Updated October 13, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
Merrill Edge vs Sharekhan
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
What sets them apart
| Compare |  Merrill Edge |  Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $0 | ₹0 |
| Account fee | $0 | ₹400 |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Funds | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Options, Futures, Bonds, FundsCovers more |
| Options contract fee | $0.65 | ₹50 |
| Platforms | Merrill Edge website, Merrill Edge MarketPro, Merrill mobile app | ShareMobile, TradeTiger, Web |
| Stock trade fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Inactivity fee | $0 | Not confirmed |
| Regulators | FINRA, SEC | Not confirmed |
| Investor protection | SIPC up to USD 500,000 | Not confirmed |
| Account types | IRA, Roth IRA, Joint, Corporate | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Markets: only Sharekhan offers Forex, Futures.
- Platforms: only Merrill Edge offers Merrill Edge website, Merrill Edge MarketPro, Merrill mobile app.
- Platforms: only Sharekhan offers ShareMobile, TradeTiger, Web.
- Support channels: only Merrill Edge offers Phone, Chat, Email.
- Features: only Merrill Edge offers Fractional shares.
- Features: only Sharekhan offers Futures.
Our verdict on each
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge is a US brokerage that suits investors who want commission-free stock and ETF dealing alongside a brokerage account. Stock trade fees of $0 and an account fee of $0 put it in the cheapest band we rate, though options and managed portfolios carry their own charges.
Sharekhan
For investors in India who want guided participation, Mirae Asset Sharekhan offers a full service trading and investment platform with research insight. It draws on 29+ years of market cycle experience and covers Indian markets plus 10,000+ US stocks and ETFs through a facilitated route.
Score breakdown
| Area | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3HigherStock trade fee of $0, account fee of $0 and no inactivity charge at $0, with options at $0.65 per contract. | 9.0 |
| Offer | 9.6Higher | 9.2 |
| Trust | 9.7 | Not confirmed |
Licences and countries
| Country | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Not confirmed |
Feature by feature
| Markets | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | No | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes |
| Futures | No | Yes |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | Yes | Yes |
Pick Merrill Edge if, pick Sharekhan if
Pick Merrill Edge if cost and offer matter most.
Pick Sharekhan if markets matter most.
How they place
| Ranking | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and ETF brokers | 50 of 471 | 433 of 471 |
| Options trading platforms | 13 of 103 | 99 of 103 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Fractional shares, Demo account, Mobile app, Options | Options, Futures, Mobile app, Demo account |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Not confirmed |
| Audience | Beginners, Experienced | Not confirmed |
| Legal entity | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated | Mirae Asset Sharekhan |
| Headquarters | United States | Not confirmed |
| Founded | 1914 | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Phone, Chat, Help centre, EmailCovers more | Help centre |
Robo-advisors
| Fact | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| Management fee | 0.45% to 0.85% | Not confirmed |
| Minimum investment | $0 to $1,000 | Not confirmed |
| Portfolio types | ETF | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock trade fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Inactivity fee | $0at the median | Not confirmed | $0 |
Median across 91 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
Merrill Edge
Pros
- Stock trades cost $0 and the account fee is $0, so the everyday cost of holding a brokerage account is minimal
- No inactivity charge at $0, unlike several rivals that bill dormant accounts
- Minimum deposit of $0 means an account can be opened and funded without a large starting balance
Cons
- Options cost $0.65 per contract, so the free stock dealing does not extend to derivatives
- Managed portfolios charge 0.45% to 0.85% in advisory fees, where commission-free dealing applies only to self-directed trading
- Account types are limited to retirement and joint and corporate forms, so it does not cover the wider account range some rivals offer
Sharekhan
Pros
- Combines trading with mutual funds and portfolio management in one place
- Publishes research insights shaped by 29+ years of market cycles
- Opens 10,000+ US stocks and ETFs through a GIFT City route
Cons
- Full service model asks for serious research, analysis and discipline
- Indian investor focus leaves little relevance for residents elsewhere
- US investing works through facilitated partners, not direct provision
Who each suits
Merrill Edge
Who it suits
- US investors who want commission-free stocks and ETFs plus a retirement account in one place
- Long term holders who would rather avoid an inactivity charge of $0 and the account fees some rivals levy
- Beginners and experienced traders who appreciate support across phone, chat and help centre
Who should look elsewhere
- Investors who want forex or crypto, as the market list holds stocks, etfs and options
- Anyone looking for a fully managed portfolio without paying advisory fees of 0.45% to 0.85%
- Readers who want the wider market spread offered by CFI or eToro, where the asset mix runs wider than stocks, etfs and options
Sharekhan
Who it suits
- Indian investors wanting research supported trading
- Long term savers using mutual funds and managed portfolios
- Investors seeking facilitated access to US stocks and ETFs
Who should look elsewhere
- Traders wanting light touch execution without research depth
- Investors based outside India
Current offers
Merrill Edge
Current offer
First period offer
$0 program fee for 6 months - Merrill Guided Investing: $0 for 6 months
New enrollments, use offer code 6FREE
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | Merrill Edge | Sharekhan |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | No |
Questions about each
Merrill Edge
What does it cost to trade stocks at Merrill Edge?+
Online stock dealing is priced at a stock trade fee of $0, with an account fee of $0 on the brokerage account. The inactivity fee is $0, so a dormant account is not billed. Options trades are charged separately at $0.65 per contract.
Which regulator supervises Merrill Edge?+
Merrill Edge is supervised in the US, and the regulators recorded for it are FINRA and SEC. The legal entity behind the brand is Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated. Securities held in the account fall under the investor protection arrangement stated as SIPC up to USD 500,000.
Sharekhan
What does Mirae Asset Sharekhan provide?+
Mirae Asset Sharekhan provides online trading with mutual funds, portfolio management and research insights. You can use its trading and investing platforms for share market participation. Research supports decisions across different market cycles.
Which markets does it cover?+
You can access stocks, mutual funds and derivatives including Options and Futures. The platform also covers portfolio management alongside research insights. Global access adds 10,000+ US stocks and ETFs through a facilitated route.
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