Wealthy PotMerrill Edge vs Fidelity (2026)
Merrill Edge makes the most sense for Bank of America customers who want brokerage tied to Preferred Rewards; Fidelity is the stronger standalone broker for nearly everyone else, with lower-cost funds and fractional shares. Choose Merrill if you already bank with BofA, Fidelity if you are starting fresh.
By Wealthy Pot · Last updated September 2026
| Feature | Merrill Edge | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bank-owned | Full-service |
| Stock/ETF commission | $0 | $0 |
| Options per contract | $0.65/contract | $0.65/contract |
| Account minimum | $0 | $0 |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, Desktop |
| Best for | Bank of America customers who want brokerage and Preferred Rewards in one place | Most investors — beginners, IRAs, and index-fund buyers who want one strong all-rounder |
Where Merrill Edge wins
- Tight integration with Bank of America
- Preferred Rewards perks for larger balances
- Solid research from BofA Global Research
Where Fidelity wins
- Zero-expense-ratio index funds you can hold for free
- Excellent research, screeners, and planning tools
- High yield on uninvested cash by default
- Fractional shares and a strong IRA lineup
Which should you choose?
Merrill Edge makes the most sense for Bank of America customers who want brokerage tied to Preferred Rewards; Fidelity is the stronger standalone broker for nearly everyone else, with lower-cost funds and fractional shares. Choose Merrill if you already bank with BofA, Fidelity if you are starting fresh.
Compare these against every option in our online brokers comparison.
We summarize hands-on assessment, not user reviews. Commissions, options fees, and account minimums change often and are re-checked against each broker's official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links — that never affects our comparisons. Nothing here is investment advice.