Merrill Edge Offer and Investment Options

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Merrill Edge offers a wide range of investment options to suit different investment goals and risk tolerance. With no minimum balance requirement, you can start investing with as little as $100.

You can choose from a variety of investment products, including individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds. Merrill Edge also offers a range of commission-free ETFs and mutual funds.

The platform offers a range of trading tools, including real-time quotes, charts, and technical analysis. This can help you make informed investment decisions and stay on top of market trends.

With Merrill Edge, you can also take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, to save for retirement and other long-term goals.

Merrill Edge Offer Details

Merrill Edge offers a $1,000 bonus for transferring at least $250,000 in qualifying assets, which can be cash or stocks, to a new Merrill Edge Self-Directed account within 45 days.

To qualify for the bonus, you must maintain the balance for at least 24 weeks and enroll in Preferred Rewards within 90 days of meeting the funding criteria.

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Qualifying assets include Merrill Cash Management Account or Merrill IRA, limited to Rollover, Traditional, Roth, and Sole-Proprietor SEP.

The bonus will be deposited within 2 weeks after 9 months, and Merrill sends a 1099 for bonuses above $600.

Here are the bonus tiers for the Merrill Edge Self-Directed promotion:

The secret Merrill bonus is available exclusively via Merrill advisors and has similar tiers to the public offer, with higher tiers offering larger bonuses for larger investment amounts.

Qualifying and Earning the Bonus

To earn the up to $1,000 bonus, you must deposit qualifying assets into your new Merrill Edge Self-Directed account within 45 days. You'll also need to maintain your balance for at least 24 weeks, as stated in the fine print.

Qualifying assets can include cash transfers, which count towards the total. You can transfer funds from your Merrill Cash Management Account or Merrill IRA, which includes Rollover, Traditional, Roth, and Sole-Proprietor SEP IRAs.

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To qualify for the bonus, you must enroll in Preferred Rewards as of 90 days from meeting the funding criteria. This is a crucial step to ensure you receive the full bonus amount.

Here are the qualifying asset tiers and corresponding bonus amounts:

  • $20,000 - $49,999: $100 bonus
  • $50,000 - $99,999: $200 bonus
  • $100,000 - $199,999: $400 bonus
  • $250,000 or more: $1,000 bonus

Keep in mind that these tiers are for the public offer, and there may be additional tiers and bonus amounts available through Merrill advisors.

Fees and Account Types

Merrill Edge offers a variety of retirement accounts, including traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k) accounts, and more.

Fees for Merrill Edge accounts are tiered, meaning different levels of service come with different costs. A Roth IRA in the self-directed program has no annual fee and no minimum investment.

Investors who choose the mid-tier Merrill Guided Investing program will pay a 0.45% annual program fee and need to invest at least $1,000. Those who invest with an advisor must put in $20,000 and pay an 0.85% annual program fee.

It's worth noting that closing out a Roth IRA account will incur a $49.95 fee.

Roth IRA Account Fees

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Merrill Edge Self-Directed does not charge a monthly maintenance fee.

Roth IRAs in the self-directed program do not incur an annual fee and have no minimum investment.

You'll pay a fee of $49.95 to close out the account, so be sure to think twice before making a change.

The mid-tier Merrill Guided Investing program incurs a 0.45% annual program fee and requires a $1,000 minimum investment.

Investing with an advisor requires a $20,000 minimum and an 0.85% annual program fee, so be prepared for a bigger financial commitment.

Funds invested in a Roth IRA can grow tax free, which is a major perk of this type of account.

Types of Retirement Accounts

Merrill Edge offers a variety of retirement accounts, including traditional and Roth IRAs.

You can also use a 401(k) account with Merrill Edge, which is a great option for those who have access to an employer-sponsored plan.

A SEP IRA is another type of retirement account offered by Merrill Edge, which is designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners.

Inherited IRAs are also available, which allow beneficiaries to inherit retirement accounts from a loved one.

More options are available, so it's worth exploring what Merrill Edge has to offer.

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Investment Management and Tools

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With Merrill Edge, you have the option to manage your own retirement accounts or to have them managed by Merrill. This flexibility is perfect for those who want to take control of their investments.

You can easily manage your investments online with Merrill Edge. This allows you to make changes to your portfolio and monitor your progress at any time.

Merrill Edge offers customers the option to manage their own retirement accounts or to have them managed by Merrill. This means you can choose the level of involvement that works best for you.

With Merrill Edge, you can screen for ETFs and mutual funds using their online tools. This makes it easy to find the right investments for your portfolio.

Merrill Edge offers a wide range of investment options, including ETFs and mutual funds. You can find more information on these options by visiting the Merrill Edge website.

If you're looking for a low-cost index fund, consider the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). This ETF tracks the performance of the US stock market and has a low expense ratio.

Here's an interesting read: At the Market Equity Offering

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Here are some key features of the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI):

Merrill Edge also offers a range of bond ETFs, including the BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG). This ETF tracks the performance of a diversified portfolio of US investment-grade bonds.

The BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) has a low expense ratio and is designed to provide a stable source of income for investors.

Related reading: Muni Bond Offerings

Offer Terms and Conditions

You have to meet the qualifying deposit within 45 days and maintain your balance for at least 24 weeks to get the Merrill Edge bonus.

Qualifying assets include cash transfers, which count towards the total, and can be deposited into a Merrill Cash Management Account or a Merrill IRA (IRAs limited to Rollover, Traditional, Roth, and Sole-Proprietor SEP only).

To get the bonus, you must enroll in Preferred Rewards as of 90 days from meeting the funding criteria.

Assets transferred from other Bank of America accounts, MLPF&S, Bank of America Private Bank, or 401(k) accounts administered by MLPF&S do not count towards qualifying net new assets.

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You can enroll in the offer by entering the offer code in the online application or by providing it when speaking with a Merrill Edge Financial Solutions Advisor at 888.MER.EDGE (888.637.3343) or at select Bank of America financial centers.

The bonus will be deposited within 2 weeks after 9 months, not 45 days like the initial deposit.

Reviews and Verdict

The Merrill Edge offer has been a popular choice among investors, and for good reason. The standard offer of $100-$600 can be boosted to $1,000 with a promo code, making it a great deal for those who qualify.

This offer is a public online offer, making it easier to access and apply without having to request it from a Merrill agent. However, note that the standard $600 bonus offer requires holding funds for 90 days, while the $1,000 offer requires 180 days.

For those who are interested in using Merrill Edge, it's worth considering their Preferred Rewards structure, which can give you a regular 2.62% earnings on all spend and other nice earning opportunities. To qualify, you'll need to have a Bank of America checking account, which is a relatively straightforward requirement.

The Merrill Edge offer has undergone some changes over the years, with the $1,000 offer being reintroduced in 2022 and valid until May 22, 2022. In the past, there have been other tier bonuses available, including a $750 bonus link and higher tier bonuses available via a Merrill agent.

Our Verdict

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The Merrill Edge $1,000 bonus offer is a great deal, but it's not the only thing that makes Merrill Edge stand out. The standard bonus offer is $600, but with this offer, you can get between $100-$1,000.

Merrill agents might be able to apply this $1,000 offer manually, but it's easier to do when it's a public online offer. The 180-day investment period is longer than the standard 90 days.

The $1,000 offer is a significant increase from the standard $600 offer, and it's a great incentive to open an account. If my memory serves me right, when I did a Merrill bonus a number of years ago, I did not get a 1099 form for the bonus.

To qualify for the Preferred Rewards structure, you need a Bank of America checking account. This structure can give you a regular 2.62% earnings on all spend and other nice earning opportunities.

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The 2.62% rate works both on the Premium Rewards card and on the Travel Rewards card. The Preferred Rewards structure is a major perk of using Merrill Edge.

Here are the key details to keep in mind:

  • Maximum bonus amount: $1,000
  • Investment period: 180 days
  • Preferred Rewards structure: 2.62% earnings on all spend
  • Bank of America checking account required

Share Thoughts or Questions

Bank of America's self-directed brokerage account has its pros and cons. It's nice that it doesn't require active management with many fees involved.

The promotion for the Bank of America Merrill Edge Self-Directed up to $600 Bonus has its requirements, which can be a bit steep for some. The requirement for this promotion is a little too steep for some people.

It's essential to read the terms carefully, as Bank of America can be strict about posting the bonus and may require proofs. They tend to be the worse in posting the bonus and might need proofs.

Some people may find that other brokerages have better bonuses for certain tiers. Other brokerages have better bonuses for certain tiers, making Bank of America's offer less appealing.

To stay on top of these bonuses, it's helpful to keep a screenshot of the terms and the code applied. Need help keeping track of these bonuses??

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Merrill Edge bonus for 2024?

The Merrill Edge bonus for eligible new accounts is up to $600, awarded when you deposit $20,000 or more within 45 days and maintain the balance for 90 days. Check the Merrill Edge website for details on how to qualify and claim your cash reward.

What is the $1000 Merrill offer?

Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn up to $1,000 by opening and funding a new Merrill account within 45 days. This offer is part of a connected banking and investing relationship between Bank of America and Merrill.

What is the Merrill Edge $600 offer code?

The Merrill Edge $600 offer code is "600ME". Use this promo code to open a new Self-Directed Trading account and fund it with new money within 45 days.

Is Merrill Edge commission free?

Merrill Edge offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, with a small fee of $0.65 per contract for options. This makes it a great option for investors looking to save on trading costs.

Which is better, Fidelity or Merrill Edge?

Fidelity is the better option for investors due to its lower fees and more comprehensive research tools. It offers a more cost-effective and feature-rich platform compared to Merrill Edge.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

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