Fidelity

4.6(2400)

SEC/FINRA

Merrill Edge

4.1(1500)

SEC/FINRA

Fidelity vs Merrill Edge

Head-to-Head Comparison 2026

Our Verdict

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. Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider.

Comparison Table

Criteria	Fidelity	Merrill Edge
Rating	4.6/5 (2400 reviews)✓	4.1/5 (1500 reviews)
Regulation	SEC/FINRA	SEC/FINRA
Fees	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract
Min. Deposit	0 $	0 $
Instruments	Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDs	Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds
Platforms	Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App	Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro
Options Trading	Yes, US options from $0.65 per contract	Yes, US options available
Founded	1946	2010
Headquarters	Boston	New York

Detailed Comparison

Fee Comparison

Fidelity: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Merrill Edge: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Product Range

Fidelity (6 categories)

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs

Merrill Edge (5 categories)

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds

Trading Platforms

Fidelity

Fidelity Web
Active Trader Pro
Fidelity App

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge Web
Merrill Edge App
MarketPro

Regulation & Security

Fidelity is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: Boston).

Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: New York).

Who Is It For?

Fidelity

One 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 Edge

Online 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fidelity or Merrill Edge cheaper?

Fidelity charges $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Merrill Edge charges $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. The minimum deposit is 0 $ at Fidelity and 0 $ at Merrill Edge.

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.

Which broker is better regulated?

Fidelity is regulated by SEC/FINRA. Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC/FINRA.

Is Fidelity or Merrill Edge better for beginners?

Fidelity has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers Fidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity App as platforms. Merrill Edge has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro. Fidelity has the lower entry barrier.

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.

Fidelity

One of the largest and most trusted US brokers with comprehensive services

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Merrill Edge

Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

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