Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Charles Schwab vs Merrill Edge, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Charles Schwab vs Merrill Edge: If you want the widest range of investment options, Schwab has the edge. StockBrokers.com rates Schwab 4.5/5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks it #3 of 14 brokers, while Merrill Edge earns 4/5 stars and ranks #7. Both cover the essentials, but Schwab adds more markets that active or curious traders may appreciate.
Both brokers offer stock trading, options, mutual funds, OTC stocks, and margin. They also provide traditional and Roth IRA accounts, plus access to advisor services. Neither platform supports crypto trading, and each offers zero coins.
The key differences come down to access and flexibility: Charles Schwab supports fractional shares, forex, and futures, while Merrill Edge does not. Choose Schwab if you want fractional share investing or to trade currencies and futures alongside core products. Choose Merrill Edge if your focus is on mainstream securities like stocks, funds, and options and you don’t need fractional shares, forex, or futures.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | No |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026
If you want the strongest mix of trading platforms and tools, Charles Schwab is the clear winner in a Charles Schwab vs. Merrill Edge comparison. Schwab earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #1 of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com; Merrill Edge scores 3.5/5 stars and ranks #7. Schwab offers more platform choices, far deeper charting and customization, plus extras like paper trading and a built-in trading journal. Merrill Edge covers the basics with a capable web platform and helpful chart features, but it lacks downloadable apps, paper trading, and advanced study customization—better suited to casual investors who want simple, browser-based trading.
Platform access: Charles Schwab offers downloadable desktop platforms for both Windows and Mac, along with a browser-based platform. Merrill Edge provides a browser-based platform only (no Windows or Mac downloads). Practice and planning tools tilt to Schwab: paper trading and a trading journal are included at Schwab, while Merrill Edge offers neither. For watchlists, Schwab supports up to 580 columns/fields versus Merrill Edge’s 285, giving power users more ways to sort and screen. Order management is solid on both: you can adjust open orders directly on a stock chart at Schwab and Merrill Edge.
Charting favors Schwab for depth and flexibility. Technical indicators: Schwab 374 vs. Merrill Edge 105. Drawing tools: Schwab 24 vs. Merrill Edge 23. Both platforms let you add notes to charts, show historical trades, display corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends), set custom date ranges, enable automated pattern recognition, and save multiple chart profiles. Customization goes further at Schwab: editing a simple moving average study offers 35 fields (vs. 8 at Merrill Edge), and Schwab lets you create custom studies, which Merrill Edge does not. The takeaway: active traders and technical analysts get more flexibility at Charles Schwab, while Merrill Edge covers essentials for straightforward chart review.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 580 | 285 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 374 | 105 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 24 | 23 |
| Advanced Trading |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026
Trade brilliantly with Schwab.
A full-featured account for investing
Get up to $1,500 on new brokerage account*
Fund to get $20 NVDA fractional shares.
Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge both give beginner investors a wide range of education. Each broker covers stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and bonds. You’ll find helpful formats at both, including educational videos, webinars, and quizzes, making it easier to learn at your own pace and build confidence.
Key differences appear in hands-on practice and structure. Charles Schwab includes paper trading and lets you track your learning progress, two features Merrill Edge does not offer. That extra practice and guidance help explain why Schwab earns 5 stars for education and ranks #2 out of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com, while Merrill Edge earns 4 stars and ranks #6. If you want practice before risking real money and a clearer learning path, Schwab stands out; if you just need solid educational content, Merrill Edge still delivers.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms & Apps for Beginners in 2026
For stock trading apps, Charles Schwab is the clear leader over Merrill Edge. Schwab earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com, while Merrill Edge holds 4 stars and ranks #9. Schwab also packs in more power for charts, customization, and media, making it a better fit for active traders, while Merrill Edge covers the everyday basics well.
Both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps, mobile options trading, streaming quotes, stock alerts, and custom watchlists. Schwab also supports Apple Watch, which Merrill Edge does not. Schwab provides mobile after-hours stock trading; Merrill Edge’s mobile after-hours availability isn’t specified here.
Schwab stands out on research and charting. It includes streaming live TV and on-demand videos, while Merrill Edge lacks both. Schwab lets you customize watch list columns and offers after-hours charting; Merrill Edge does not. For technical studies, Schwab supplies 373 versus Merrill Edge’s 34. Both apps support landscape charts, multiple time frames, and comparing symbols on the same chart.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 373 | 34 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
When choosing between Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge, an initial observation shows that both platforms have enticing features for investors. They share several benefits, such as no minimum deposit requirement and free regular stock trades, ensuring easy accessibility for beginners. Though both charge $0.65 per options contract, where they differ is in specific fee categories. Merrill Edge has an upper hand with no charge for full account transfers, while Charles Schwab offers a more predictable margin rate structure. The choice between them may hinge on specific investment needs and priorities.
Charles Schwab stands out for its predictable margin interest rates, where it clearly defines the rates depending on the balance. This transparency benefits investors who utilize margin trading. Furthermore, Charles Schwab offers a zero-cost option for regular stock trades and does not impose any additional expenses for IRA annual and closure fees. However, a caveat for Charles Schwab customers is the $50 charge for full account transfers, which could be important for those considering transferring their whole account elsewhere.
Merrill Edge, parallel to Charles Schwab, charges nothing for regular stock trades or minimum deposits. It remains clear of any fees for both partial account transfers and options exercise and assignment, thus maintaining competitiveness. However, margin interest rates with Merrill Edge vary, which may be a concern for traders relying on consistent borrowing costs. While Merrill Edge distinguishes itself with $0 charges for full account transfers, it carries a $49.95 fee for closing an IRA, worth considering for those looking to open or close retirement accounts.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.65 |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $49.95 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2026
When it comes to day trading capabilities, Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge both offer a range of useful features, but Charles Schwab provides a more comprehensive toolset. Both platforms offer streaming time and sales for stocks and level 2 quotes, essential features for any day trader. However, Schwab stands out with additional offerings like streaming live TV, direct market routing for stocks, and ladder trading—features not available with Merrill Edge. Schwab also supports trading hotkeys for quick trade entries, which can be critical for making timely market decisions.
Further distinguishing itself, Charles Schwab offers both basic and advanced strategy backtesting, enabling traders to refine their approaches beyond basic setups. In comparison, Merrill Edge only includes basic backtesting capabilities. Furthermore, Schwab provides a short locator tool for real-time insights into available shares for shorting, while this tool is absent in Merrill Edge. Neither platform offers order liquidity rebates, but Charles Schwab's suite of day trading tools clearly offers a more extensive set of features for active traders seeking flexibility and efficiency in their trading strategies.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming TV | Yes | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | Yes |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | Yes | No |
| Short Locator | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms and Apps for 2026
Charles Schwab vs. Merrill Edge for market research: both earn 4.5 stars, but Schwab ranks #2 of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com while Merrill Edge ranks #4. Schwab nudges ahead with social media sentiment for stocks and a larger set of downloadable equity reports, while Merrill Edge stands out if you want downloadable mutual fund reports. Either way, both are strong picks for everyday investors who want clear, actionable research.
Coverage is wide on both platforms: research for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, pink sheets/OTC, and bonds, plus the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class and access ESG research. Schwab offers seven downloadable stock PDF reports (Merrill Edge offers three) and includes social sentiment for stocks, a feature Merrill Edge does not provide. For ETFs, both offer downloadable PDFs; for mutual funds, only Merrill Edge provides downloadable PDFs.
Idea generation is also well served at both brokers with screeners for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds. If you want the most stock reports and sentiment-driven insights, choose Schwab; if you value mutual fund PDFs alongside well-rounded tools, Merrill Edge is appealing. With equal star ratings, the better fit depends on which research extras matter most to you.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing the banking features of online brokers Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge, both provide a comprehensive range of services that cater to various financial needs. Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge each offer checking and savings accounts, making everyday banking and saving convenient for their customers. Additionally, they both issue debit and credit cards, providing flexible spending options. For those interested in home ownership, mortgage loans are available through each broker. Investors looking to grow their money can find Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with both Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge, offering secure investment opportunities. Overall, both Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge present a full suite of banking services that effectively support the financial goals and daily needs of their users.
| Feature |
Charles Schwab
|
Merrill Edge
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | Yes |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | Yes |
| Brokerage CDs | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2026
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Charles Schwab is better than Merrill Edge. Charles Schwab finished with an overall score of 93.3%, while Merrill Edge finished with a score of 81.9%.
For most investors, the search for a great broker ends with Charles Schwab. Retaining the #1 Overall ranking in 2026, Schwab continues to set the industry standard. The broker uniquely balances scale with sophistication, offering both simplified mobile tools and the professional-grade thinkorswim platform. From buying a first fractional share to managing a multimillion-dollar estate, Schwab provides a platform tailored to every need, serving as the definitive operating system for modern wealth.
Both Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge do not offer crypto trading, each providing access to 0 coins for cryptocurrency transactions. For those looking to invest in crypto, alternative platforms should be considered.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
Both Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge offer traditional and Roth IRA accounts without any annual fees, but Charles Schwab sets itself apart by not charging any closure fees, whereas Merrill Edge imposes a $49.95 fee upon closing an IRA account.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026
We tested the 5 best futures trading platforms of 2026. Compare commissions, margin rates, and tools for beginners and active traders. Find the right platform for you.
Jessica Inskip May 13, 2026
Explore the best international brokers for U.S. investors. Compare Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity for global stock trading access.
Jessica Inskip May 22, 2026
Find the best Roth IRA accounts. Fidelity, Schwab, and E*TRADE lead with low fees, smart investing tools, and retirement planning support.
Andrea Coombes April 27, 2026
Find the best crypto trading platform for 2026. We rank eToro, Fidelity, Interactive Brokers, Webull, and Robinhood on fees, security, and coin selection.
Steven Hatzakis May 27, 2026
Discover the best stock brokers of 2026. Compare Schwab, Fidelity, Interactive Brokers, E*TRADE, and more to find the top trading platform for your needs.
Jessica Inskip May 07, 2026
Start investing with ease. Explore the best beginner-friendly trading platforms with low fees, great education, and intuitive apps.
Jessica Inskip June 25, 2026
Discover the best options trading platforms. Compare tastytrade, Schwab, IBKR, Fidelity & E*TRADE for tools, pricing, strategies, and trader support.
Jessica Inskip March 23, 2026
Find the top bank brokerages. From Merrill Edge to Ally, discover brokers that combine banking, investing, and rewards in one account.
Jessica Inskip April 16, 2026
Find the best brokerage for high-net-worth investors. Compare Fidelity, Schwab, Merrill, and more for premium services and tailored investment tools.
Jessica Inskip January 27, 2026
Find the best free trading platform of 2026. We tested the top brokers to uncover the true cost of $0 commissions. Find your ideal free stock trading app.
Jessica Inskip March 30, 2026
Find the best IRA accounts. Compare Fidelity, Schwab, Merrill Edge, E*TRADE, & J.P. Morgan for retirement planning, fees, tools, and account flexibility.
Jessica Inskip March 31, 2026
Discover the best brokers for trade execution. Compare Fidelity, Interactive Brokers, and more for price improvement, speed, and transparency.
Jessica Inskip May 22, 2026
Find the best rollover IRA accounts. Compare Fidelity, Schwab, and E*TRADE for easy transfers, low fees, and smart retirement investing tools.
Andrea Coombes May 15, 2026
Practice investing risk-free with the best paper trading platforms. Compare Webull, Schwab, Interactive Brokers, E*TRADE, and more.
Jessica Inskip July 01, 2026
Find top U.S. forex brokers. From tastyfx to OANDA, explore platforms with strong regulation, great tools, and user-friendly trading.
Steven Hatzakis May 29, 2026
Find the best penny stock brokers. Compare Fidelity, Firstrade, Schwab, E*TRADE, and TradeStation for OTC access, fees, and tools.
Jessica Inskip May 05, 2026
Discover the best day trading platforms. Compare IBKR, Schwab, Fidelity, E*TRADE, and TradeStation for speed, tools, and margin rates.
Jessica Inskip May 21, 2026
Read our TradeStation review and discover why its pro-level tools, deep customization, and options focus make it a top choice for active traders.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our tastytrade review and discover why it’s the top choice for options traders, with low fees, advanced tools, and a seamless platform.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our Ally Invest review to explore its user-friendly platform, automated investing portfolios, and wide range of investment options.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our Robinhood review and see why it’s a top pick for beginners, with a sleek mobile app, zero commissions, and standout educational tools.
Jessica Inskip June 11, 2026
Read our 2026 E*TRADE review to see how powerful research, versatile platforms, and diverse investments make it a top choice for all investors.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our Webull review and discover its commission-free trading, sleek platforms, paper trading tools, and fractional shares.
Jessica Inskip May 07, 2026
Read our Public.com review to learn how its intuitive platform and community-driven features help simplify investing for first-time traders.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our Fidelity review and discover how its powerful tools, in-depth education, and no-fee trading set the standard for online investing.
Jessica Inskip May 26, 2026
Read our Interactive Brokers review and see why it’s a top choice for active traders with low costs, cutting-edge platforms, and global reach.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing review and discover its strengths in research, planning tools, and integration for Chase clients.
Jessica Inskip May 15, 2026
Read our eToro review to explore its interactive platform, built-in discussions, and tools for crypto and stock investing.
Jessica Inskip May 20, 2026
Read our Firstrade review and see why it’s a top choice for options traders, offering $0 contract fees, robust tools, and a growing feature set.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our Charles Schwab review to learn why its platforms, research, and investor resources make it one of the top-ranked brokerages.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026
Read our Merrill Edge Self-Directed review and see how it combines powerful investing tools, robust research, and integrated banking benefits.
Jessica Inskip May 04, 2026Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Advanced Trading |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Customer Service |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Charles Schwab Review | Merrill Edge Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Trading Fees | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $6.95 | N/A | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | Varies | Varies | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.65 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | $2.25 | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | $29.95 |
| Margin Rates | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.58% | Varies | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.08% | Varies | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 11.13% | Varies | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.08% | Varies | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 10.83% | Varies | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | Varies | Varies | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | Varies | Varies |
| Account Fees | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $49.95 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $50.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Investment Options | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | No | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No | |
| Forex Trading | Yes | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | Yes | Yes | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 12 | 0 |
| Order Types | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | Yes |
| Beginners | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
| Retirement Calculator | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | Yes | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Trading Apps | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No | |
| Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Complex Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | No |
| Stock App Features | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | Yes | No | |
| Videos on Demand | Yes | No | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Streaming) | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
| Stock App Charting | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 373 | 34 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | thinkorswim | Merrill Edge Market Pro | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
| Trade Journal | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 580 | 285 |
| Stock Chart Features | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 374 | 105 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 24 | 23 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 35 | 8 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | Yes | No |
| Day Trading | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | Yes | |
| Streaming TV | Yes | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No | |
| Ladder Trading | Yes | No | |
| Trade Hot Keys | Yes | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | Yes | No | |
| Short Locator | Yes | No | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
| Research Overview | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | Yes | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Research | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 7 | 3 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | Yes |
| ETF Research | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Fund Research | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | Yes |
| Options Trading | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | Yes | Yes | |
| Checking Accounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Credit Cards | Yes | Yes | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | Yes | |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Email Support | Yes | No | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | No | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Overall | Charles Schwab | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Advanced Trading |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Charles Schwab Review | Merrill Edge Review |
Charles Schwab
Fidelity
Interactive Brokers
E*TRADE
Webull
TradeStation
tastytrade
Trading 212
Interactive Investor
IG
Interactive Brokers
XTB
Hargreaves Lansdown
Saxo
eToro
Charles Stanley Direct
Finviz
Stock Rover
Seeking Alpha
TipRanks
TrendSpider
Trade Ideas
TraderSync
TradingView
Tradervue
TradeZella