Merrill Edge vs eToro Comparison
Comparing brokers side by side is no easy task. For our 2023 annual broker review, we spent hundreds of hours assessing 17 brokerages to find the best online broker. Let's compare Merrill Edge vs eToro.
Is Merrill Edge or eToro better for beginners?
Merrill Edge offers more comprehensive new investor education for beginner investors than eToro. Merrill Edge offers investors access to Videos, Education (Stocks), Education (ETFs), Education (Options), Education (Mutual Funds), Education (Bonds) and Education (Retirement), while eToro offers investors access to Paper Trading, Videos and Education (Stocks). See our guide to Best Paper Trading Platforms for more.
What about Merrill Edge vs eToro pricing?
Merrill Edge and eToro charge the same amount for regular stock trades, $0.00. Option contracts are pricier at Merrill Edge, costing $0.65 per contract versus $0.00 per contract at eToro. For a complete commissions summary, see our best brokers for free stock trading guide.
Does Merrill Edge or eToro offer a wider range of investment options?
Merrill Edge offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks, Mutual Funds and Advisor Services, while eToro offers investors access to Stock Trading, Fractional Shares and Options Trading. Neither have Futures Trading and Forex Trading. Looking at Mutual Funds, eToro trails Merrill Edge in its offering of no transaction fee (NTF) mutual funds, with Merrill Edge offering 3095 and eToro offering 0.
Which trading platform is better: Merrill Edge or eToro?
To compare the trading platforms of Merrill Edge and eToro, we tested each broker's trading tools, research capabilities, and mobile apps. For trading tools, Merrill Edge offers a better experience. With research, Merrill Edge offers superior market research. Finally, we found Merrill Edge to provide better mobile trading apps.
Does either broker offer banking?
Online banking can be a benefit for investors, and some brokerages do provide banking services to customers. Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans are offered by Merrill Edge while eToro offers neither of these.
Is Merrill Edge good?
Merrill Edge and its parent, Bank of America, make for a well-rounded offering, with $0 trades, robust research, reliable customer service; and its Stock Stories and Fund Stories are an industry standout. There are some gaps in investment offerings, including crypto and futures.
Is eToro good?
Though its offerings have some limitations, eToro's approach will appeal to those interested in learning how to trade crypto or joining a crypto-focused community. The scope currently is limited in the U.S., so those looking for more advanced trading or trading a variety of underlyings will want to look elsewhere.
Merrill Edge vs eToro Winner
Overall winner: Merrill Edge
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