Broker comparison

Fidelity vs.
Merrill Edge

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

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. Fidelity has been in the market since 1946, making it the more experienced provider. Execution speed: Fidelity ~25 ms (Smart Order Router, high price improvement rate), Merrill Edge ~30 ms (via BofA routing infrastructure).

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

Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsFidelity Web, Active Trader Pro, Fidelity AppMerrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, CDsStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds
Options tradingYes, US options from $0.65 per contractYes, 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 deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

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

More information

Fidelity

Details

Merrill Edge

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

$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 $
See terms at provider

$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 $
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsCDs
StocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual Funds

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

Fidelity 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 platform

Merrill 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 platform

Regulation & security

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

SEC/FINRA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

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

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

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.

Fidelity4.6
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Excellent research and educational resources
  • Huge fund selection including proprietary index funds
Merrill Edge4.1
  • Seamless integration with Bank of America
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Access to Merrill Lynch research
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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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.

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Your next step

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Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.Regulation: BaFin, ESMA & investor protectionWho supervises your broker and what that protects.
Terms in the glossary:PremiumCall optionMarginExercisePut option