Fidelity vs Merrill Edge: Which Is Better for ETF Investing in 2026?
Last updated: March 2026 • Fidelity Review • Merrill Edge Review
Quick Verdict
Fidelity edges out Merrill Edge with a rating of 9.2/10 vs 8.4/10. Fidelity is best for overall best for beginners, offering commission-free ETF trading and fractional share support. That said, Merrill Edge (bank of america customers) may be the better fit depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Fidelity vs Merrill Edge: Side-by-Side Comparison
This comparison table highlights the key differences between Fidelity and Merrill Edge across the features that matter most to ETF investors. Both brokers offer strong platforms, but the details reveal meaningful differences that could impact your investing experience and long-term returns.
| Feature | Fidelity | Merrill Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Commission-Free ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| ETFs Available | 2,000+ | 2,100+ |
| Research Tools | Excellent | Excellent |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Our Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
Fidelity Overview
One of the largest and most trusted brokerages in the US. Known for excellent research tools, zero-commission trading, and strong customer service. A top choice for beginner ETF investors. With access to over 2,000 ETFs and excellent research tools, Fidelity is a strong contender for ETF investors who value overall best for beginners. The platform supports fractional shares, allowing you to invest in any ETF starting from just $1 regardless of the share price. There is no minimum deposit requirement, making it easy to get started.
Fidelity Pros
- ✓No account minimums or commissions
- ✓Excellent research and education tools
- ✓Fractional shares from $1
- ✓Strong customer service
Merrill Edge Overview
Bank of America's brokerage arm offering seamless integration with BofA banking. Provides commission-free ETF trades and strong research powered by BofA Global Research, ideal for existing Bank of America customers. Offering 2,100+ ETFs with excellent research capabilities, Merrill Edge appeals to investors seeking bank of america customers. Fractional share support means you can diversify across multiple ETFs even with a small initial investment. The $0 minimum deposit removes any financial barrier to getting started.
Merrill Edge Pros
- ✓Tight integration with Bank of America banking
- ✓Access to BofA Global Research
- ✓Preferred Rewards program benefits
- ✓Commission-free ETF trades
Key Differences Between Fidelity and Merrill Edge
ETF Selection and Research Tools
Fidelity provides access to 2,000+ ETFs with excellent research tools, while Merrill Edge offers 2,100+ ETFs with excellent research capabilities. Merrill Edge offers a wider selection of funds, which is beneficial if you want access to specialized or thematic ETFs alongside your core holdings. Both brokers provide excellent research tools, so you won't sacrifice analytical capabilities with either choice.
Fractional Shares and Minimum Investment
Both Fidelity and Merrill Edge support fractional share investing, which is excellent news for beginners who want to start small. You can invest as little as $1 in any ETF on either platform, making it easy to build a diversified portfolio regardless of how much capital you have. This eliminates the need to save up hundreds of dollars just to buy a single share of a popular ETF like VOO.
Trading Costs and Fees
Both Fidelity and Merrill Edge offer commission-free ETF trading, which has become the industry standard among major brokerages. You will not pay any fees to buy or sell ETFs on either platform. The real cost difference comes down to the ETFs themselves — their expense ratios. Both platforms provide access to the lowest-cost ETFs from Vanguard, Schwab, and iShares, so your costs will depend on which funds you choose rather than which broker you use. Neither platform charges account maintenance fees or inactivity fees, and both have $0 minimum deposit requirements.
Mobile Experience and Usability
Both Fidelity and Merrill Edge offer mobile apps for managing your ETF portfolio on the go. The quality of mobile experience varies considerably between platforms. Fidelity (overall best for beginners) and Merrill Edge (bank of america customers) approach design differently. If you plan to primarily manage your investments from your phone, testing both apps before committing is wise. For long-term ETF investors who only check their portfolio occasionally, the mobile experience matters less than research tools and fund selection.
Which Should You Choose: Fidelity or Merrill Edge?
The right broker depends on your specific needs, investing style, and what features matter most to you. Here is our recommendation based on different investor profiles.
Choose Fidelity if you want:
- ✓The most comprehensive research and screening tools
- ✓Access to 2,000+ ETFs for maximum fund selection
- ✓Fractional share investing to start with any dollar amount
- ✓A broker that excels at overall best for beginners
Choose Merrill Edge if you want:
- ✓Best-in-class research and analytical tools
- ✓2,100+ ETFs to choose from
- ✓Fractional share support for flexible investment amounts
- ✓A platform designed for bank of america customers
Our Bottom Line
Overall, we give a slight edge to Fidelity (9.2/10 vs 8.4/10) for most ETF investors, primarily because of its strengths in research tools and overall best for beginners. However, Merrill Edge is the better pick if bank of america customers is your top priority. Merrill Edge also offers a wider ETF selection with 2,100+ funds. Remember that the most important decision is not which broker you choose — it is that you start investing consistently and stick with it over the long term.
Recommended: This beginner-friendly ETF course on Udemy covers everything from ETF fundamentals to building a recession-proof portfolio in 7 days.
More Broker Comparisons
Not sure Fidelity or Merrill Edge is the right fit? Explore our other head-to-head broker comparisons to find the perfect platform for your ETF investing needs.