Fidelity$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 $
Broker comparison
Fidelity vs.
Merrill Edge
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonFidelity
Merrill EdgeVS
Summary
Your goal decides
Fidelity has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Merrill Edge (4.1/5). Fidelity offers 6 instrument types, while Merrill Edge offers 5. Oversight: Fidelity: SEC/FINRA; Merrill Edge: SEC/FINRA. Fidelity: Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract. Merrill Edge: Yes, US options available. Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider.
FidelityOne of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services
Merrill EdgeOnline broker by Bank of America with integrated banking
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Fidelity | Merrill Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App | Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds |
| Options trading | Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract | Yes, US options available |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 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
Fidelity
Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro
Product types
Fidelity
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs
Merrill Edge
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds
Options trading
Fidelity
Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract
Merrill Edge
Yes, US options available
Fee model
Fidelity
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Merrill Edge
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Minimum deposit
Fidelity
0 $
Merrill Edge
0 $
Regulation
Fidelity
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.
FidelityMerrill 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 Fidelity and Merrill Edge, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Fidelity | 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 | US$6.50$0.65 per contract × 10 |
| One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000 | US$11.501% trading fee (Fidelity Crypto) × $1,150 | —No spot crypto on the pricing page – not offered |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0$0 for standard account services per fee page | 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: fidelity.com · fidelity.com · merrilledge.com · merrilledge.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
FidelityCheck 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
FidelityStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs
Merrill EdgeStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
FidelityFidelity Web · Active Trader Pro · Fidelity App
Fidelity offers three trading platforms: Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, and the Fidelity App. The web platform provides comprehensive research tools, screening functions, and educational resources. Active Trader Pro is a desktop platform for active traders with real-time data, advanced charts, options analysis, and customizable layouts. The mobile app offers quick access to all account features and trading options with an intuitive user interface.
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 platformFidelity
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (crypto: Fidelity Digital Assets)
- 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?
FidelityOne of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Excellent research and educational resources
- Huge fund selection including proprietary index funds
- Only available for US customers
- International stocks limited availability
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
Fidelity 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.
Fidelity 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 Fidelity and Merrill Edge?
Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 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: Fidelity or Merrill Edge?
Fidelity offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs. Merrill Edge offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds.
How are Fidelity and Merrill Edge regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Fidelity and SEC/FINRA for Merrill Edge. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Fidelity or Merrill Edge better for beginners?
Fidelity lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App. Merrill Edge lists 0 $ and offers Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Fidelity vs Merrill Edge: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Fidelity (4.6/5, 2400 reviews) and Merrill Edge (4.1/5, 1500 reviews) depends on your needs. Fidelity: One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services. Merrill Edge: Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking.
Your next step
Your next step
FidelityOne of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services
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.