides self-directed investors with access to market ideas, analyst insights, screeners, alerts, and fixed-income comparison tools.
• Banking connection: Investors can bank and invest in one place through Chase Mobile or chase.com.

Fidelity brokerage account:

• Self-directed trading: Fidelity’s brokerage account supports online and mobile trading through its website, mobile app, and trading tools.
• Core investment access: Fidelity offers domestic and international stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, bonds, CDs and precious metals.
• Trading and account features: Fidelity also lists margin borrowing, international investing in 25 markets and 16 currencies, and extended-hours trading.
• Research and monitoring: Fidelity lists free, independent research from 20+ providers, along with alerts, watchlists, and stock analysis tools.
• Trading support: Fidelity provides 24/7 access to experienced investment and trading consultants.

J.P. Morgan vs. Fidelity: Fees

Basic online trades in stocks, ETFs, and options cost about the same at both firms. The difference is in the extra charges that may apply to other products or account services.

J.P. Morgan vs. Fidelity: Minimum account sizes

Both services have low barriers to entry for self-directed brokerage users.

J.P. Morgan vs. Fidelity: Pros and cons

Here is a look at the pros and cons of both J.P. Morgan and Fidelity to help you decide which is the right fit for you.

Pros of J.P. Morgan:

• Clear basic trading cost: The platform lists unlimited $0 online trades for several core product types, with options contracts and other fees still applying.
• Low fractional-share entry: Eligible S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 stocks and ETFs can be purchased from $5.
• Built-in tools: Screeners, analyst ideas, alerts, and fixed income yield tools support basic research and monitoring.
• Chase-connected access: Banking and investing can be managed through the Chase platform, simplifying account access for existing Chase users.

Cons of J.P. Morgan:

• Self-directed responsibility: Clients make their own decisions in the self-directed account rather than receiving an advisor-led portfolio service.
• Online-first relationship: The reviewed account is designed around online engagement, not an ongoing advisor relationship.
• Other fees may apply: Options contract and other fees.

Pros of Fidelity:

• Research depth: Fidelity lists independent research from 20+ providers, along with alerts, watchlists, and stock analysis tools.
• Trading support: Clients have 24/7 access to experienced investment and trading consultants.
• No retail brokerage account fee or opening minimum: Fidelity discloses zero account minimums and zero account fees for retail brokerage accounts.

Cons of Fidelity:

• Additional transaction costs: Options contract fees, regulatory charges, foreign trading costs, and currency exchange fees may apply.
• Tool depth can add complexity: Investors who only need basic buy-and-hold trading may not use many of the platform’s trading and research features.
• Separate crypto structure: Fidelity Crypto is available, but crypto investing carries distinct risks and is not the same as standard brokerage investing.

J.P. Morgan vs Fidelity: Technology and security

J.P. Morgan’s technology experience is tied to Chase Mobile and chase.com. Users can open and manage a self-directed account, transfer funds, view investment ideas, track performance, and manage Chase banking and investing in one place.

Fidelity’s technology experience is built around Fidelity Mobile, research tools, alerts, watch lists, and trading support. Users can manage portfolios and watch lists, research, and trade from the mobile app.

On security, Chase discloses data encryption for sign-ins, biometric login, password-manager support, temporary holds for suspicious activity, and optional 2-step verification. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, and is a member of FINRA and SIPC, but SIPC does not protect against market losses.

Fidelity offers encryption, firewalls, secure email, proactive 24/7 system surveillance, multi-factor authentication, money transfer lock, security text alerts, and voice biometrics. Fidelity also participates in FDIC and SIPC asset protection programs.

Final verdict: J.P. Morgan vs Fidelity

J.P. Morgan is centered on a simple Chase-connected experience with online trading, fractional shares, and integrated banking access. 

Fidelity is centered on brokerage depth, research, trading tools, 24/7 access to consultants, and multiple trading platforms.

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