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We might be compensated by one of our IRA partners for an account you open through our platform. This helps us keep the rollover service free, but it never impacts the fees you’ll pay on your new account. We only win if you do, and our job is to help you simplify your retirement accounts. We also help people who already have an IRA account even though we might receive no compensation in these situations—because it’s just the right thing to do!

Schwab vs Merrill IRA Product Comparison

Updated on May 30, 2024

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Charles Schwab offers an automated IRA through Intelligent Portfolios with no management fee and a wide range of portfolio options.

Merrill offers a simple, automated IRA with customizable portfolios and potential fee discounts for existing Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers.

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Provider
Charles Schwab
Automated IRA
Merrill Lynch
Automated IRA
Fees
Charles Schwab
0%
Merrill Lynch
0.45%
What they invest in
Charles Schwab
Schwab offers an automated IRA with no management fee, a customizable portfolio, and 24/7 customer support.
Merrill Lynch
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
Charles Schwab
Schwab's automated IRA has a $5,000 account minimum which is higher than other providers, but comes with 24/7 human support.
Merrill Lynch
A platform that's not quite as easy-to-navigate as newer institutions and comes with a higher fee.
Human advisor available?
Charles Schwab
Only if you have more than $25,000 to invest, and for an extra fee of $30/month.
Merrill Lynch
Only if you have more than $20,000 to invest and are willing to pay a higher fee (0.85%).
Account minimums
Charles Schwab
$5,000
Merrill Lynch
$1,000
Ease of use
Charles Schwab
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Merrill Lynch
Star filledStar filled
2 stars
Rollover

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Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA