Interactive Brokers vs Merrill Edge - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Interactive Brokers vs Merrill Edge

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

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Active investors and multi-asset traders

Interactive Brokers is a multi-asset broker with stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and…

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

Interactive Brokers vs Merrill Edge
Feature Interactive Brokers Merrill Edge
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee - $0 per online trade; broker-assisted: $29.95
Regulators SEC, CFTC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SEBI, MAS, CIRO FINRA, SEC
Best for Active investors and multi-asset traders Bank of America customers and long-term investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Forex
-
Crypto
-
Bonds
Options
Futures
-
Funds
Fractional Shares
-
Investment Plans
-
Margin
Multi Currency
-
Demo Account
-
Money Market Funds
-
Ready Made Portfolios
-

Pros & cons

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Pros

  • $0 Lite commissions on US stocks and ETFs
  • IBKR Pro stocks from USD 0.0005 per share
  • US options from USD 0.15 per contract
  • Margin loans start at USD 4.14%
  • Cash interest up to USD 3.14%
  • No inactivity fees
  • No minimums for general investment accounts
  • Paper trading with simulated funds

Cons

  • IBKR Pro stocks cost up to USD 0.0035 per share
  • IBKR Lite stock orders include PFOF
  • US options cost up to USD 0.65 per contract
  • Crypto execution and custody are for eligible clients
  • Forecast contracts are limited to eligible clients
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
Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is a multi-asset broker with stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and crypto across web, mobile and desktop platforms.

Visit Interactive Brokers 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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