By MPWR Finance • Updated Oct 2025 • Read time: 6 min
Fees matter. This guide breaks down the best low‑fee brokerage accounts for 2025, who they’re best for, and how to pick the right one based on costs, tools, and account types.
Quick Verdict
Fidelity — Best overall for long‑term investors. Charles Schwab — Best for ETFs and retirement. Robinhood — Best for mobile beginners.
Why Fees Matter
Even small fee differences compound over time. We compare commissions, margin rates, ETF expense availability, account minimums, and premium tools to show real cost tradeoffs for typical investors.
Detailed Comparison
| Broker | Commissions | Best For | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $0 trades; low mutual fund fees | Long-term investors | Research, retirement tools, Fractional shares |
| Charles Schwab | $0 trades; low margin | ETF investors | Wide ETF selection, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios |
| Robinhood | $0 trades | Mobile-first beginners | Simple UI, instant deposits |
How to Choose for Your Goals
- Low-cost buy-and-hold → prefer brokers with low mutual fund expenses and retirement tools
- Active trader → check margin rates, trade analytics, and order types
- Beginner/mobile → clean mobile UX and instant verification matter more than advanced research tools
Actionable Checklist
- Compare commission structure and ETF selection
- Test the mobile app UX and customer support
- Confirm account minimums and withdrawal timelines
- Review margin rates if you plan to trade on margin
FAQ
Do commissions still matter with ETFs
Yes — if you trade frequently, commission-free trades reduce costs, but ETF expense ratios and bid/ask spreads still matter for long term.
Which broker is best for retirement accounts
Fidelity and Schwab have strong retirement tools, low-cost index funds, and integrated IRA management.
Sources: broker fee schedules and public platform docs. Author: MPWR Finance