eOption vs Merrill Edge - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

eOption vs Merrill Edge

Compare eOption and Merrill Edge side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

eOption

eOption

Active, low-cost options traders

eOption is a US discount broker offering commission-free stocks and ETFs, low-cost options trading at $0.10 p…

VS
Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge

Bank of America customers and long-term investors

Merrill Edge is a Bank of America brokerage offering commission-free stocks, ETFs and options, integrated ban…

Head-to-head comparison

eOption vs Merrill Edge
Feature eOption Merrill Edge
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee $0 per trade (domestic); $39 per trade (foreign) $0 per online trade; broker-assisted: $29.95
Regulators FINRA, SIPC FINRA, SEC
Best for Active, low-cost options traders Bank of America customers and long-term investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Bonds
Options
Funds
Margin
Demo Account
-
Money Market Funds
-
Ready Made Portfolios
-

Pros & cons

eOption

eOption

Pros

  • Commission-free domestic stock and ETF trades
  • Low options commissions at $0.10 per contract plus $1.99 per execution
  • Paper trading account available for practice
  • Direct-access platforms including DAS Trader Pro and Sterling Trader Pro
  • Free OptionsPlay integration for options analysis
  • No account minimum for domestic cash accounts
  • SIPC protection plus excess SIPC coverage up to $25,000,000 per customer

Cons

  • Inactivity fee of $50/year for accounts under $25,000 with fewer than two trades annually
  • Wire withdrawal fee of $35 per transfer
  • No crypto trading available
  • No fractional shares
  • No futures trading
  • International accounts require a $25,000 minimum deposit
  • Limited fundamental research tools compared to larger brokers
  • Foreign stock trades cost $39 per trade
Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge

Pros

  • No commissions on online stock and ETF trades
  • No account minimum and no inactivity fee
  • Integrated with Bank of America banking via single login
  • BofA Rewards program offers banking perks for combined account holders
  • SIPC protection up to $500,000 plus additional Lloyd's of London coverage
  • MarketPro platform for active traders with Level II quotes
  • Extensive research tools and educational resources
  • Merrill Guided Investing robo-advisor available from $1,000

Cons

  • No fractional shares
  • No cryptocurrency trading
  • No futures or forex trading
  • No paper trading or demo account
  • Margin rates are high compared to some competitors
  • Mobile app options trading experience is limited
  • No-transaction-fee mutual fund list is smaller than some competitors
eOption

eOption

eOption is a US discount broker offering commission-free stocks and ETFs, low-cost options trading at $0.10 per contract, and direct-access platforms for active traders.

Visit eOption Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge is a Bank of America brokerage offering commission-free stocks, ETFs and options, integrated banking rewards, and a robo-advisor service.

Visit Merrill Edge Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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