Compare › E*TRADE vs Fidelity
E*TRADE vs Fidelity: fees and fine print
Full transfer-out: E*TRADE $75 vs Fidelity $0; reverse split/mandatory reorg: E*TRADE $38 vs Fidelity $0; cash rate: E*TRADE 0.01% APY vs Fidelity 3.52%, per each broker's official pages (checked Oct 30, 2026).
Last updated · 6 official sources (listed below)
The costs that don't show up in "$0 commissions": leaving, reverse splits, tender offers, and what idle cash earns. Every cell links to the broker's own page.
Where they differ
- Full ACATS transfer-out fee: E*TRADE $75 vs Fidelity $0
- Partial transfer-out fee: E*TRADE Not published vs Fidelity $0
- Reverse split / mandatory reorg fee: E*TRADE $38 vs Fidelity $0
- Voluntary reorg / odd-lot tender fee: E*TRADE $38 vs Fidelity $0
- Fractional share trading: E*TRADE Yes vs Fidelity Yes ($1 min)
- Rate on uninvested cash: E*TRADE 0.01% APY vs Fidelity 3.52%
| Fact | E*TRADE | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Full ACATS transfer-out fee | $75 source · Oct 30, 2026 | $0 One 'Transfer of assets' line; no full/partial split. source · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Partial transfer-out fee | Not published | $0 Same single line as full transfers. source · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Reverse split / mandatory reorg fee | $38 'The reorganization charge will be fully rebated for certain customers based on account type.' source · Oct 30, 2026 | $0 Foreign assets held in USD: 1% of principal. source · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Fractional shares after a reverse split | Not published | Not published |
| Voluntary reorg / odd-lot tender fee | $38 Rebated for certain account types. source · Oct 30, 2026 | $0 source · Oct 30, 2026 |
| DRIP (auto dividend reinvestment) | Yes source · Oct 30, 2026 | Yes source · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Fractional share trading | Yes Up to 3 decimal places on eligible stocks and ETFs. source · Oct 30, 2026 | Yes ($1 min) source · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Rate on uninvested cash | 0.01% APY 0.01% for balances up to $499,999; 0.05% at $500k–$999,999; 0.15% at $1M+. source · Oct 30, 2026 | 3.52% 7-day yield of the Government Money Market Fund core position (SPAXX). Not an APY; varies daily. source · Oct 30, 2026 |
Full pages: E*TRADE fees · Fidelity fees · E*TRADE cash rate · Fidelity cash rate
Questions
Is it cheaper to leave E*TRADE or Fidelity?
Full transfer-out: E*TRADE $75, Fidelity $0 (official fee schedules).
Which pays more on cash, E*TRADE or Fidelity?
E*TRADE: 0.01% APY (0.01% for balances up to $499,999; 0.05% at $500k–$999,999; 0.15% at $1M+). Fidelity: 3.52% (7-day yield of the Government Money Market Fund core position (SPAXX). Not an APY; varies daily).
Sources
- https://us.etrade.com/l/options-uninvested-cash/sweep-rates
- https://us.etrade.com/what-we-offer/investment-choices/fractional-shares
- https://us.etrade.com/what-we-offer/pricing-and-rates
- https://www.fidelity.com/page/manage-cash-rising-costs
- https://www.fidelity.com/trading/commissions-margin-rates
- https://www.fidelity.com/trading/fractional-shares
Each source was read on or before Oct 30, 2026. Fees and rates change; confirm on the broker's site before acting.