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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!

TD Essentials IRA vs Merrill Guided Investing IRA

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TD Essentials is a great option if you want an automated portfolio and you have an existing banking or brokerage relationship with TD Ameritrade.

Consider Merrill Guided Investing if you want a simple automated portfolio with potential fee discounts for existing Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers.

TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade

Automated

Open an Account
Best if you want
An automated portfolio and you have an existing banking or brokerage relationship with TD Ameritrade.
Fees
0.30%
What they invest in
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
The user experience isn't as intuitive as newer, digital-first institutions.
Human advisor available?
Not at this time. TD does offer other accounts with human advisors, but they have higher fees and account minimums.
Account Minimums
$5,000
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filledStar half
2.5 stars
Customer Support
Mix of online, call center, and branches.
Additional Info

Read our full review

Learn more about TD Ameritrade

Merrill Lynch

Merrill Lynch

Automated

Open an Account
Best if you want
A simple automated portfolio with potential fee discounts for existing Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers.
Fees
0.45%
What they invest in
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
A platform that's not quite as easy-to-navigate as newer institutions and comes with a higher fee.
Human advisor available?
Only if you have more than $20,000 to invest and are willing to pay a higher fee (0.85%).
Account Minimums
$1,000
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filled
2 stars
Customer Support
Mix of online and call center.
Additional Info

Read our full review

Learn more about Merrill Lynch

Ready to take control of your assets?
Capitalize helps you consolidate your old 401(k)s by rolling them into an IRA of your choosing. Use an existing IRA if you have one, or we’ll help you open one if you don’t.
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Compare TD Essentials to another IRA product

TD Ameritrade

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TD Ameritrade

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Merrill Lynch

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Compare Merrill Guided Investing to another IRA product

TD Ameritrade

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Merrill Lynch

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Charles Schwab

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