Merrill Edge Self-Directed review

Merrill Edge Self-Directed makes the most sense for people who already bank with Bank of America. Its pricing page lists $0 online stock, ETF and option trades with no minimum, no minimum investment for general investing accounts, and options at $0.65 per contract. Because Merrill is part of Bank of America, you can see investments and banking together, and the brokerage account includes web bill pay and unlimited check writing at $0. The pricing page also links to BofA Preferred Rewards, the bank's relationship program. Costs show up when you need help or want to leave: broker-assisted trades are $29.95, a full account transfer out is $49.95 and wires cost $24.95, though partial transfers are $0. We did not find dollar-based fractional share buying for stocks on the pages we checked, so small budgets may stretch further at Fidelity, Schwab or Robinhood. For an existing Bank of America customer buying ETFs, it is a convenient low-cost choice.

Who it is for

Bank of America customers who want investing next to their checking account.

Price

$0 online stock, ETF and option trades with no minimum; options $0.65 per contract.

$0 online stock, ETF and option trades with no minimum
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• $0 online stock, ETF and option trades with no minimum
• No minimum investment for general investing accounts
• Options at $0.65 per contract
• $0 partial account transfer fee
• Connected to Bank of America banking and BofA Preferred Rewards

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Investing and Bank of America banking in one login
• Strength: No minimum investment
• Strength: Unlimited check writing and bill pay on the account
• Weakness: A full account transfer out costs $49.95
• Weakness: Broker-assisted trades cost $29.95
• Weakness: Domestic and international wires cost $24.95

Key facts

• Stock and ETF commission: $0 online
• Minimum investment: None
• Options: $0.65 per contract
• Full account transfer: $49.95
• Broker-assisted trade: $29.95

Where it ranks

Merrill Edge Self-Directed is No. 9 in our Best Investing Apps verdict.