Platform Comparison

Merrill Edge vs Webull

Compare Merrill Edge and Webull 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.

WB

Webull

4.3

A feature-rich mobile trading platform with advanced charting, commission-free trading, and automated dividend reinvestment.

Merrill Edge vs Webull: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureMerrill EdgeWebull
Our Rating4.5/54.3/5
Trading Commissions$0$0
Account Minimum$0$0
Fractional SharesDRIP onlyYes
DRIPFreeFree
Research ToolsGoodAutomated
Best ForBank of America CustomersActive Traders

Merrill Edge vs Webull: 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

Webull

Pros

  • + Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options (no per-contract fees)
  • + Automated dividend reinvestment (DRIP) with fractional share support
  • + Advanced charting and technical analysis tools rival desktop platforms
  • + Extended-hours trading available for flexibility
  • + Recurring investments for dollar-cost averaging starting at $5

Cons

  • - No mutual funds, bonds, or international trading
  • - Limited research tools compared to Fidelity or Schwab
  • - Customer service can be slow—primarily chat-based support
  • - $75 fee for outgoing account transfers (ACAT)

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: Merrill Edge or Webull?

Choose Merrill Edge if you...

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

Choose Webull if you...

  • Are in Webull's core audience: active traders

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

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.