Bank of America announced the expansion of unlimited commission-free online stock, ETF and option trading to all Merrill Edge Self-Directed investors. Zero-dollar trades, together with the firm’s powerful combination of personalized guidance, straightforward tools, professional expertise and the industry-leading Preferred Rewards program, ensure Bank of America and Merrill clients can pursue their financial goals through a complete continuum of banking and investing solutions.
“We first introduced zero-dollar trading in 2006, expanded it to unlimited free online trading for all Preferred Rewards members this fall, and are now making it available to all of our self-directed clients,” said Aron Levine, head of Consumer Banking and Investments at Bank of America. “With free trades now an industry standard, attracting clients and building lifelong relationships will depend even more on the value investment firms bring to the table. Our award-winning service, innovative solutions, and unmatched benefits support clients throughout their entire financial journey and during every stage of their lives.”
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Turning ideas into action – The award-winning Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform delivers a personalized investing experience to clients through:
- Insightful research: Clients gain valuable insights into what’s driving the market through research and perspectives from a range of resources, including award-winning BofA Global Research, CFRA (powered by S&P Global) and Morningstar.
- Informed investing: Self-Directed clients can evaluate stocks, funds and their portfolios through Merrill’s patent-pending Stock Story, Fund Story and Portfolio Story capabilities, which provide engaging experiences that help clients make more informed investing decisions.
- Best execution: Trade execution is a critical factor in determining investing success. Merrill optimizes and continuously monitors trades and does not accept payment for order flow.
Advice and guidance – Merrill Guided Investing is a unique online advisory program, combining a convenient digital experience with access to investment strategies developed and managed by the company’s Chief Investment Office, rather than algorithms. Merrill Guided Investing was expanded in June 2019 to include the option for clients to partner with a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor (FSA) to help identify life priorities, chart a course to achieving financial goals and track progress toward those goals.
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Rewarding relationships – With more than 6 million members, Preferred Rewards is the first no-fee program of its kind that recognizes and rewards clients for choosing to do more across their Bank of America and Merrill accounts. The loyalty program’s unique relationship-based approach provides members extensive rewards and benefits across their deposit accounts, investments, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans, along with exclusive discounts and experiences. Members enjoy program benefits including credit card rewards bonuses, discounts on home and auto loans, monthly account maintenance fee waivers, and more.
Integrated banking and investing – Clients can access a full range of Bank of America banking products and Merrill investing strategies through a customizable dashboard – along with an integrated view of their banking and investment accounts. Clients can easily manage and transfer funds between their Bank of America banking and Merrill investment accounts in real time and with a single login.
Industry-leading client care – Merrill is continually recognized for client service, user experience and everyday banking rewards benefits. Most recently, the Merrill Investment Center was recognized for the ninth consecutive year by J.D. Power for providing “An Outstanding Customer Service Experience” for phone support.2 The certification reflects Merrill’s ongoing commitment to industry-leading client care. Earlier this year, the company was also recognized in Barron’s 2019 Best Online Brokers review3 and the 2019 annual review by StockBrokers.com, which ranked Merrill Edge No. 1 for “Overall Client Experience” and highlighted Merrill Edge’s “award-winning customer service.”
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