Vanguard vs. Fidelity vs. Schwab

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It’s no secret that Vanguard, Fidelity and Charles Schwab could be considered three of the most popular and well-known brokerage firms. Each offers a wide range of products and services, from banking and investment products to financial advisors and financial planning services.

However, there are some important differences, from fees to financial services to research resources, each of which could impact your customer experience. Learn how these firms stack up so you can decide on the best fit for you.

Overview of Vanguard vs. Fidelity vs. Schwab

Vanguard made a name for itself by creating and offering low-fee investment products such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It still does this, and even non-Vanguard clients can buy Vanguard funds via a brokerage account. The firm has grown to now offer non-proprietary investment products and funds.

Fidelity is perhaps best known for its personal investment products, namely brokerage accounts that allow users to trade stocks. Clients can invest in a wide range of stocks, bonds and other investment products using a Fidelity brokerage account. Fidelity also makes an effort to provide investment resources to its clients and doesn’t usually charge fees on all trades, though more and more brokerages and broker-dealers are moving toward fee-free investment models.

Schwab has a number of passively and actively managed funds that you can invest your money into. You also have the option to trade individual equities. It also offers free robo-advisor services, and those who want to work with a real advisor will have that option as well. Learn how the fees compare here.

How to Speak With a Financial Advisor

If you’re interested in getting financial advice, consulting a fiduciary financial advisor can be a great first step. That’s why SmartAsset created a free tool to help match you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area. All advisors on the matching platform have been rigorously vetted through a proprietary due diligence process.

While your advisor matches may not necessarily be associated with the above institutions, research suggests people who work with a financial advisor feel more at ease about their finances and could end up with about 15% more money to spend in retirement.¹ It’s never too late to work towards a more comfortable retirement.

‌See how Vanguard, Fidelity and Schwab stack up »

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Unless otherwise indicated, information is as of 5/4/2023. SmartAsset has no obligation to update any content in this article.

This article may potentially include a firm or firms that have a business relationship with SmartAsset, in which SmartAsset is compensated for lead referrals or cost per engagement. SmartAsset is not a client of the aforementioned firms. SmartAsset did not receive compensation for including any of the firms in the aforementioned article.

This article contains links to SmartAsset’s financial advisor matching tool, which may or may not match you with the firms mentioned in this profile. The matching tool does not include all available advisors and firms and matches based on specific criteria (investable assets, geography, and willingness to work with a remote advisor).

This is not an offer to buy or sell any security or interest. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Working with an adviser may come with potential downsides such as payment of fees (which will reduce returns). There are no guarantees that working with an adviser will yield positive returns. The existence of a fiduciary duty does not prevent the rise of potential conflicts of interest.

SmartAsset Advisors, LLC (“SmartAsset”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Insight Technology, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser. SmartAsset’s services are limited to referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries (“Adviser(s)”) with a regulatory body in the United States that have elected to participate in our matching platform based on information gathered from users through our online questionnaire. SmartAsset does not review the ongoing performance of any Adviser, participate in the management of any user’s account by an Adviser or provide advice regarding specific investments.

We do not manage client funds or hold custody of assets, we help users connect with relevant financial advisors.

SmartAsset.com is not intended to provide legal advice, tax advice, accounting advice or financial advice (Other than referring users to third party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries (“Adviser(s)”) with a regulatory body in the United States). SmartAsset is not a financial planner, broker or tax adviser. The Service is intended only to assist you in your understanding of financial organization and decision-making and is broad in scope. Your personal financial situation is unique, and any information and investing strategies obtained through SmartAsset.com may not be appropriate for your situation. Accordingly, before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy, you should consider obtaining additional information and advice from your accountant or other financial advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances.

“Journal of Retirement Study Winter” (2020). The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of your future results. Please follow the link to see the methodologies employed in the Journal of Retirement study.

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