Merrill Edge Review 2026: Is It Good for ETF Investing?

Merrill Edge at a Glance

Merrill Edge for ETF Investors: What You Need to Know

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. With commission-free ETF trading and fractional share support (invest from $1) , Merrill Edge makes it easy to get started with no minimum deposit requirement.

The platform offers access to over 2,100 ETFs, giving you plenty of options whether you're looking for broad market index funds like VOO and VTI, dividend-focused ETFs like SCHD, or sector-specific funds. The research tools are rated excellent, which means you'll have access to comprehensive screening tools, analyst reports, and educational resources to make informed decisions.

Merrill Edge's mobile app lets you manage your ETF portfolio on the go, set up automatic investments, and monitor your holdings from anywhere.

Pros and Cons

How to Open a Merrill Edge Account for ETF Investing

1. Visit Merrill Edge's website and click "Open an Account." You'll need your Social Security number, government ID, and bank information.
2. Choose your account type — Individual Brokerage (most common for beginners), Roth IRA (tax-advantaged retirement), or Traditional IRA. If you're not sure, start with an individual brokerage account.
3. Fund your account via bank transfer. There's no minimum deposit, so you can start with any amount.
4. Search for your chosen ETF (e.g., VOO, VTI, or SCHD) using the search bar and place your first trade.
5. Set up automatic investing to buy your chosen ETF(s) on a regular schedule. This is dollar cost averaging — the simplest and most effective strategy for beginners.

How Merrill Edge Compares