Merrill Edge review: trading US stocks
The reason to choose it is the banking relationship, not the trading platform.
In one line: Merrill Edge lets you own US shares outright, founded 2010, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, regulated by SEC, with no minimum deposit and access to US listed stocks and ETFs.
The facts
| What you actually hold | The share itself |
|---|---|
| US stock access | US listed stocks and ETFs |
| Fractional shares | No |
| Minimum deposit | None |
| Published pricing | $0 commission on online US stock and ETF trades; preferred-rewards tiers add benefits for Bank of America clients. Source |
| Platforms | Merrill Edge web, MarketPro, Merrill Edge mobile |
| Extended hours | Available |
| Founded / HQ | 2010 · Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Regulation | SEC / FINRA — United States (SIPC member) |
Best for
- Existing Bank of America customers
- Banking and investing under one login
Watch out for
- Best value only if you already bank with BofA
- US residents only
Frequently asked questions
Is Merrill Edge good for US stocks?
The reason to choose it is the banking relationship, not the trading platform. Positions are real shares, so dividends and shareholder rights pass through to you.
Do you own the shares with Merrill Edge?
Yes — Merrill Edge offers real share ownership on US listings.
What does Merrill Edge cost for US stocks?
$0 commission on online US stock and ETF trades; preferred-rewards tiers add benefits for Bank of America clients. The authoritative figure is on Merrill Edge's own pricing page, linked on this profile — we restate it rather than estimating it.
Is Merrill Edge regulated?
Merrill Edge holds authorisations from SEC / FINRA (United States, licence SIPC member). Which entity holds your account — and therefore which protections apply — depends on your country of residence.
What is the minimum to open a Merrill Edge account?
Merrill Edge does not require a minimum deposit, though a practical minimum is set by the price of what you want to buy and any currency conversion cost.
Reviewed August 2026. Every figure above is restated from Merrill Edge's own published pages, linked in the table.