Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Merrill Edge vs TradeStation, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Bottom line: In the Merrill Edge vs TradeStation matchup, both brokers cover core needs for most investors, but each has a clear edge in different areas. Choose TradeStation if you want access to futures trading. Choose Merrill Edge if advisor support matters to you. Otherwise, their investment menus are very similar, and both earn 4 stars for Range of Investments, with TradeStation ranked slightly higher overall.
Both Merrill Edge and TradeStation offer stock trading, options, mutual funds, OTC stocks, margin trading, and both provide traditional and Roth IRA accounts. Neither broker supports fractional shares, forex, or crypto trading (0 coins at each). The key product difference is futures: TradeStation offers futures trading, while Merrill Edge does not. For guidance, Merrill Edge includes advisor services; TradeStation does not.
For Range of Investments, each broker is rated 4 out of 5 stars. In rankings out of 14 brokers, TradeStation places #6, while Merrill Edge follows at #7.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | No |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | No | Yes |
| 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
For trading platforms and tools, TradeStation generally comes out ahead for active traders, while Merrill Edge fits those who are fine with a capable web platform and solid charting basics. TradeStation earns 4 stars and ranks #3 out of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com; Merrill Edge earns 3.5 stars and ranks #7. If you want the widest range of platform choices and deeper customization, TradeStation is the stronger pick. If you prefer a simpler setup and mainly trade via browser, Merrill Edge can get the job done.
Platform access is a key divider: Merrill Edge does not offer downloadable software for Windows or Mac, while TradeStation provides both, plus web trading for each broker. Paper trading is available at TradeStation but not at Merrill Edge. Neither broker includes a built-in trading journal. For watch lists, Merrill Edge supports 285 fields versus 341 at TradeStation. Both let you adjust open orders directly on a chart. Study customization is deeper at TradeStation (12 fields for an SMA study) compared with Merrill Edge (8 fields). Only TradeStation lets you create custom studies; Merrill Edge does not.
Charting is strong on both, but TradeStation offers more depth. Merrill Edge includes 105 technical indicators and 23 drawing tools, while TradeStation provides 294 indicators and 45 drawing tools. Each broker lets you add notes, show historical trades, display corporate events like earnings, set custom date ranges, turn on automated chart pattern recognition, and save multiple chart profiles. If you value maximum indicator choice, more drawing tools, and the option to build your own studies, TradeStation’s platform toolkit is the more advanced option; if you mainly need straightforward charts and web access, Merrill Edge will suffice.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | Yes |
| Paper Trading | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 285 | 341 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 105 | 294 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 23 | 45 |
| 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*
Claim 12 free shares at Webull!
Merrill Edge vs TradeStation: For beginner and everyday investors, Merrill Edge offers wider market education, covering stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and bonds. TradeStation focuses on stocks and options and does not provide ETF, mutual fund, or bond education. However, TradeStation does include paper trading (a simulator) for practicing, which Merrill Edge lacks.
In learning formats, both brokers provide educational videos and live webinars. Merrill Edge also includes quizzes to test knowledge; neither broker lets you track learning progress. Reflecting this, StockBrokers.com rates Merrill Edge 4 out of 5 stars for education and ranks it 6th of 14 brokers, while TradeStation earns 2 out of 5 stars and ranks 14th of 14. Choose Merrill Edge for broader topic coverage and quizzes, or TradeStation if paper trading is your priority.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | No |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | No |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms & Apps for Beginners in 2026
Overall takeaway: Merrill Edge and TradeStation both deliver capable stock trading apps for iPhone and Android, each earning 4 stars from StockBrokers.com. TradeStation ranks #6 out of 14, ahead of Merrill Edge at #9, but the right pick depends on what you value most: Merrill Edge shines with landscape charts and on-chart stock comparisons, while TradeStation answers with more technical studies, customizable watchlist columns, and after-hours charting.
Feature comparison: iPhone and Android apps? Yes for both; Apple Watch apps? No. Options trading and streaming quotes? Yes on both. Streaming live TV and videos on demand? No for both. Stock alerts and the ability to create custom watchlists? Yes on both; only TradeStation lets you customize watchlist columns. Mobile after-hours trading is available with Merrill Edge; TradeStation’s status for mobile after-hours trading isn’t specified here. For charting, both support multiple time frames; Merrill Edge offers landscape mode and stock comparison overlays, while TradeStation lacks those but adds after-hours charting and 45 technical studies versus Merrill Edge’s 34.
Quick guidance: Pick Merrill Edge if you want easier chart viewing in landscape and the ability to compare symbols on a single chart. Choose TradeStation if you prefer deeper technical analysis, custom watchlist columns, and after-hours charting from the app.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | No | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 34 | 45 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
Merrill Edge is the lower-cost choice for most account fees and trading charges compared with TradeStation. Both brokers offer $0 minimum deposits and $0 stock trades, but Merrill Edge charges less for options contracts, has no IRA annual fee, and does not charge for options exercises or assignments. It also stands out for account transfers, with $0 partial and full ACAT fees, while TradeStation charges $125 for each. If you want a brokerage with fewer extra charges, Merrill Edge is usually the more affordable pick.
When it comes to options trading, Merrill Edge charges $0.65 per contract, which is below TradeStation’s $0.80 per contract. For retirement accounts, Merrill Edge has a $0 IRA annual fee, while TradeStation charges $35 per year. IRA closure fees are nearly the same, at $49.95 for Merrill Edge and $50 for TradeStation. These differences can matter if you trade options often or want to keep long-term account costs low.
Margin interest is one area where the comparison is less clear, since Merrill Edge lists its margin rates as varying, while TradeStation publishes rates of 11.75% for balances below $50,000 and 10.75% for balances between $50,000 and $99,999. Still, TradeStation has several clear added charges, including $14.95 for options exercises and $5.95 for assignments. Overall, Merrill Edge offers the simpler and cheaper fee structure for most everyday investors, especially those focused on stock and options trading with fewer account-related fees.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.80 |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $14.95 |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $5.95 |
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $35.00 |
| IRA Closure Fee | $49.95 | $50.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2026
When it comes to day trading, Merrill Edge and TradeStation both offer notable features, but they cater to different types of traders. Merrill Edge provides streaming time and sales for stocks and level 2 quotes, both of which are essential for traders looking to analyze market depth and activity. It also offers basic strategy backtesting, helping traders refine their techniques. However, Merrill Edge lacks support for direct market routing, ladder trading, trading hotkeys, and advanced strategy backtesting, which are features that can enhance a trader's speed and effectiveness.
TradeStation is better equipped for high-frequency and more advanced day traders. It offers a comprehensive toolkit including streaming time and sales, level 2 quotes, and basic and advanced strategy backtesting. The platform stands out with its features like direct market routing, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys for quick and efficient trade execution. In addition, TradeStation provides a short locator tool for access to real-time information on shortable shares, as well as order liquidity rebates, appealing to traders focused on cost-effective market participation. While neither platform offers streaming live TV, TradeStation offers a more complete set of tools for active traders.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming TV | No | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | Yes |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | Yes |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | Yes |
| Short Locator | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms and Apps for 2026
Bottom line: Merrill Edge is the stronger pick for market research. It earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com, while TradeStation scores 2.5 stars and ranks #11. If you want wide research coverage, downloadable analyst reports, and screening tools across more asset types, Merrill Edge stands out. TradeStation covers the basics for stocks and ETFs but offers less depth elsewhere.
Both brokers provide stock and ETF research, pink sheets/OTCBB research, and let you view portfolio allocation by asset class. Neither uses social media sentiment data. Merrill Edge adds ESG research, mutual fund research, and bond research—areas where TradeStation does not participate. For reports, Merrill Edge offers three downloadable PDF research reports for stocks and also provides PDFs for ETFs and mutual funds; TradeStation does not offer downloadable research PDFs.
Screeners follow a similar pattern. Both platforms include stock and ETF screeners for trade ideas. Merrill Edge also supplies mutual fund and bond screeners, which TradeStation lacks. For investors who rely on research coverage, ESG insights, PDFs, and wider screening tools, Merrill Edge is the more complete choice; TradeStation suits those who only need core stock and ETF research.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
| Research |
|
|
When it comes to banking capabilities, Merrill Edge offers a more comprehensive range of services compared to TradeStation. Merrill Edge not only provides a suite of traditional banking features such as checking and savings accounts, but it also offers debit and credit cards for convenient spending. Customers looking to manage their finances can also take advantage of their mortgage loan options, making it a versatile choice for integrating banking and brokerage needs. Additionally, Merrill Edge offers Certificates of Deposit (CDs), which can be a valuable tool for those interested in saving with fixed returns. On the other hand, TradeStation does not provide any of these banking services—checking or savings accounts, debit or credit cards, mortgage loans, or CDs—and is more focused on trading functionalities without the integrated banking solutions that Merrill Edge provides.
| Feature |
Merrill Edge
|
TradeStation
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Yes | No |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | No |
| Debit Cards | Yes | No |
| Credit Cards | Yes | No |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | No |
| Brokerage CDs | Yes | No |
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 Merrill Edge is better than TradeStation. Merrill Edge finished with an overall score of 81.9%, while TradeStation finished with a score of 68.4%.
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.
In the comparison of online brokers Merrill Edge and TradeStation, neither platform offers crypto trading, with both Merrill Edge and TradeStation providing access to zero cryptocurrencies.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
Merrill Edge and TradeStation both provide traditional and Roth IRA accounts, with Merrill Edge charging no annual fee compared to TradeStation's $35.00 annual fee. While closing an IRA account incurs fees from both brokers, Merrill Edge's closure fee is slightly lower at $49.95 versus TradeStation's $50.00.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 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
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 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 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 rollover IRA accounts. Compare Fidelity, Schwab, and E*TRADE for easy transfers, low fees, and smart retirement investing tools.
Andrea Coombes May 15, 2026
Find the best penny stock brokers. Compare Fidelity, Firstrade, Schwab, E*TRADE, and TradeStation for OTC access, fees, and tools.
Jessica Inskip August 02, 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 top bank brokerages. From Merrill Edge to Ally, discover brokers that combine banking, investing, and rewards in one account.
Jessica Inskip April 16, 2026
Discover the best day trading platforms. Compare IBKR, Schwab, Fidelity, E*TRADE, and TradeStation for speed, tools, and margin rates.
Jessica Inskip August 03, 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 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
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
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 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
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
Practice investing risk-free with the best paper trading platforms. Compare Webull, Schwab, Interactive Brokers, E*TRADE, and more.
Jessica Inskip July 24, 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 July 31, 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 August 04, 2026
Read our Webull review and discover its commission-free trading, sleek platforms, paper trading tools, and fractional shares.
Jessica Inskip July 31, 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 July 31, 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 August 04, 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 July 29, 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 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 July 31, 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 Public.com review to learn how its intuitive platform and community-driven features help simplify investing for first-time traders.
Jessica Inskip July 31, 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 July 31, 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 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 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 | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Advanced Trading |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Customer Service |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Merrill Edge Review | TradeStation Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Trading Fees | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | N/A | $0.01 | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | Varies | $14.95 | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.80 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | $1.75 | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $29.95 | $25 |
| Margin Rates | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | Varies | 11.75% | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | Varies | 11.75% | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | Varies | 10.75% | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | Varies | 10.75% | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | Varies | 10.75% | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | Varies | 6.25% | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | Varies | 6.25% |
| Account Fees | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $35.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $49.95 | $50.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $0.00 | $125.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $0.00 | $125.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $14.95 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $5.95 |
| Investment Options | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | No | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
| Futures Trading | No | Yes | |
| Forex Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 0 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | No | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | No | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | Yes | No | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | Yes | |
| Order Type - OTO | No | Yes | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | Yes |
| Beginners | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | No | |
| Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Progress Tracking | No | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | Yes | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | No | 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 | No | Yes |
| Stock App Features | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | No | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | 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 | No | Yes |
| Stock App Charting | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 34 | 45 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | Merrill Edge Market Pro | TITAN X | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | Yes | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
| Trade Journal | No | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 285 | 341 |
| Stock Chart Features | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 105 | 294 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 23 | 45 | |
| 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 | 8 | 12 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | No | Yes |
| Day Trading | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | Yes | |
| Streaming TV | No | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | Yes | |
| Ladder Trading | No | Yes | |
| Trade Hot Keys | No | Yes | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | Yes | |
| Short Locator | No | Yes | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | Yes |
| Research Overview | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Research | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 3 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - Social | No | No | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | Yes | No | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | No |
| ETF Research | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Banking | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | Yes | No | |
| Checking Accounts | Yes | No | |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | No | |
| Credit Cards | Yes | No | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | No | |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | No |
| Customer Service | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Email Support | No | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | No |
| Overall | Merrill Edge | TradeStation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Advanced Trading |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Merrill Edge Review | TradeStation 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
CIBC Investor's Edge
Interactive Brokers
Questrade
Qtrade
TD Direct Investing
Wealthsimple
Finviz
Stock Rover
Seeking Alpha
TipRanks
TrendSpider
Trade Ideas
TraderSync
TradingView
Tradervue
TradeZella