E*TRADE$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
E*TRADE vs.
Merrill Edge
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonE*TRADE
Merrill EdgeVS
Summary
Your goal decides
On core costs E*TRADE and Merrill Edge are essentially identical: both charge $0 commission on stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per options contract. The difference is in focus. E*TRADE (rated 4.3/5, part of Morgan Stanley) offers one of the market's strongest options platforms in Power E*TRADE and cuts the options fee to $0.50 from 30+ trades per quarter — plus futures are tradable. Merrill Edge (4.1/5, part of Bank of America) instead scores with seamless banking integration, Merrill Lynch research and the Preferred Rewards program, but offers no futures. For active options traders E*TRADE is usually the better pick; for Bank of America customers, Merrill Edge.
E*TRADEEstablished US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform
Merrill EdgeOnline broker by Bank of America with integrated banking
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | E*TRADE | Merrill Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App | Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds |
| Options trading | Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE | Yes, US options available |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades) | $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
E*TRADE
E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro
Product types
E*TRADE
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures
Merrill Edge
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds
Options trading
E*TRADE
Yes, comprehensive options trading with Power E*TRADE
Merrill Edge
Yes, US options available
Fee model
E*TRADE
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades)
Merrill Edge
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Minimum deposit
E*TRADE
0 $
Merrill Edge
0 $
Regulation
E*TRADE
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.
E*TRADEMerrill 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 E*TRADE and Merrill Edge, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | E*TRADE | 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$6.50$0.65 per contract × 10 ($0.50 with 30+ trades per quarter) | US$6.50$0.65 per contract × 10 |
| One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000 | US$5.750.50% commission on notional × $1,150 (via Zero Hash) | —No spot crypto on the pricing page – not offered |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0No maintenance fee on standard brokerage account | 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: us.etrade.com · us.etrade.com · merrilledge.com · merrilledge.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
E*TRADECheck 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
E*TRADEStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsFutures
Merrill EdgeStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
E*TRADEE*TRADE Web · Power E*TRADE · E*TRADE App
E*TRADE offers three trading platforms: E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, and the E*TRADE App. The web platform provides standard trading functions with research and educational resources. Power E*TRADE is the flagship, offering one of the best options platforms on the market with visual options chains, strategy builders, and real-time risk analysis. The mobile app combines elements of both platforms and enables trading of stocks, options, and futures on the go.
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 platformE*TRADE
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (securities); E*TRADE Futures LLC (futures); crypto via Zero Hash LLC
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA, NFA (futures)
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?
E*TRADEFor traders who want strong trading platforms (Power E*TRADE), futures and crypto under one roof.
- Power E*TRADE – excellent options platform
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Part of Morgan Stanley – high security
- Only available for US customers
- International markets not available
Merrill EdgeFor Bank of America customers who want their brokerage linked to their bank account and to benefit from relationship programmes. Merrill Edge does not offer crypto.
- 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
E*TRADE 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.
E*TRADE 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.
In-depth analysis
Costs: On stocks and ETFs both brokers charge $0 commission, and options cost $0.65 per contract at each. E*TRADE lowers the options fee to $0.50 per contract for active traders making more than 30 trades per quarter — Merrill Edge offers no such volume-based discount. Minimum deposit is $0 at both.
Products and platforms: E*TRADE covers stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, mutual funds and futures, whereas Merrill Edge is limited to stocks, ETFs, options, bonds and mutual funds — per the broker data, futures and forex are not tradable. For analysis E*TRADE offers the options-focused Power E*TRADE platform, while Merrill Edge provides MarketPro for active traders, which the data notes is less powerful.
Ecosystem: Both are SEC/FINRA-regulated and part of large US institutions — E*TRADE belongs to Morgan Stanley, Merrill Edge to Bank of America. Merrill's strongest card is the tie-in with the Bank of America account, Merrill Lynch research and Preferred Rewards perks. Ratings: E*TRADE 4.3/5, Merrill Edge 4.1/5. Both offerings are available to US customers only.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between E*TRADE and Merrill Edge?
E*TRADE: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract ($0.50 for 30+ trades). 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: E*TRADE or Merrill Edge?
E*TRADE offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Futures. Merrill Edge offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds.
How are E*TRADE and Merrill Edge regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for E*TRADE and SEC/FINRA for Merrill Edge. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is E*TRADE or Merrill Edge better for beginners?
E*TRADE lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers E*TRADE Web, Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE App. Merrill Edge lists 0 $ and offers Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
E*TRADE vs Merrill Edge: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between E*TRADE (4.3/5, 1900 reviews) and Merrill Edge (4.1/5, 1500 reviews) depends on your needs. E*TRADE: Established US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform. Merrill Edge: Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking.
Your next step
Your next step
E*TRADEEstablished US broker by Morgan Stanley with strong options platform
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.