Broker comparison

Merrill Edge vs.
Schwab International

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

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. Execution speed: Merrill Edge ~30 ms (via BofA routing infrastructure), Schwab International ~30 ms (Schwab Smart Routing).

Online broker by Bank of America with integrated banking

US financial giant with comprehensive investment and trading solutions

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsMerrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketProthinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual FundsStocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex
Options tradingYes, US options availableYes, comprehensive with thinkorswim
Fee model$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract
Minimum deposit0 $0 $
RegulationSEC/FINRASEC/FINRA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro

Schwab International

thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App

Product types

Merrill Edge

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds

Schwab International

Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Forex

Options trading

Merrill Edge

Yes, US options available

Schwab International

Yes, comprehensive with thinkorswim

Fee model

Merrill Edge

$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract

Schwab International

$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract

Minimum deposit

Merrill Edge

0 $

Schwab International

0 $

Regulation

Merrill Edge

SEC/FINRA

Schwab International

SEC/FINRA

More information

Merrill Edge

Details

Schwab International

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 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract

Published fee
$0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options 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 Funds
StocksOptionsFuturesETFsMutual FundsBondsForex

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

Trading platforms

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

thinkorswim Desktop · thinkorswim Web · Schwab Mobile App

Schwab offers the legendary thinkorswim platform as desktop, web, and mobile versions with professional charting tools, thinkScript programming, options strategy builder, and paperMoney simulation. The Schwab Mobile App provides simplified access for long-term investors. thinkorswim is one of the most powerful available platforms, particularly for options and futures traders, featuring over 400 technical studies and customizable layouts.

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?

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

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

Find the broker that fits

Merrill Edge oder Schwab International?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

Merrill Edge4.1
  • Seamless integration with Bank of America
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Access to Merrill Lynch research
Schwab International4.6
  • thinkorswim platform (formerly TD Ameritrade)
  • Huge product selection
  • No minimum deposit
VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Open The Dealing Room

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between Merrill Edge and Schwab International?
Merrill Edge: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.65 per contract. Schwab International: $0 stocks/ETFs, $0.65 per options contract. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
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.
How are Merrill Edge and Schwab International regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Merrill Edge and SEC/FINRA for Schwab International. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Merrill Edge or Schwab International better for beginners?
Merrill Edge lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Merrill Edge Web, Merrill Edge App, MarketPro. Schwab International lists 0 $ and offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, Schwab Mobile App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
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.

Your next step

Your next step

Keep comparing

More broker comparisons

Keep learning

Before you pick a broker

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

Options risks & opportunitiesWhat you can lose, and what the risk buys you.Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.
Terms in the glossary:MarginPremiumCall optionUnderlyingExercise