Ally Invest$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Ally Invest vs.
Merrill Edge
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonAlly Invest
Merrill EdgeVS
Summary
Your goal decides
Merrill Edge has a higher rating of 4.1/5 compared to Ally Invest (4/5). Ally Invest offers 6 instrument types, while Merrill Edge offers 5. Oversight: Ally Invest: SEC/FINRA; Merrill Edge: SEC/FINRA. Ally Invest: Yes, options from $0.50 per contract. Merrill Edge: Yes, US options available. Ally Invest has been in the market since 2005, making it the more experienced provider.
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
Merrill EdgeOnline broker by Bank of America with integrated banking
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Ally Invest | Merrill Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App | Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds |
| Options trading | Yes, options from $0.50 per contract | Yes, US options available |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Ally Invest
Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro
Product types
Ally Invest
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex
Merrill Edge
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds
Options trading
Ally Invest
Yes, options from $0.50 per contract
Merrill Edge
Yes, US options available
Fee model
Ally Invest
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
Merrill Edge
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Minimum deposit
Ally Invest
0 $
Merrill Edge
0 $
Regulation
Ally Invest
SEC/FINRA
Merrill Edge
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
Ally InvestMerrill Edge$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Worked out
What does it actually cost?
Typical months at Ally Invest and Merrill Edge, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Ally Invest | Merrill Edge |
|---|---|---|
| ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a month | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 |
| 10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a month | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders |
| 10 US option contracts a month | US$5$0 commission + $0.50 per contract × 10 | US$6.50$0.65 per contract × 10 |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0No account or inactivity fee on the fee schedule | US$0No annual account fee for Merrill Edge Self-Directed |
Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: ally.com · merrilledge.com · merrilledge.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
Ally InvestCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationMerrill EdgeCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
Ally InvestStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsForex
Merrill EdgeStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
Ally InvestAlly Invest Web · Ally Invest App
Ally Invest offers trading through Ally Invest Web and the Ally Invest App. The web platform provides order placement, portfolio overview, charting tools, and access to stock, options, and Forex trading in a unified interface. The mobile app enables trading and account management on the go with integration to the Ally Bank savings account. Both platforms are clearly designed but offer fewer advanced analysis tools than platforms from Fidelity or E*TRADE.
Explore platformMerrill EdgeMerrill Edge Web · Merrill Edge App · MarketPro
Merrill Edge offers three trading platforms: Merrill Edge Web, the Merrill Edge App, and MarketPro. The web platform provides access to Merrill Lynch research, order placement, and portfolio overview. MarketPro is the advanced platform for active traders with real-time streaming, charting tools, and watchlists. The mobile app enables trading and account management on the go with seamless Bank of America integration. However, MarketPro is less powerful than comparable competitor platforms.
Explore platformAlly Invest
Ally Invest Securities LLC (clearing: Apex Clearing)
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Merrill Edge
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S)
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Low options fees ($0.50 per contract)
- Integrated banking with savings account
- Only available for US customers
- Fewer research tools than Fidelity or Schwab
Merrill EdgeOnline broker by Bank of America with integrated banking
- Seamless integration with Bank of America
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Access to Merrill Lynch research
- Only available for US customers
- MarketPro platform less powerful than competitors
Find the broker that fits
Ally Invest oder Merrill Edge?
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
VS
- Fees
- Platform
- Regulation
- Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Ally Invest and Merrill Edge do not earn the same way
The table shows what they cost. These lessons show how they earn, which is what the difference is made of.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Ally Invest and Merrill Edge?
Ally Invest: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract. Merrill Edge: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Ally Invest or Merrill Edge?
Ally Invest offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex. Merrill Edge offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds.
How are Ally Invest and Merrill Edge regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Ally Invest and SEC/FINRA for Merrill Edge. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Ally Invest or Merrill Edge better for beginners?
Ally Invest lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App. Merrill Edge lists 0 $ and offers Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Ally Invest vs Merrill Edge: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Ally Invest (4/5, 1100 reviews) and Merrill Edge (4.1/5, 1500 reviews) depends on your needs. Ally Invest: US online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking. Merrill Edge: Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking.
Your next step
Your next step
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
Open accountRead reviewMerrill EdgeOnline broker by Bank of America with integrated banking
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.