Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge offers high-quality customer service, robust research and low fees. Customers of parent company Bank of America will love the seamless, thoughtful integration, with a single login to access both accounts.
PROS:
Robust third-party research
Integrated with Bank of America
Free trades for eligible Bank of America customers
CONS
$2.95 trade commission
Minimum balance requirement for active-trading platform
TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade meets the needs of both active traders and beginner investors with quality trading platforms, $0 commissions on online stock, options and ETF trades and a large selection of mutual funds
PROS:
Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades
Free research
High-quality trading platforms
No account minimum
Good customer support
Large investment selection
CONS:
Costly broker-assisted trades.
High short-term ETF trading fee
E-Trade
E-Trade has long been one of the most popular online brokers. The company's $0 commissions and strong trading platforms appeal to active traders, while beginner investors benefit from a large library of educational resources.
PROS:
Easy-to-use tools
Large investment selection
Excellent customer support
Access to extensive research
Advanced mobile app
Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades
CONS:
Website can be difficult to navigate
