Merrill Edge

4.1(1500)

SEC/FINRA

Schwab International

4.6(2800)

SEC/FINRA

Merrill Edge vs Schwab International

Head-to-Head Comparison 2026

Our Verdict

Schwab International has a higher rating of 4.6/5 compared to Merrill Edge (4.1/5). Schwab International offers 7 instrument types, while Merrill Edge offers 5. Schwab International has been in the market since 1971, making it the more experienced provider.

Comparison Table

Criteria	Merrill Edge	Schwab International
Rating	4.1/5 (1500 reviews)	4.6/5 (2800 reviews)✓
Regulation	SEC/FINRA	SEC/FINRA
Fees	$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract	$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Min. Deposit	0 $	0 $
Instruments	Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds	Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Platforms	Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro	thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Options Trading	Yes, US options available	Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Founded	2010	1971
Headquarters	New York	Westlake TX

Detailed Comparison

Fee Comparison

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

Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Minimum deposit: 0 $.

Product Range

Merrill Edge (5 categories)

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds

Schwab International (7 categories)

StocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex

Trading Platforms

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge Web
Merrill Edge App
MarketPro

Schwab International

thinkorswim Desktop
thinkorswim Web
Schwab Mobile App

Regulation & Security

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

Schwab International is regulated by SEC/FINRA (HQ: Westlake TX).

Who Is It For?

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

Schwab International

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

✓ thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)

✓ Huge product selection

✓ No minimum deposit

✗ International accounts limited

✗ Futures fees higher than competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Merrill Edge or Schwab International cheaper?

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

Which broker offers more products: Merrill Edge or Schwab International?

Merrill Edge offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds. Schwab International offers Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex.

Which broker is better regulated?

Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC/FINRA. Schwab International is regulated by SEC/FINRA.

Is Merrill Edge or Schwab International better for beginners?

Merrill Edge has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro as platforms. Schwab International has a minimum deposit of 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Merrill Edge has the lower entry barrier.

Merrill Edge vs Schwab International: Which broker is better overall?

The choice between Merrill Edge (4.1/5, 1500 reviews) and Schwab International (4.6/5, 2800 reviews) depends on your needs. Merrill Edge: Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking. Schwab International: US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions.

Merrill Edge

Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Schwab International

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

Open Account →

From 0 $ min. deposit

Merrill Edge read review →Schwab International read review →