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Online Brokerages

Reviewed by the Clientele Research Team · Last checked 1 month ago (2026-07-15)
5 options

OUR PICK · 5 tested

Best overall

Fidelity

Investors of all levels who want the best account selection, lowest costs, and top-rated research.

SCORE9.3ELITE
✓ZERO expense-ratio index funds. No cost to hold them.
✓Widest retirement account selection of any broker: Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, Solo 401(k), 403(b), 529, and more.
✓Fractional shares on any US stock starting at $1.
Open a Fidelity AccountSee full breakdown →

ALSO WORTH IT

SCORE6.5STRONG
Best for beginners

Robinhood

First-time investors who want a simple mobile experience with no minimum to start.

Open a Robinhood AccountDetails →
SCORE8.8ELITE
Best for active traders

Interactive Brokers

Experienced investors and active traders who want global market access, the lowest margin rates, and institutional-quality tools.

Open an IBKR AccountDetails →
All online brokerages · 5 options
SORT
MIN SCORE
Charles Schwab
Full-service brokerage with strong retirement account depth
Fee Friendliness9.0
Ease of Use6.0
What You Can Buy8.0
Account Variety9.0
8.0Open →
Fidelity
The most complete brokerage for long-term investors
Fee Friendliness10.0
Ease of Use8.0
What You Can Buy9.0
Account Variety10.0
9.3Open →
Robinhood
The app that made investing feel approachable
Fee Friendliness9.0
Ease of Use9.0
What You Can Buy5.0
Account Variety3.0
6.5Open →
Webull
Advanced charts and data for active traders, still free
Fee Friendliness8.0
Ease of Use7.0
What You Can Buy5.0
Account Variety4.0
6.0Open →
Interactive Brokers
Professional-grade access to every major market
Fee Friendliness9.0
Ease of Use7.0
What You Can Buy10.0
Account Variety9.0
8.8Open →
LEADERBOARD · OVERALL SCORE
#NAMESCORE
1Fidelity9.3
2Interactive Brokers8.8
3Charles Schwab8.0
4Robinhood6.5
5Webull6.0
WHAT MOVED
•
Fidelity, Initial publish
9.2→9.2
3 months ago
MOST RECENT CHANGE
Fidelity, Initial publish
9.2→9.2

Initial research and scoring published for 5 options in Online Brokerages.

How we score online brokerages
Fee Friendliness

How low the costs are to trade, hold an account, and access features. Higher score means lower fees.

Ease of Use

How easy the app and website are to use. Higher score means simpler and more beginner-friendly.

What You Can Buy

Stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, mutual funds. How broad your investment options are.

Account Variety

How many account types are available. IRAs, joint, custodial, 529, and more. Higher score means more options.

OTHER CATEGORIES

clntl may earn a commission when you open an account through links on this page. This does not affect our scores or rankings.

CLIENTELE REPORT
The Brokerage Scorecard: the 5 biggest online brokers ranked
The apps everyone uses make the nicest experience. And still finished last.
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