Platform Comparison

Merrill Edge vs SoFi Invest

Compare Merrill Edge and SoFi Invest on fees, DRIP, fractional shares and research 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
SF

SoFi Invest

★4.3

A modern all-in-one financial platform combining commission-free investing with banking, loans, and complimentary access to financial advisors.

Full Review

Merrill Edge vs SoFi Invest: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureMerrill EdgeSoFi Invest
Our Rating4.5/54.3/5
Trading Commissions$0$0
Account Minimum$0$0
Fractional SharesDRIP onlyYes
DRIPFreeFree
Research ToolsGoodBasic
Best ForBank of America CustomersBeginners

Merrill Edge vs SoFi Invest: Pros and 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

SoFi Invest

Pros

  • + Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
  • + No account minimum; fractional shares from $5
  • + Free access to certified financial advisors for 30-minute consultations
  • + Automated investing (robo-advisor) at just 0.25% annual fee
  • + Banking, investing, loans, and insurance under one roof

Cons

  • - Basic trading platform lacks advanced screeners and charting
  • - No tax-loss harvesting (unlike competitors like Betterment)
  • - Limited portfolio customization in robo-advisor
  • - No mutual funds or bonds in active investing

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: Merrill Edge or SoFi Invest?

Choose Merrill Edge if you...

  • Are in Merrill Edge's core audience: bank of america customers
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Choose SoFi Invest if you...

  • Are in SoFi Invest's core audience: beginners

Want the full breakdown of fees, DRIP, and research tools? Read our Merrill Edge review and SoFi Invest review.

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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.