Webull is a commission-free online brokerage with mobile-first trading and tools for self-directed investors. Fidelity is a full-service brokerage that offers commission-free trading along with extensive research resources and a wide selection of investment products.
The table below offers a quick overview of Webull and Fidelity.
| Feature | Webull | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Commission-free online brokerage (mobile-first). | Full-service brokerage (investment products and research tools). |
| Fees | $0 commissions on stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and options (including $0.50 per-contract fees). | $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options ($0.65 per options contract). |
| Minimum account size | No account minimum. | No minimum to open an account. |
| Best for | Active traders and mobile-first investors. | Long-term investors and those seeking broad investment choices. |
Webull is best suited for investors who want a simple trading platform, while Fidelity is a full-service brokerage with broader resources and investment options.
Webull vs Fidelity: Key features
Webull and Fidelity both provide brokerage services, but their core offerings highlight different strengths. Webull focuses on cost-free trading and mobile technology, while Fidelity has a range of investment products and research support.
Webull: Main features
Commission-free trading: Webull allows investors to trade US stocks, ETFs, and options without paying commission. Index options carry a $0.50 per contract fee.
Fractional shares: Investors can purchase fractional shares with as little as $5, making it easier to access higher-priced stocks.
Extended hours trading: Webull provides pre-market (4am-9:30am ET) and after-hours (4pm to 8pm ET) sessions, giving active traders more flexibility in managing their trading.
Mobile-first platforms: The brokerage offers trading via mobile apps, desktop, and web, all equipped with real-time market data, technical indicators, and advanced charting tools
Fidelity: Main features
Commission-free trading: Fidelity provides commission-free trading on US stocks, ETFs, and options, with a $0.65 per contract fee on options trades.
Wide investment selection: Clients can access stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, certificate of deposits (CDs), and initial public offerings (IPOs), offering more ways to diversify investment portfolios.
Research and trading tools: Fidelity offers independent analyst reports, screeners, and advanced order types that support investors in making informed decisions.
Fractional shares: Fidelity allows investors to start with as little as $1 per stock or ETF, enabling small-scale participation in high-value companies.
Webull centers its services on commission-free trading, fractional shares, and flexible trading hours within a mobile-first platform, making it appealing for active traders. Fidelity extends beyond basic trading by offering a wider range of investment products and in-depth research tools, which are better suited for long-term investors and those seeking diversification.
Webull vs Fidelity: Fees
Webull and Fidelity both offer commission-free stock and ETF trading, but they differ in how they charge for options, advisory services, and investment products.
Webull focuses on low-cost, self-directed trading with minimal fees, while Fidelity combines $0 trading with optional managed programs, mutual funds, and advisory services that carry additional costs. The table below outlines how their fee structures compare.
| Category | Webull | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Advisory fees | None; self-directed platform | None for brokerage; advisory programs charge separate fees |
| Stock & ETF commissions | $0 | $0 |
| Options commissions | $0; index options $0.50 per contract | $0; $0.65 per contract |
| Expense ratios | Not charged by Webull | Apply to ETFs and mutual funds; zero-expense index funds available |
| Account & program fees | No platform fees; standard regulatory fees apply | No brokerage account fees; fees may apply for margin, managed accounts, or some funds |
Webull vs Fidelity: What is the minimum account size?
Webull and Fidelity do not require a minimum balance to open a standard brokerage account, but both platforms require $2,000 to open a margin account, in line with FINRA regulations.
Fidelity also offers managed and advisory programs that have higher balance requirements.
The table below summarizes the key minimum account thresholds for each platform.
| Feature | Webull | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard brokerage account | No minimum. | No minimum. |
| Margin account | $2,000 minimum. | $2,000 minimum. |
| Managed/advisory programs | Not offered | Fidelity Go: $0 below $25,000; 0.35% annual fee at $25,000+. Personalized planning and advice require higher balances. |
Beyond standard brokerage accounts, Fidelity also offers managed and advisory services that come with higher balance requirements.
Fidelity Go has no minimum to start, though an annual fee applies once balances reach a higher level, while personalized planning and advisor-led programs typically require significantly larger account sizes.
Webull does not offer managed or advisory options and remains focused on self-directed trading.
Webull vs Fidelity: The pros and cons
Each brokerage has strengths and limitations, making them better suited to different types of investors. Webull is designed for traders who value low costs and mobile-first tools, while Fidelity appeals to those who want broader investment choices and research support.
Pros of Webull:
Webull offers commission-free trading on US stocks, ETFs, and options, making it attractive for active traders.
The platform is mobile-first and provides advanced charting tools along with real-time market data, supporting fast and flexible trading.
Investors can buy fractional shares starting from $5, allowing them to access high-priced stocks without committing to a full share.
Cons of Webull:
Webull does not provide access to mutual funds or fixed-income products such as bonds, which limits diversification options.
The platform’s research and educational tools are more limited compared to those offered by full-service brokerages.
Webull only supports brokerage accounts (cash or margin) and IRAs (traditional, Roth, or rollover), so it does not cover other account types such as education, trust, or business accounts.
Pros of Fidelity:
Fidelity offers commission-free trading on US stocks, ETFs, and options, reducing costs for most investors.
The brokerage provides a wide selection of investment products, including mutual funds, bonds, CDs, and retirement accounts, supporting long-term portfolio building.
Fidelity delivers strong research resources and educational content that help investors make more informed decisions.
Cons of Fidelity:
Fidelity charges a $0.65 per contract fee on options trades, which can increase costs for frequent options traders.
The platform offers a large number of tools and services, which may be overwhelming for beginners or casual investors.
Some managed programs and certain mutual funds outside the no-fee list involve additional costs, which adds complexity for clients seeking low-cost investing.
Webull’s main strengths lie in its low-cost trading model, mobile-first design, and fractional share access, but its narrower product range and limited account types may not suit all investors.
Fidelity offers a comprehensive set of investment products and robust research tools, but its added complexity and certain program costs may be less appealing for cost-sensitive or new investors.
Webull vs Fidelity: Technology and security
Digital tools and security are essential considerations when choosing a brokerage.
Webull has a mobile-first service with advanced charting, while Fidelity offers a full-service platform with research, retirement accounts, and strong client protection.
| Feature | Webull | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mobile, desktop, and web trading platforms | Web and mobile platforms with integrated account access |
| Client tools | Real-time data, advanced charts, extended hours, alerts | Research reports, screeners, calculators, education |
| Security | SIPC coverage up to $500,000 ($250,000 cash) | SIPC up to $500,000 ($250,000 cash) plus excess SIPC; FDIC for eligible cash |
| Usability | Mobile-first, optimized for active trading | Full-service platform for investing and planning |
Webull’s technology is centered on mobile and trading flexibility, making it appealing for active traders who value speed and charting features. Fidelity integrates a wider range of tools and protections into both its web portal and mobile app, offering a full-service experience that supports trading, research, and long-term investing.
Final verdict: Webull vs Fidelity
Webull and Fidelity are strong brokerages, but they cater to different investors. Webull is a streamlined, mobile platform focused on commission-free trading, fractional shares, and extended trading hours, making it ideal for cost-conscious and active traders. Fidelity combines free trading with a range of mutual funds, bonds, retirement accounts, and extensive research resources, offering a more comprehensive experience for investors with long-term and diversified goals.
You should consider Webull if you are an active, self-directed trader who values a low-cost, mobile trading platform with advanced charting and real-time data.
Fidelity is worth considering if you want a full-service brokerage that provides free trading and access to mutual funds, retirement accounts, and robust research support for long-term planning.
Get expert financial advice
If you need expert financial advice beyond self-directed trading, Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor who will help you manage your money and maximize your investments.