Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Freetrade vs Fidelity International, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Freetrade offers better pricing than Fidelity International for share dealing.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Fidelity International would cost £127.50 per year.
12 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Fidelity International would cost £108 or £180 per year.
36 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Fidelity International would cost £144 or £360 per year.
120 trades per year - Freetrade would cost £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) per year, while Fidelity International would cost £270 or £990 per year.
3 fund trades per year - Freetrade would cost £1 per year, while Fidelity International would cost £1000 per year.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
Freetrade and Fidelity International both provide various investment options, each catering to different trading preferences. Freetrade offers share trading, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and investment trusts, appealing to investors who prioritize these simple and direct investment vehicles. However, it falls short in offering crypto trading, spread betting, CFDs, funds trading, and trading in both corporate and government bonds. Fidelity International, on the other hand, matches Freetrade in offerings of shares, ETFs, and investment trusts, and enhances its portfolio with funds trading and advisor services, though it similarly does not support crypto trading, spread betting, CFDs, or bond trading.
When rated by UK.StockBrokers.com for investment choices, Freetrade receives 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting a solid selection for straightforward investing needs, ranking 13th among 18 brokers. Fidelity International scores slightly higher with 4.5 stars, securing a 12th-place ranking, attributed to its more diverse range of investment services including expert guidance, making it a preferred choice for investors seeking a broader investment strategy with professional advice.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Fidelity International
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | No | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | No | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | Yes |
| Investment Choices |
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Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Low-cost US and UK shares.
When comparing the trading tools of online brokers Freetrade and Fidelity International, several differences become apparent. Fidelity International provides a rich charting experience, allowing users to display corporate events like earnings, splits, and dividends directly on their charts, while Freetrade does not offer this feature. For those who enjoy in-depth analysis, Fidelity outshines Freetrade with five drawing tools and 21 technical indicators, whereas Freetrade offers none. Both platforms allow users to access a browser-based trading platform and create alerts for stock price updates, providing a seamless trading experience to their users.
In terms of chart customization, Fidelity International supports the addition of index and stock overlays, offering traders more perspective and flexibility, features that are missing with Freetrade. Nevertheless, Freetrade has a slight edge over Fidelity when it comes to accessing real-time market data, as Fidelity does not currently provide this service. Both platforms lack the ability to add personal notes to charts. Overall, Fidelity International offers a more comprehensive suite of charting tools, though Freetrade's provision of real-time market data may appeal to some traders.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Fidelity International
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 21 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 5 |
| Charting - Notes | No | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | Yes |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | Yes |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | Yes |
When it comes to retirement accounts, both Freetrade and Fidelity International offer appealing options for investors. Freetrade provides Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), allowing users to save and invest for their future with tax benefits. Similarly, Fidelity International also supports ISAs and SIPPs, offering a range of investment choices and services. Whether you're looking for straightforward, user-friendly platforms or comprehensive financial solutions, both brokers deliver competitive retirement account options to suit various investor needs.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
Both Freetrade and Fidelity International offer intuitive mobile apps for iPhone and Android users, catering to investors who value convenience and accessibility in managing their portfolios. Freetrade's mobile app has earned a commendable 4-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com, ranking 8th out of 18 brokers for its mobile app capabilities. Similarly, Fidelity International's mobile app also boasts a 4-star rating, though it is positioned slightly lower, taking the 13th spot. Whether you're checking your investments on-the-go with Freetrade or Fidelity International, both platforms offer reliable options to suit your trading needs.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When comparing Freetrade and Fidelity International for beginner investor educational resources, Fidelity International stands out with its comprehensive offerings. Fidelity provides live educational webinars that can also be viewed on-demand, allowing users to learn at their own pace—a feature Freetrade lacks. Both brokers offer educational content on share trading, funds, and retirement, but Fidelity's resources are rated higher. UK.StockBrokers.com gives Fidelity a perfect 5-star rating for beginner education and ranks it 6th out of 18 brokers. Meanwhile, Freetrade earns a 3.5-star rating, ranking 9th overall. For those seeking robust educational support as novice investors, Fidelity International clearly has the edge.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Fidelity International
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
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Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing the market research features of online brokers Freetrade and Fidelity International, several differences and similarities emerge. Fidelity International offers more comprehensive research options, including reports for funds and bonds, which Freetrade does not provide. However, both platforms allow investors to view portfolio allocation by asset class and offer research on shares and ETFs. Neither platform supports research on CFDs, indicating a limit in that area. While Freetrade covers essential research needs for shares and ETFs, Fidelity International stands out with its broader scope by including extensive fund and bond research, making it an appealing choice for investors seeking deep insights into a wider range of financial instruments.
| Feature |
Freetrade
|
Fidelity International
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | No | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
Which broker is better overall, Freetrade or Fidelity International? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Freetrade to be a better trading platform overall.
Overall Freetrade is a great platform to help you get to grips with investing. Costs are low, and its user-friendly mobile app offers great investment inspiration. Sophisticated investors, however, may find that other platforms offer a wider range of investment options and tools.
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Fidelity International
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Both Freetrade and Fidelity International do not offer crypto trading, making them similar in their current offerings for digital currencies.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
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| Review | Freetrade Review | Fidelity International Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | No | No | |
| Funds | No | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | Yes |
| Trading Fees | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | £1000 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 | £1.50 or £7.50 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 | £1.50 or £7.50 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 | £1.50 or £7.50 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £127.50 | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £108 or £180 | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £144 or £360 | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £270 or £990 | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | N/A | £105 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £90 - £875 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £500 - £1,000 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £1,000 - £2,000 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £0 (Basic plan), £59.88 (Standard), £119.88 (Plus) | £2,000 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | N/A | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | £0 | £7.50 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £0 | £7.50 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | N/A | £30 |
| Broker Screenshots | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Platforms & Tools | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 21 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 5 | |
| Charting - Notes | No | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | Yes |
| Research | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | No | No | |
| Research - Funds | No | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | No | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Overall Summary | Freetrade | Fidelity International | |
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| Review | Freetrade Review | Fidelity International Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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