does fidelity charge for stock trades

Does Fidelity charge for stock trades?

does fidelity charge for stock trades — short answer up front: for most retail, online U.S. equity and ETF trades placed through Fidelity’s standard retail platform, the listed commission is $0. That said, there are several important exceptions and small pass‑through assessments that can apply. This article explains Fidelity’s commission policy, typical costs for common trade types, representative-assisted and phone order fees, regulatory and exchange assessments, special-case exceptions (ETFs, foreign securities, bonds, funds, managed accounts), margin costs, how fees appear on confirmations, and how to verify current fee schedules.

This guide is written for newcomers and experienced investors who want a clear, up‑to‑date reference. It references Fidelity’s official pricing pages and fee schedule and notes relevant news coverage for context. It does not provide investment advice.

Overview of Fidelity’s commission policy

Does Fidelity charge for stock trades? In broad terms, Fidelity’s retail online offering lists $0 commissions for online U.S. stock and ETF trades placed via the standard retail brokerage platform. Fidelity also advertises $0 commissions for many equity trades as part of the industry shift to zero-commission retail trading.

Key points in summary:

• Online U.S. equities (shares) and most ETFs: $0 commission.
• Options: $0 commission plus a per-contract fee (see the fee schedule for the current per-contract amount).
• Trades placed through a representative (phone/rep-assisted) or certain automated phone services: higher, transaction‑based fees apply.
• Some products (bonds, mutual funds, new issues, certain ETF or mutual fund transaction-fee items, foreign securities) carry separate charges.

These terms apply to retail brokerage accounts; institutional, advisory, and specialty account relationships can follow different pricing.

Standard costs for common trade types

Below are representative costs and common situations. Always confirm the latest numbers on Fidelity’s official pricing pages or the Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule PDF.

• Online U.S. equities (stocks): $0 commission for standard retail online order entry.
• Online ETFs (U.S.-listed): typically $0 commission when traded online; most major ETFs are commission-free.
• Options trades: $0 base commission plus a per-contract fee. The per-contract fee is disclosed on Fidelity’s fees page and in the commission schedule (commonly $0.65 per contract historically, but check the latest PDF for exact amounts and buy/sell exceptions).
• Fractional shares: Fidelity supports fractional-share trading; minimums and treatment of fees vary by order type and execution venue. Fractional trades still follow the platform’s $0 commission policy for eligible equities but may have different execution or settlement rules.
• Mutual funds: many no-transaction-fee (NTF) mutual funds are available without a transaction charge, but transaction‑fee funds and certain fund families can carry purchase or redemption fees.
• Bonds: some bond trades (e.g., secondary-market corporate bonds) may have markups, commissions, or principal/agency fees. Municipal and Treasury trades often have differing structures (and some Treasury auctions may be available without commission). See the fee schedule for bond transaction costs.

Does Fidelity charge for stock trades placed online? For common retail online stock and ETF orders, the commission line is typically $0, but separate product-level charges (fund fees, bond spreads, options per-contract fees) can apply.

Representative-assisted and phone/automated telephone (FAST) trades

If you place an order by phone with a Fidelity representative or via certain automated phone services, different fees apply. Representative-assisted trades and FAST (phone) order entry typically incur transaction charges that are higher than online self‑directed trades.

• Phone/rep-assisted trades: Fidelity’s Brokerage and Commission Fee Schedule lists specific dollar amounts for ticket charges when orders are entered by a representative. These fees are intended to cover the additional service and manual processing.
• FAST (automated phone) trades: automated phone systems for placing trades may also carry their own fee tiers.

These charges vary by account type and by whether an order is simple or requires special handling. Before using phone/rep-assisted entry for routine trades, confirm the ticket/assistance fee on the latest fee schedule if cost is a consideration.

Additional assessments, regulatory and exchange fees

Even when Fidelity lists a $0 commission for an online stock or ETF trade, customers may still see small mandatory assessments and regulatory fees on trade confirmations. These fees are not charged by Fidelity as profit but are pass‑through amounts collected on behalf of exchanges and regulators or used to recover clearing and activity costs.

Common pass‑through assessments include:

• Activity/assessment fees: small dollar amounts that historically have ranged in the low cents or fractions per $1,000 of principal on sell orders (this can appear as an assessment or activity fee). The exact calculation and rate can change and are disclosed in the fee schedule.
• Options regulatory fees: for option exercises and assignments, exchanges and regulators impose fees that can appear per contract.
• Exchange or clearing fees: some trades incur exchange, clearing, or regulatory fees that brokers pass through or disclose on confirmations.

Does Fidelity charge for stock trades via these assessments? Fidelity may show $0 commission but still pass through required exchange/regulatory assessments and activity fees that appear on confirmations and monthly statements.

Exceptions and special cases

There are several exceptions and special cases where commissions, surcharges or different pricing may apply.

ETFs with transaction-based service fees

Most ETFs trade commission-free online at Fidelity, but a limited subset of ETFs can be subject to transaction-based service fees or special terms.

• Historical context: as reported in the financial press, Fidelity in 2024 engaged in discussions with some ETF issuers about transaction-based surcharges for certain low-liquidity or smaller ETFs. These events were covered in the press and later resolved through agreements with issuers.

• As of May 2024, according to Kiplinger, Fidelity and several ETF providers reached agreements after discussions about potential surcharges on select ETFs. The situation was described as a limited, issuer-specific negotiation rather than a broad change to Fidelity’s $0 online commission policy. (Reported May 2024, Kiplinger.)

Because issuers and platforms can renegotiate fee arrangements, some ETF products may carry transaction fees or placement-specific terms at times. Always check the specific ETF’s availability and transaction terms before trading.

Institutional, managed, or advisory accounts

Accounts that are advisor‑managed, institutional or held through Fidelity’s institutional platforms may have negotiated pricing and different commission schedules. Managed accounts, advisory relationships, or accounts serviced through a financial advisor often include fees for account management or advisory services that are separate from per‑trade commissions.

• If you use a financial advisor or participate in a managed account program, consult your advisor agreement and the account fee disclosures for applicable charges.

Foreign and ADR trades

Trading non‑U.S. stocks, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), or securities listed on foreign exchanges can carry different fees, exchange rates, and markups. Foreign trades may be subject to local exchange fees, foreign clearing costs, and currency conversion fees.

• For foreign equities, check the international trading schedule and any per‑trade or per‑share charges that apply.

Bonds, mutual funds and new-issue fees

• Bonds: corporate and municipal bond trades can have markup/markdowns or commissions depending on whether a trade is executed as principal or agency. Some bond trades are offered as principal transactions with embedded spreads.
• Mutual funds: certain mutual funds carry transaction fees, short‑term redemption fees, or sales loads. Fidelity offers many no‑transaction‑fee funds, but not all funds are NTF.
• New issues / IPOs: allocation policies, application fees, and special handling can apply to new issues or IPO participation; check the prospectus and Fidelity’s new-issue procedures.

Margin, borrowing and related costs

Margin interest and borrowing costs are separate from trade commissions. If you borrow on margin to finance purchases, you will pay margin interest based on your debit balance and the rate tiers posted by Fidelity.

• Fidelity’s margin rates are tiered by the size of the debit balance; consult the Trading Commissions and Margin Rates page for current tiered rates.
• Margin interest accrues daily and is charged per your account agreement. Margin also increases risk, including the potential for margin calls.

Does Fidelity charge for stock trades to cover margin? No — margin interest is a separate charge related to borrowing, not the commission line on a standard buy or sell.

How fees appear on confirmations and statements

When a trade executes, the trade confirmation and later account statements show line‑item details. Typical entries include:

• Trade execution details: symbol, quantity, price, execution time and venue.
• Commission: for many online stock and ETF trades this reads $0.00; for phone/rep-assisted trades or certain products it may show a dollar amount.
• Regulatory/exchange fees and activity assessments: small pass‑through amounts shown as separate lines.
• Options per-contract fees: listed per contract when applicable.
• Other charges: ticket charges for rep assistance, mutual fund transaction fees, bond markups, or advisory fees where applicable.

Fidelity’s Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule (PDF) and the pricing/fees page provide definitions and examples of how these amounts are calculated and displayed on confirmations.

Historical context and notable changes

The retail brokerage industry made a major shift toward zero-commission trading starting around 2019, when many brokers removed listed commissions on U.S. equities and ETFs. Fidelity adopted and promoted $0 retail online commissions as part of that industry-wide change.

In 2024, the industry saw isolated discussions about potential surcharges on certain small or niche ETF products. As of May 2024, according to Kiplinger, Fidelity engaged with ETF issuers about transaction-based charges for a limited set of ETFs and later reached agreements with affected issuers. These events are important because they show that while platform-level commission policies can be broad (e.g., $0 for most U.S. online trades), product-level agreements and issuer arrangements can create exceptions for specific securities.

Why this matters:

• Platform-level commission changes can reduce the nominal cost of trading but do not remove all transaction-related fees.
• Brokers may negotiate on a per-product basis with issuers; product-specific fees can change over time.
• Regulatory, exchange, and clearing assessments remain obligations that brokers may pass through.

How to verify current fees

Fees and policies change. To confirm current pricing and exceptions, do the following:

• Check Fidelity’s official pricing/fees pages and the Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule (PDF) — these are the authoritative sources for current commission and fee amounts.
• Review the Trading Commissions and Margin Rates page for the latest margin rate tiers and options contract charges.
• Look at the specific product page for an ETF or mutual fund to see if any transaction fee or special terms apply.
• Contact Fidelity customer service or your financial representative for account‑specific questions or clarifications.

Does Fidelity charge for stock trades in your account? Always confirm by checking the live pricing pages or your account disclosures, because personal account relationships (advisory, managed, institutional) can change the applicable fee schedule.

Comparisons and considerations when choosing a broker

When comparing brokers, consider more than the headline commission number. Points to compare include:

• Execution quality and routing practices.
• Per-contract charges for options and any contract surcharges.
• Margin interest rates and how they scale with debit balances.
• Fees for phone/rep-assisted trades and special order types.
• Mutual fund availability and transaction-fee fund lists.
• Bond pricing (principal vs. agency execution) and markups.
• Research tools, education, and customer service responsiveness.
• Platform features like fractional shares, extended-hours trading, and advanced order types.

A broker that advertises $0 commissions may still differ in execution speed, available order types, or product offerings. Balance commission savings against the total cost of ownership and the platform features you need.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Are online stock trades at Fidelity always free?

A: No. For standard retail online U.S.-listed equities and most U.S.-listed ETFs, Fidelity shows $0 commission. However, options trades carry per-contract fees; certain ETFs or fund families can have transaction fees in rare cases; and trades placed by phone or with a rep often incur ticket charges. Additionally, small regulatory/exchange assessments may appear on confirmations.

Q: Do I pay anything when I sell U.S. stocks at Fidelity?

A: You may see $0 listed as the commission for online stock sells, but mandatory regulatory or exchange assessments and activity fees may still apply and be visible on the confirmation. For rep-assisted sells or special account types, a transaction charge may apply.

Q: Are options trades free at Fidelity?

A: Options trades do not have a base commission, but Fidelity charges a per-contract fee (check the most recent fee schedule for the exact amount). Exercise and assignment fees or options regulatory fees from exchanges can also apply.

Q: Does Fidelity charge for stock trades placed by phone or with a rep?

A: Yes. Representative-assisted and some phone order methods typically have transaction/ticket charges that make those orders more expensive than online self-directed trades.

Q: Do international stock trades cost more?

A: Often yes. Non-U.S. securities, ADRs, and foreign exchange trades can have different price structures, currency conversion fees, and local exchange assessments.

Q: Where can I see all fees for my account?

A: The Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule (PDF) and Fidelity’s pricing pages detail fee lines. Your trade confirmations and monthly statements will show the specific fees charged on executed trades.

References and further reading

Sources used for this guide (authoritative pages and selected press coverage):

• Fidelity — Straightforward and Transparent Pricing (official pricing/fees page).
• Fidelity — Trading Commissions and Margin Rates (official page listing commission structure and margin tiers).
• Fidelity — Trading — Why Fidelity (platform overview and $0 commission statements).
• Fidelity — Stock Trading overview (features and disclaimers for stock trading).
• Fidelity — Trading FAQs: Placing Orders (order entry, confirmations, cancellations).
• Fidelity — Brokerage and Commission Fee Schedule (PDF) (detailed fees including rep-assisted and phone rates).
• NerdWallet — Fidelity review summarizing the $0 commission offering (third‑party coverage).
• Kiplinger — coverage of the 2024 ETF surcharge discussions and subsequent resolutions (reporting in May 2024). Reported May 2024, Kiplinger.

Note: the above references are the basis for the factual statements here. For the exact, up‑to‑the‑minute fee amounts and account-specific rules, consult Fidelity’s live pricing pages and the current Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule (PDF).

Practical next steps and call to action

If your priority is low trading commissions, verify whether your typical trades (U.S. stocks, ETFs, options) are eligible for $0 online commissions and check options per-contract fees. If you frequently use phone assistance or require international trading, review the fee schedule for those services.

Explore Bitget for crypto and Web3 trading needs and consider Bitget Wallet for custody solutions. For brokerage stock trading questions, contact Fidelity support and review their fee schedule.

As of May 2024, according to Kiplinger, Fidelity engaged in discussions with several ETF issuers about potential transaction-based surcharges on a small set of ETFs; these were later resolved through agreements with issuers and did not represent a broad rollback of $0 online commissions. (Reported May 2024, Kiplinger.)

• does fidelity charge for stock trades — answered across this guide.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — see "Overview of Fidelity’s commission policy".
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — consult the Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule (PDF).
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — online U.S. equities and ETFs are commonly $0.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — options and phone/rep-assisted trades have distinct fees.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — regulatory assessments can still appear.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — exceptions include certain ETFs, foreign securities, bonds and mutual funds.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — verify via Fidelity’s pricing pages.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — institutional/advisory accounts may differ.
• does fidelity charge for stock trades — review confirmations to see exact charges.

Editorial notes

• This article relies on Fidelity’s official pricing documents as the authoritative source. Update it promptly if Fidelity posts fee changes.
• Distinguish retail online pricing from institutional/advisor-managed pricing when advising on fee expectations.
• The mention of 2024 ETF discussions is provided as historical context and is labeled with the reporting date and source.

If you want, I can expand any section with line-item examples drawn from Fidelity’s current Brokerage Commission and Fee Schedule PDF (for example, listing the exact phone/rep-assisted ticket charges, current per-contract options fee, and recent activity assessment rates). Request that and I will add a detailed fee table and sample trade confirmations.