| Investments | Commissions |
|---|
| Stocks and ETFs | $0 |
| Stocks and ETFs broker assisted | $29.95 |
| Options | $0 + $0.65 per contract |
| Mutual funds | $19.95 per online transaction for no-load transaction-fee funds |
| Merrill Edge self-directed mutual funds | $0 for load-waived funds and no-load no-transaction-fee funds; $39.95 short-term redemption fee if an NTF fund is held less than 90 days |
| Bonds | $1 per bond ($10 minimum, $250 maximum) for online secondary trades in corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and government agencies; $0 for new issues including brokered CDs and for Treasuries |
| Investments | stocks, mutual funds, options, ETFs, bonds, CDs |
| Merrill Edge minimum deposit to open account | $0 |
- Traditional IRA
- Roth IRA
- Rollover IRA
- SIMPLE IRA
- SEP IRA
- 401(k)
Merrill Edge IRA Fees
- IRA setup fee: $0
- Annual IRA fee: $0
- IRA termination fee: $49.95
Merrill Edge IRA Overview
Merrill Edge is the online brokerage platform from Merrill Lynch and operates under Bank of America. It combines the research strength and reputation of a major financial institution with a modern platform designed for investors who want to manage their own portfolios. The service is available on both desktop and mobile, with a consistent experience across devices.
Merrill provides a comprehensive range of investment options, including stocks & ETFs, options, mutual funds, and fixed-income securities. Because the platform is primarily self-directed, it gives investors the tools and resources to make trades, while leaving strategy and time horizon decisions up to the user. Long-term investors can use the standard trading platform, while more active traders can take advantage of Merrill MarketPro for advanced analytics and real-time data. In addition to standard brokerage accounts, Merrill Edge also supports retirement accounts such as Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k) rollovers.
Merrill’s platform is also tightly integrated with Bank of America’s banking services. Users can access support through chat, email, phone, or in-person visits at Bank of America or Merrill locations.
Merrill Edge IRA Key Features
Full Suite of Services: Merrill Edge allows investors to place $0 commission trades on many securities while also offering a broad set of additional services through its “Guidance and Retirement” tools. Users can access planning resources, goal-setting tools, retirement guidance, and calculators for major life events such as college planning. For those who prefer more oversight, Merrill offers both managed portfolios and access to professional advisors.
Bank of America Integration: Because Merrill Edge is part of Bank of America, users who also bank with BofA benefit from a connected experience. Account balances and activity can be viewed across both platforms, and transfers between accounts can often be completed quickly. Merrill clients can also use Bank of America branch locations for additional services. Those enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program may qualify for added perks, including enhanced credit card rewards, interest rate boosts, and discounts on certain financial products.
Research and How-To’s: Merrill Edge provides a strong lineup of research tools and educational content. Users can access insights and reports from Merrill, Bank of America, Morningstar, and other well-known providers. The platform also offers webinars, guides, calculators, and tools like the “Idea Builder,” which helps investors discover and evaluate investment opportunities.
Merrill Edge IRA Fee Structure
Like most modern brokers, Merrill Edge offers $0 commissions on online trades of stocks and ETFs. However, fees may apply for more complex transactions, such as options trades, certain fixed-income products, and margin activity.
There are no annual account fees, inactivity fees, or standard administrative fees for typical brokerage services like statements or incoming wires. However, there is an account closure fee of $49.95, and broker-assisted trades cost $29.95 per trade.
Merrill Edge IRA Pros
Clean User Interface and Experience: Merrill Edge offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies complex financial information. One standout feature is “Portfolio Story,” which presents a visual breakdown of account performance, including time-weighted returns, asset allocation, sector exposure, and projected earnings based on analyst estimates.
Caters to Every Level of Investment Sophistication: Merrill Edge is designed to serve investors at all experience levels. Self-directed users can take advantage of research tools and low-cost trading, while beginners can rely on managed portfolios or advisor support. Investors in between can use educational resources and idea-generation tools to gradually build their skills and confidence.
Incredible Value for Bank of America Users: The integration between Merrill Edge and Bank of America creates added convenience and value. Clients with at least $20,000 in combined balances may qualify for the Preferred Rewards program, which includes benefits such as enhanced credit card rewards, potential interest rate boosts, and discounts on loans and advisory services. Access to Bank of America’s nationwide branch network also adds a layer of in-person support that some investors prefer.
Merrill Edge IRA Cons
Limited Options on New Investment Vehicles: While Merrill Edge offers a strong lineup of traditional investment products, it does not currently support certain newer asset classes like cryptocurrency trading. Investors seeking exposure to these areas may need to use other platforms.
Best IRA Accounts
Merrill Edge IRA Review Recap
Merrill Edge delivers a solid brokerage experience backed by one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S. While it may not include some of the newer investment options, its strong research tools, wide range of traditional assets, and user-friendly platform make it a compelling choice for many investors.
The combination of powerful tools, intuitive design, and Bank of America integration makes it particularly appealing for users who already bank with BofA. For these customers, the added rewards and seamless connectivity can make Merrill Edge an especially attractive option.
Written by Alex Bost
Updated on 4/22/2026.
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