When it comes to investing your hard-earned money, you want to make sure you are using a reputable platform that offers the features, tools, and investment options that fit your needs. Two popular choices for investment and retirement accounts are Thrivent and Fidelity. But how do you decide which one is better for your individual situation?
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare and contrast key aspects of Thrivent and Fidelity to help you determine the right platform for your investments.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Thrivent | Fidelity |
| Company Structure | Not-for-profit, member owned | Publicly traded |
| Values | Christian, faith-based | Mainstream |
| Primary Offerings | Insurance, financial advising | Brokerage, investing |
| Investment Products | Limited mutual funds, annuities | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds |
| Technology | Basic website, apps | Cutting-edge platforms |
| Research & Tools | Minimal | Robust research and screening |
| Account Minimums | Low | Extremely low or none |
| Financial Advisors | Yes | Large network |
| Fees | High account fees | Low-cost trades and funds |
| Customer Service | Good | Excellent |
Overview Of Thrivent
Thrivent is a Fortune 500 financial services organization that offers investment management, insurance, banking, and volunteer opportunities to its members. Thrivent is a membership-owned organization, meaning it is owned by the Christians it serves.
Thrivent offers a wide range of products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, brokerage accounts, managed accounts, and health and disability insurance. Thrivent aims to help Christians achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude.
Some key features of Thrivent include:
- Not-for-profit model – earnings distributed to members
- Focus on faith-based values and community impact
- Hybrid model of insurance and investing
- Robust educational resources and financial advisors
- Minimal account minimums
Thrivent is best for Christians seeking an organization that aligns with faith-based values. The not-for-profit structure and member-owned orientation makes it unique in the financial services space.
Overview Of Fidelity
Fidelity Investments is one of the largest investment firms in the world. It provides investment management, retirement planning, wealth management, securities execution, and clearance and life insurance products.
Some key features of Fidelity include:
- Publicly traded company
- Massive selection of investment products and services
- Cutting-edge trading platforms and research tools
- Extensive branch network and financial advisors
- Virtually no minimum balances for most account types
- Robust mobile apps and customer service
Fidelity offers a one-stop-shop for all your investing needs. From stocks and ETFs to mutual funds and bonds, Fidelity provides a huge range of investment options. The award-winning website and mobile apps make it easy to manage your own investments for an affordable price.
Thrivent Vs. Fidelity: Key Differences
While both Thrivent and Fidelity offer robust investing and wealth management services, there are some key differences between the two organizations:
Company Structure – Thrivent is a not-for-profit, member-owned organization, whereas Fidelity is publicly traded and owned by shareholders.
Target Customer – Thrivent caters specifically to Christians and faith-based investors. Fidelity serves a wide range of individual retail and institutional investors.
Range of Products – Fidelity offers a much wider array of investment products including stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and a large mutual fund marketplace. Thrivent has a more limited product shelf focused on mutual funds and annuities.
Technology & Tools – Fidelity is viewed as an industry leader in trading platforms, research, mobile apps, and investor education. Thrivent’s technology has lagged behind some competitors.
Financial Advisors – Both companies offer financial advisor services to clients looking for more guidance. Fidelity has a much larger advisor network.
Pricing – Thrivent’s products tend to have higher fees while Fidelity is known for low-cost index funds and discount trading commissions.
Customer Service – Fidelity consistently earns high ratings for customer service accessibility across phone, online, and in-person channels.
Also Read: Comparison Between Lendingtree And Credit Karma.
Pros And Cons Of Thrivent
Pros
- Not-for-profit model provides member benefits
- Strong sense of community and shared values
- High marks for corporate responsibility and stewardship
- Low account minimums make it accessible
Cons
- More limited investment selection compared to large firms
- Technology and tools lag some competitors
- Higher account fees and fund expenses on products
- Mostly useful for those wanting Christian-based services
Pros And Cons Of Fidelity
Pros
- Massive selection of investments including stocks, ETFs, and bonds
- Cutting-edge trading platforms and mobile apps
- Great educational resources and tools
- Wide range of accounts for all needs
- Low minimums and costs on many products
Cons
- Very large company, less personal service
- caters to wide audience, not focused on values
- Research and screening tools can be overwhelming
Also Read: Comparison Between Fidelity And New York Life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Thrivent can be a good option for Christians looking for faith-based investing that also provides insurance products and financial advisors. The not-for-profit model and community ethos set Thrivent apart. However, the higher fees and more limited investment options may make it less appealing for some investors.
Fidelity’s biggest competitors are other large full-service brokerages like Charles Schwab, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and TD Ameritrade. They compete primarily on breadth of investment choices, technology and tools, service, pricing, and overall brand reputation.
Fidelity consistently ranks among the top investment and wealth management firms in terms of assets under management, range of offerings, number of clients, trading capabilities, and overall industry reputation. It is considered one of the top providers for do-it-yourself investors.
Thrivent is not a traditional brokerage firm. It focuses mainly on insurance, financial advising, and a more limited selection of banking and investment products for Christians. For full brokerage services like stocks and ETF trading, Thrivent clients need to open a separate brokerage account with an outside provider.
Also Read: Comparison Between Ameriprise Financial And Edward Jones.
The Verdict
The right choice between Fidelity and Thrivent depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences as an investor.
If you are looking for faith-based investing aligned with Christian values, and appreciate access to insurance products and advisors, Thrivent may be a great fit. The not-for-profit structure and community orientation create a unique environment.
However, if you want the absolute lowest costs, maximum investment selection, and best-in-class technology, Fidelity may be preferable. Fidelity offers everything from trading to banking in one place.
Think about what matters most to you – cost, values, products, tools, service, etc. Your priorities will lead you to the financial institution that is the best home for your investing and wealth management needs. Both Thrivent and Fidelity have advantages, so weigh them carefully as you make your decision.