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Partnership Disclosure
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!

Merrill vs Ally IRA Product Comparison

Updated on May 30, 2024

Learn about our Editorial Process

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

Ally offers an automated IRA as a with no annual management fee, 24/7 customer support, and a range of other financial products (incl. bank accounts & mortgages).

Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA
Provider
Merrill Lynch
Automated IRA
Ally
Automated IRA
Fees
Merrill Lynch
0.45%
Ally
0%
What they invest in
Merrill Lynch
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Ally
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
Merrill Lynch
A platform that's not quite as easy-to-navigate as newer institutions and comes with a higher fee.
Ally
Ally's 0% fee only applies to the "Cash-Enhanced" portfolio which puts 30% of your assets into cash, which could impact your returns.
Human advisor available?
Merrill Lynch
Only if you have more than $20,000 to invest and are willing to pay a higher fee (0.85%).
Ally
Not at this time, though you'll get access to Ally's call center support.
Account minimums
Merrill Lynch
$1,000
Ally
$100
Ease of use
Merrill Lynch
Star filledStar filled
2 stars
Ally
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar half
3.5 stars
Rollover

Fund a Merrill Lynch IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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Fund a Ally IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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