Fidelity vs SoFi Invest in 2026: one is a century-old giant with a huge menu of account types and genuinely free zero-expense-ratio index funds, the other is a newer all-in-one app bundling investing with banking and free financial planning. This honest comparison breaks down where each one actually wins for a beginner.
Choose Fidelity if you want the widest range of account types, access to Fidelity’s own zero-expense-ratio index funds (a genuinely unique cost advantage), and a free robo-advisor under $25,000. Choose SoFi Invest if you want $0 options commissions with no per-contract fee, free access to a Certified Financial Planner at any balance, and direct crypto trading. Fidelity has the broader long-term toolkit; SoFi has the simpler all-in-one ecosystem.
Fidelity vs SoFi: Quick Comparison
Here’s how Fidelity vs SoFi Invest breaks down at a glance:
- Account MinimumBoth: $0
- Stock/ETF TradesBoth: $0 commission
- Options ContractsFidelity: $0.65/contract | SoFi: $0, no per-contract fee
- Zero-Expense-Ratio FundsFidelity: ✓ Yes (FZROX, FZILX) | SoFi: ✗ No
- Account TypesFidelity: Brokerage, Roth/Traditional/Rollover/SEP/SIMPLE/Inherited IRA | SoFi: Brokerage, Roth/Traditional/SEP/Rollover IRA
- Robo-Advisor FeeFidelity Go: Free under $25,000 | SoFi: 0.25%/year, $50 minimum
- Free Financial PlanningFidelity: Requires $50,000+ for advisor access | SoFi: ✓ Free CFP access, any balance
Where Fidelity Wins
Fidelity’s zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX for total US market, FZILX for international) are a genuinely rare feature — you pay literally $0 per year to hold either fund, regardless of balance. No other broker in this comparison offers anything like it. Fidelity also supports far more account types, including SIMPLE IRAs, Inherited IRAs, and a Roth IRA for Kids, and its robo-advisor (Fidelity Go) is completely free for balances under $25,000 — a real advantage over SoFi’s 0.25% robo fee that applies from the very first dollar.
Where SoFi Wins
SoFi Invest charges $0 on options trades with no per-contract fee at all, compared to Fidelity’s standard $0.65 per contract. SoFi also gives every member free access to a Certified Financial Planner regardless of account balance — Fidelity reserves dedicated advisor support for accounts with at least $50,000 invested. If you want to trade crypto directly, SoFi supports that following its November 2025 relaunch; Fidelity’s retail platform does not offer the same direct crypto trading access.
The Zero-Expense-Ratio Fund Advantage, Explained
This is worth pausing on, because it’s easy to underestimate. On a $10,000 balance held in a typical index fund charging even a modest 0.05% expense ratio, you’d pay $5/year — modest, but not zero. In Fidelity’s FZROX, you pay $0.00, every year, on any balance. Over decades of compounding, that difference adds up. Neither SoFi nor any other broker covered on this site currently offers a fund with a literal 0% expense ratio, which makes this one of Fidelity’s most durable advantages for long-term, buy-and-hold investors.
Who Should Choose Fidelity?
Beginners planning for the long term who want access to genuinely free index funds, a wider variety of account types (including specialty IRAs), and a free robo-advisor option under $25,000.
Who Should Choose SoFi Invest?
Beginners who trade options and want to avoid per-contract fees, want free financial planning support without a $50,000 minimum, or want direct crypto trading alongside traditional investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fidelity or SoFi have lower fees overall?
It depends on what you use. SoFi is cheaper for options trading (no per-contract fee) and offers free financial planning. Fidelity is cheaper for fund investing, thanks to its zero-expense-ratio index funds that no other broker on this list matches.
Can I get free financial advice at Fidelity like I can at SoFi?
Not at any balance. Fidelity Go offers free automated management under $25,000, but dedicated human advisor access requires at least $50,000 invested. SoFi’s Certified Financial Planner access is free regardless of your balance.
Is this Fidelity vs SoFi comparison up to date?
Yes. This comparison reflects fees and features confirmed as of mid-2026. Always confirm current details directly on Fidelity’s official pricing page and SoFi’s official fee schedule.
Read our full Fidelity Investments review and SoFi Invest review, or check the complete comparison of the best online brokers for beginners in 2026.
For an unbiased overview of investor protections, see the SEC’s official guide to opening a brokerage account at Investor.gov.