E*TRADE vs Merrill Edge 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 E*TRADE vs Merrill Edge.
Is E*TRADE or Merrill Edge better for beginners?
Merrill Edge offers more comprehensive new investor education for beginner investors than E*TRADE. E*TRADE offers investors access to Paper Trading, Videos, Education (Stocks), Education (ETFs), Education (Options), Education (Mutual Funds), Education (Bonds) and Education (Retirement), while Merrill Edge offers investors access to Videos, Education (Stocks), Education (ETFs), Education (Options), Education (Mutual Funds), Education (Bonds) and Education (Retirement). See our guide to Best Paper Trading Platforms for more.
What about E*TRADE vs Merrill Edge pricing?
E*TRADE and Merrill Edge charge the same amount for regular stock trades, $0.00. E*TRADE and Merrill Edge both charge $0.65 per option contract. For a complete commissions summary, see our best brokers for free stock trading guide.
Does E*TRADE or Merrill Edge offer a wider range of investment options?
E*TRADE offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks, Mutual Funds, Futures Trading and Advisor Services, while Merrill Edge offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTC Stocks, Mutual Funds and Advisor Services. Neither have Fractional Shares and Forex Trading. Looking at Mutual Funds, Merrill Edge trails E*TRADE in its offering of no transaction fee (NTF) mutual funds, with E*TRADE offering 4377 and Merrill Edge offering 3095.
Which trading platform is better: E*TRADE or Merrill Edge?
To compare the trading platforms of E*TRADE and Merrill Edge, we tested each broker's trading tools, research capabilities, and mobile apps. For trading tools, E*TRADE offers a better experience. With research, E*TRADE offers superior market research. Finally, we found E*TRADE 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 available to customers of E*TRADE and Merrill Edge.
Is E*TRADE good?
E*TRADE is a top-performing broker whose highlights include $0 trades, two excellent mobile apps and the Power E*TRADE platform. Crypto, however, is not available.
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.
E*TRADE vs Merrill Edge Winner
Overall winner: E*TRADE
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