Platform Comparison

Merrill Edge vs Public

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best platform for dividend investing

Higher Rated
ME

Merrill Edge

★4.5

Bank of America's brokerage offering seamless banking integration, solid research tools, and the valuable Preferred Rewards program for qualifying customers.

Full Review
PB

Public

★4.4

A transparent, community-focused investing platform that rejects payment for order flow in favor of optional tipping—putting your interests first.

Full Review

Feature Comparison

FeatureMerrill EdgePublic
Our Rating4.5/54.4/5
Trading Commissions$0$0
Account Minimum$0$0
Fractional SharesDRIP only$1 minimum
DRIPFreeFree
Research ToolsGoodBasic
Best ForBank of America CustomersTransparency-Focused Investors

Pros & Cons

Merrill Edge

Pros

  • + Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
  • + Seamless integration with Bank of America accounts
  • + Selective DRIP—choose which securities reinvest dividends
  • + DRIP supports fractional share reinvestment
  • + Preferred Rewards program offers fee discounts and bonuses

Cons

  • - No direct fractional share purchases (DRIP only)
  • - Mutual fund transaction fees up to $19.95
  • - Low interest rate on uninvested cash
  • - $49.95 full account transfer fee

Public

Pros

  • + No payment for order flow—potentially better trade execution
  • + Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options trading
  • + Fractional shares starting at just $1
  • + Free dividend reinvestment with fractional share support
  • + High interest rate on uninvested cash

Cons

  • - No mutual funds available
  • - Limited research and screening tools
  • - Extended hours trading costs $2.99 per order (non-Premium)
  • - Penny stocks cost $2.99 per trade (non-Premium)

Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose Merrill Edge if you...

  • Want bank of america customers focused features
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Choose Public if you...

  • Want transparency-focused investors focused features

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Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.