Our Verdict

Imagine you’re on a quest to find the perfect platform for your investing needs. You’re torn between Merrill Edge Self-Directed and Webull, two well-known names in the world of brokerage services with distinct features.
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, especially if you lean towards long-term investing. Its connection with Bank of America means you get easy integration with banking services, access to financial advisors, and a variety of account types like solo 401(k)s and HSAs.
On the other hand, Webull stands out for its advanced trading technology and zero-commission trades. You could find Webull’s user interface and real-time data particularly compelling if you’re looking for a more tech-savvy approach. With its focus on high-frequency trading and innovative features, Webull might cater to your needs if you’re an active trader.
By comparing these platforms, you can see that Merrill Edge® Self-Directed offers comprehensive support and integration with traditional banking, while Webull provides cutting-edge technology and cost-effective trading solutions. Your choice will ultimately depend on what aspects of trading and investment support matter most to you.
Why Choose Merrill Edge Self-Directed

Who Merrill Edge Self-Directed Is Best For
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed is a perfect fit if you prefer taking control of your own investments. If you enjoy managing your portfolio independently without relying on advisors, this platform gives you the tools to trade stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options.
With its low-fee structure and no minimum balance requirement, you can start small and grow over time. Merrill Edge® Self-Directed is best suited for long-term investors rather than those seeking advanced trading options like futures or forex. The platform also offers mobile trading, ensuring you can stay connected and in control from anywhere
Who Merrill Edge Self-Directed Isn't Right For
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed might not be best for you if you require comprehensive research tools and access to diverse asset classes. While the platform offers free stock and ETF trades, its research tools are limited compared to competitors.
The mobile app also restricts bond trading, which could be a drawback if you prioritize diverse investment options. Additionally, Merrill Edge lacks advanced charting tools and customizability, which are crucial for active traders who need detailed analytics to make informed decisions
Why Choose Webull

Who Webull Is Best For
Consider Webull over Merrill Edge Self-Directed if you are proactive, tech-savvy, and eager to explore stock trading without incurring high costs. You’ll thrive if you enjoy analyzing market trends and making quick decisions, as Webull provides real-time data and advanced charting tools.
Day traders and those comfortable with margin trading will find the platform’s low fees and user-friendly interface ideal for executing trades swiftly. Extended trading hours is a bonus for you if you prefer trading beyond traditional market times. If you’re someone who enjoys learning as you go, Webull’s resources can help you grow as a trader
Who Webull Isn't Right For
If you desire support for mutual funds and forex trading, Webull may not be ideal for you. While Webull offers good tools for active traders, its research tools fall short when compared to industry leaders. Long-term investors may find the limited market commentary and analysis insufficient.
Additionally, the platform doesn’t provide fractional shares for every stock, which restricts your ability to invest small amounts into high-priced stocks. The advanced tools available might feel overwhelming for beginners, making it harder to navigate if you’re new to trading. Furthermore, Webull’s customer support relies heavily on email, which can delay urgent assistance needs.
Merrill Edge Self-Directed vs Webull: Main Differences
Main Differences | Merrill Edge® Self-Directed | Webull |
Founding Date/ Year | Founded in 2010 | Founded 24 May, 2017 |
Account Types | Offers individual brokerage and retirement accounts | Provides individual brokerage accounts and retirement accounts |
Fees | Offers you commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs but has some fees for other investments like options | Provides commission-free trading but tends to have lower fees overall |
Trading Platform | Offers you a more integrated platform focusing on long-term investing with robust research tools | Appeals to active traders with its commission-free trading |
Customer Support | Offers extensive customer support with access to phone and in-person help | Focuses on digital support, offering 24/7 live chat but lacks physical locations |
Research Tools | Offers robust research tools, including access to Bank of America’s research | Provides basic research tools with technical indicators and charts |
Educational Resources | Provides a broad range of educational resources such as webinars and interactive learning | Offers fewer educational materials, primarily catering to more experienced traders |
Account Minimum | Has no minimum deposit requirement to open an account | Offers a $0 minimum deposit, providing similar flexibility for small investors |
Mobile App | Offers you a robust mobile app with integrated banking features and personalized insights | Provides you a sleek, user-friendly app with advanced trading tools |
Investment Options | Offers a broad selection of mutual funds with access to research | Focuses on stocks providing advanced trading tools but limited research |
Margin Trading | Offers you margin trading with access to personalized support and research | Provides more advanced trading tools but lacks direct personal assistance |
Account Security | Offers you robust security features, including Bank of America’s advanced encryption | Provides you with strong account protection with encryption but lacks the additional bank-backed security |
Integration with Bank Services | Integrates seamlessly with Bank of America accounts, providing consolidated financial management | Lacks direct bank integration, requiring manual deposits and withdrawals |
Trading Tools | Offers a comprehensive suite of research tools and professional-grade charts | Focuses on advanced charting, customizable indicators, and real-time data |
International Trading | Offers international trading through partnerships with global markets | Provides broader international trading options with a focus on low-cost trades |
Platform Usability | Offers a user-friendly interface ideal for those seeking a comprehensive financial experience | Provides a sleek, minimalistic platform tailored for active traders |
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Merrill Edge® Self-Directed vs Webull: Standout Features
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed

Instead of Webull consider Merrill Edge® Self-Directed due to its
- User-friendly interface making trading straightforward and intuitive
- Comprehensive research tools for making informed decisions
- Customizable dashboards to track investments efficiently
- Robust mobile apps keeping you connected on the go
- Low fees ensuring you keep more of your gains
- Educational resources aiding in developing your investment skills
- Advanced charting tools enhancing technical analysis capabilities
- Real-time data updates helping you stay current with markets
Webull

Choose Webull over Merrill Edge® Self-Directed due to its
- Intuitive interface simplifying trading for you
- Comprehensive charts offering detailed technical analysis
- Powerful tools supporting advanced trading strategies
- Customizable watchlists keeping track of your favorite stocks
- Real-time market data ensuring you make informed decisions
- Zero-commission trades saving your money on every transaction
- Advanced order types allowing for precise trading
- Robust mobile apps enabling trading from anywhere
- Educational resources helping you understand market trends
- User-friendly platform streamlining your trading experience
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed vs Webull: Cryptocurrency Trading
When exploring cryptocurrency trading, you might wonder whether Merrill Edge® Self-Directed or Webull suits your needs.
Merrill Edge® offers limited cryptocurrency trading options. You can access Bitcoin futures contracts, but direct cryptocurrency trading is not available through this platform. This setup might not meet your needs if you want to trade various cryptocurrencies directly. Merrill Edge® primarily focuses on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
On the other hand, Webull provides a more expansive cryptocurrency trading experience. Trade directly popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. Webull offers a user-friendly platform that supports real-time quotes, advanced charting tools, and comprehensive market data for cryptocurrencies. This access allows you to make more informed trading decisions.
Webull also allows you to trade cryptocurrencies with zero commission fees, which can be advantageous if you are an active trader. This feature can be beneficial if you are looking to trade frequently or want to diversify your cryptocurrency investments.
Ultimately, if you are interested in a broad range of cryptocurrencies and prefer a platform that specializes in digital assets, Webull is likely the better choice. Merrill Edge® Self-Directed may be more suitable if you prefer a traditional investment approach with a focus on stocks and mutual funds.
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed vs Webull: Investment Options
When comparing Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull, you find key differences in the investment options available on each platform.
With Merrill Edge® Self-Directed, you can access a broad range of traditional investment products. You have the ability to trade stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and options. This makes it ideal if you are interested in a more diversified portfolio that includes conservative options like bonds and mutual funds.
Webull, on the other hand, focuses on a more modern and tech-savvy trading experience. Although it doesn’t support mutual funds or bonds, you can trade stocks, ETFs, options, and notably, cryptocurrencies, a feature Merrill Edge® Self-Directed lacks. This makes Webull attractive if you prefer low-cost, flexible trading with access to more speculative assets like crypto.
Additionally, Merrill Edge® Self-Directed offers tools like dividend reinvestment and small business accounts, which are beneficial for long-term investors seeking a more structured investment environment. Webull also offers fractional shares and pre-IPO offerings, which allow you to enter the market with smaller amounts of capital and participate in early-stage investments.
In essence, if you want comprehensive traditional investment options, Merrill Edge® Self-Directed is likely a better fit. However, if you seek a tech-forward platform with advanced tools and crypto, Webull could suit your needs.
Pros and Cons of Merrill Edge® Self-Directed

- Pros
Opt for Merrill Edge® Self-Directed over Webull because it:
- Offers low trading fees
- Allows access to extensive research tools
- Provides a seamless mobile experience
- Gives a variety of investment options
- Offers a user-friendly trading platform
- Leverage customer service support
- Explore easy account management
- Offers educational resources and webinars
- Integrate with Bank of America accounts
- Cons
Don’t overlook Webull in favor of Merrill Edge® Self-Directed, as you may:
- Miss out on advanced trading features
- Deal with higher margin rates
- Navigate a complex fee structure
- Face limited investment options in certain sectors
- Experience delays in account transfers
- Struggle with less personalized advice
- Handle slow account setup
- Encounter fewer tools for active traders
- Face difficulty in accessing certain global markets
- Handle occasional technical glitches
Pros and Cons of Webull

- Pros
Ignore Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and opt for Webull because it:
- Offers a zero-commission trading model
- Allows access to advanced trading tools and features
- Utilize extensive research and analysis resources
- Give benefits from fractional shares for smaller investments
- Uses customizable charting options
- Explore a wide range of assets
- Trade on a sleek mobile app
- Receive real-time market data
- Cons
Consider Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and ignore Webull as you may:
- Struggle with complex platform for beginners
- Face occasional technical glitches
- Endure limited customer support options
- Experience high learning curve
- Deal with occasional account verification delays
- Navigate a less intuitive mobile interface
- Endure slower response times during high volume
- Confront occasional data lag
- Face limited educational resources
- Handle high-frequency trading pressure
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed vs Webull : Customer Reviews
When comparing customer reviews of Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull, several differences emerge in terms of user experience, features, and ratings.
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed generally receives a high rating of around 4.5 out of 5. Positive feedback highlights the robust research tools, including integration with Bank of America accounts and an extensive selection of market analysis features, making it suitable for long-term investors. However, some negative reviews mention the platform’s interface as somewhat outdated, with slow processing Webull averages a 4.3-star rating, appealing more to casual traders and beginners. Users are drawn to the sleek, intuitive design of both its desktop and mobile apps, as well as features like paper trading and commission-free trades. While the platform is praised for easy navigation and charting tools, some users note that research tools and educational resources lag behind industry leaders, making it less ideal for advanced traders.
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull Competitors
When you look for alternatives to Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull, you come across a variety of platforms that offer unique advantages. Some platforms stand out by providing better tools, lower fees, or specialized features that suit different investing styles.
First, you encounter Fidelity® Investments. Fidelity Investments offers you a comprehensive suite of tools and research resources that provide you with better insights for making informed decisions. While Merrill Edge® Self-Directed has some decent research tools, Fidelity offers more robust options, especially in terms of educational resources and in-depth analysis.
Next, Charles Schwab grabs your attention through delivering an excellent balance between active and passive investing, with lower fees on several premium services. Unlike Webull and Merrill Edge® Self-Directed, Schwab offers access to fractional shares and an impressive array of retirement accounts.
TD Ameritrade® comes across as another great competitor. If you enjoy educational content and want to sharpen your trading skills, TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim® platform gives you advanced charting tools and customizable features. It goes a step further than Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull by offering you access to futures and forex trading.
Lastly, Interactive Brokers emerges as a top pick if you are a more experienced investor. With low margin rates and access to international markets, you can take advantage of trading opportunities worldwide. Merrill Edge® and Webull, though solid platforms for domestic trading, don’t offer the same global reach or advanced trading capabilities.
Pro Tips
To make the right choice between
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull consider these Pro tips
- Evaluate fees for trading and account management
- Compare available research and analysis tools provided
- Check the platforms’ mobile and desktop usability
- Examine the range of investment options offered
- Look into account minimums and funding requirements
- Assess customer service accessibility and reliability
- Verify security features and data protection measures
- Review educational resources for beginner and advanced traders
- Explore additional features like margin accounts or options trading
Recap
When comparing Merrill Edge® Self-Directed and Webull, you find distinct advantages with each platform. Merrill Edge offers a wide range of investment options like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, with more comprehensive research tools, including Recognia and OptionsPlay. Webull, however, excels in low-cost trading with access to cryptocurrencies and fractional shares. It also has powerful features for active traders, such as Level II quotes and extended market hours.
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