F
Fidelity
3.6 / 5Score: 2 / 2
Nearly eight decades of tier-1 regulated trading trust, backed by the SEC and CFTC.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:2
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC, CFTC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/3/2026
Fidelity vs LHV: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Fidelity and LHV both offer commission-free trading with no minimum deposit, but they differ sharply on regulation, leverage, and market access. Our research gives Fidelity the edge overall with a 3.6/5 rating versus LHV's 3.4/5.
L
LHV
3.4 / 5Score: 0 / 2
A broader market menu with crypto, ETFs, and higher leverage from a Baltic-based challenger.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- Finantsinspektsioon, FCA
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It Different Overall Winner
Fidelity
Best for Beginners
Fidelity
Lowest Fees
Fidelity
Top Regulation
Fidelity
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | F Fidelity | L LHV |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 1946 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Boston, USA | Tallinn, Estonia |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC | Finantsinspektsioon, FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:5 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Fidelity
$0
LHV
$0
Spreads From
Fidelity
0 pips
LHV
0 pips
Commission
Fidelity
None
LHV
None
Deposit Fees
Fidelity
None
LHV
None
Withdrawal Fees
Fidelity
None
LHV
None
Pros & cons
F
Fidelity
Pros
- Backed by tier-1 regulators SEC and CFTC for stronger legal protection
- Long-standing institutional history dating back to 1946
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- Zero commission trading with spreads from 0 pips
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
- Higher overall rating on our independent scoring system
- Simple, focused platform suite ideal for beginners
Cons
- Lower maximum leverage at just 1:2
- Narrower market selection limited to Stocks, Indices, and Commodities
- No dedicated crypto or ETF trading support
- Only two platform options compared to competitors
- Fewer platforms than LHV's three-tool lineup
L
LHV
Pros
- Broader market access including crypto and ETFs
- Higher maximum leverage of up to 1:5
- Three supported trading platforms including LHV Broker
- No minimum deposit required to start trading
- Zero commission trading with spreads from 0 pips
- No deposit or withdrawal transaction fees
- Regulated by both FCA and Finantsinspektsioon
Cons
- Lower overall rating on our independent scoring system
- Lacks tier-1 SEC/CFTC regulatory backing
- Younger company history compared to Fidelity
- Scored 0/2 on our regulatory safety assessment
- Higher leverage may increase risk exposure for inexperienced traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Fidelity
Lowest fees Fidelity
Best regulation Fidelity
Better for beginners Fidelity
Fidelity is our recommended pick, scoring 3.6/5 against LHV's 3.4/5 on our independent rating. Fidelity's tier-1 regulatory backing from the SEC and CFTC gives it a distinct safety edge, while LHV counters with broader market access and higher leverage. For most traders prioritizing security and a long institutional track record, Fidelity is the stronger overall package.
Regulation & Safety
Fidelity is regulated by the SEC and CFTC, two of the most respected tier-1 financial authorities in the world, giving American traders robust legal recourse and oversight.
LHV, by contrast, is regulated by Finantsinspektsioon (Estonia) and the FCA (UK), which are credible regulators but generally viewed as offering a different regulatory framework than the SEC/CFTC combination.
On our independent rating system, this regulatory gap is a major factor behind Fidelity's stronger safety score of 2/2 compared to LHV's 0/2.
For traders who prioritize regulatory pedigree above all else, Fidelity's oversight structure will likely feel more reassuring.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips and charge no commission on trades, making them highly competitive on headline pricing.
Neither platform charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome feature for cost-conscious traders moving funds in and out of their accounts.
With a $0 minimum deposit required at both brokers, there is effectively no financial barrier to entry on either side.
Where the two diverge is in leverage: LHV offers up to 1:5, while Fidelity caps leverage at 1:2, which impacts traders looking to amplify position sizes.
Markets & Platform Selection
Fidelity supports trading across Stocks, Indices, and Commodities through its Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms.
LHV offers a noticeably broader market range, including Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices, spread across three platforms: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and the dedicated LHV Broker platform.
Traders wanting exposure to crypto or ETFs alongside traditional equities will find LHV's market menu more accommodating.
However, Fidelity's more focused platform suite may appeal to traders who prefer simplicity over sprawling asset choice.
Company Heritage & Track Record
Fidelity was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Boston, USA, giving it nearly eight decades of operating history in the financial services industry.
LHV was founded in 1999 and is based in Tallinn, Estonia, making it a comparatively younger firm with a strong regional presence in the Baltic markets.
Longevity isn't everything, but Fidelity's extended track record through multiple market cycles adds a layer of institutional confidence that newer brokers are still building.
Our Verdict
Fidelity earns the higher overall rating on our independent scoring system at 3.6/5, edging out LHV's 3.4/5 largely on the strength of its regulatory profile and institutional history.
LHV remains a compelling alternative for traders who specifically want crypto and ETF access, higher leverage, or a broader platform lineup including the dedicated LHV Broker tool.
Ultimately, traders prioritizing regulatory strength and long-term stability should lean toward Fidelity, while those seeking wider market diversity may find LHV better suited to their needs.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Fidelity wins overall
Fidelity edges out LHV overall based on our expert rating score.
F
Highest Rated
Fidelity
3.6 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.6/5).
FidelityBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
FidelityLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
FidelityStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Fidelity
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Fidelity scores higher overall at 3.6/5 compared to LHV's 3.4/5. Fidelity's advantage stems primarily from its stronger tier-1 regulatory backing and longer operating history. That said, your ideal choice depends on whether you value regulatory strength or broader market access, so review the full breakdown above before deciding.
Both brokers offer highly competitive pricing, with spreads starting from 0 pips and no commissions charged on trades at either platform. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees either, making both cost-effective choices. The main cost-related difference to consider is leverage, since LHV allows up to 1:5 while Fidelity caps at 1:2.
Neither broker requires a minimum deposit to get started, meaning both Fidelity and LHV list a $0 minimum deposit requirement. This makes both platforms accessible to traders at any budget level, from beginners testing the waters to more experienced investors.
Fidelity is regulated by the SEC and CFTC, both considered tier-1 regulatory bodies with rigorous oversight standards. LHV is regulated by Finantsinspektsioon in Estonia and the FCA in the UK, both credible but scoring lower on our independent regulatory safety assessment. This is a key reason Fidelity edges out LHV in our overall rating.
Fidelity offers traders access to its Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms. LHV goes a step further, supporting the same Proprietary Web and Mobile options plus its own dedicated LHV Broker platform, giving traders an extra choice for executing trades.
LHV supports crypto trading alongside Stocks, ETFs, and Indices, making it the more versatile option for digital asset exposure. Fidelity's market offering focuses on Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, and does not currently include dedicated crypto trading support.
LHV offers higher maximum leverage at up to 1:5, while Fidelity caps its leverage at 1:2. Traders seeking to amplify position sizing may find LHV's leverage limits more flexible, though higher leverage also carries increased risk that should be carefully managed.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from holding accounts at both Fidelity and LHV simultaneously. Many traders choose to diversify across multiple brokers to access different markets, platforms, and regulatory protections rather than relying on a single provider.
Fidelity has a considerably longer track record, having been founded in 1946 and headquartered in Boston, USA. LHV was founded in 1999 and is based in Tallinn, Estonia, making it a relatively newer entrant with a strong regional footprint in the Baltics.
Fidelity is generally considered the stronger choice for beginners, thanks to its simpler platform suite, tier-1 regulatory protection, and long-established reputation. LHV remains a solid option for newer traders specifically interested in crypto or ETF access, but its broader offering may feel more complex for those just starting out.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.