Merrill Edge vs TradeStation 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 TradeStation.
Is Merrill Edge or TradeStation better for beginners?
Merrill Edge offers more comprehensive new investor education for beginner investors than TradeStation. Merrill Edge offers investors access to Videos, Education (Stocks), Education (ETFs), Education (Options), Education (Mutual Funds), Education (Bonds) and Education (Retirement), while TradeStation offers investors access to Paper Trading, Videos, Education (Stocks) and Education (Options).
What about Merrill Edge vs TradeStation pricing?
Merrill Edge and TradeStation charge the same amount for regular stock trades, $0.00. Option contracts are pricier at Merrill Edge, costing $0.65 per contract versus $0.60 per contract at TradeStation. For a complete commissions summary, see our best brokers for free stock trading guide.
Does Merrill Edge or TradeStation offer a wider range of investment options?
Merrill Edge offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTCBB / Pink Sheets, Mutual Funds and Advisor Services, while TradeStation offers investors access to Stock Trading, Options Trading, OTCBB / Pink Sheets, Mutual Funds and Futures Trading, neither have Fractional Shares and Forex Trading. Looking at Mutual Funds, TradeStation trails Merrill Edge in its offering of no transaction fee (NTF) mutual funds, with Merrill Edge offering 3095 and TradeStation offering 0.
Which trading platform is better: Merrill Edge or TradeStation?
To compare the trading platforms of Merrill Edge and TradeStation, we tested each broker's trading tools, research capabilities, and mobile apps. For trading tools, TradeStation offers a better experience. With research, Merrill Edge offers superior market research. Finally, we found TradeStation 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 TradeStation 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 TradeStation good?
TradeStation supports casual traders through its web-based platform and active traders through its desktop platform. We like the web-based platform and mobile app, but the flagship desktop platform could use a refresh. TradeStation ranked among Best in Class in the Commissions and Fees and Investment Options categories in our 2023 Annual Review of online stockbrokers.
Merrill Edge vs TradeStation Winner
Overall winner: Merrill Edge
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