Investing in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) at Merrill Edge
Obtain diversified equity exposure with ETF trading.
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of index fund that is traded on the exchange like a stock. ETFs are designed to track a market index similar to an index mutual fund, but they trade on an exchange like stocks, offering the added benefit of liquidity.
ETFs offer diversified exposure to a portfolio of securities based on the index that the ETF is designed to track.
ETF Advantages
  • Liquidity - intraday ability to trade
  • Diversification - potential diversification in a single investment
  • Access - exposure to difficult-to-access asset classes
  • Tax efficiency - generally provides greater tax efficiency than mutual funds
Competitive Pricing
Learn more about our competitive fees and commissions—including commissions as low as $0¹ for online stock and ETF trades.
ETF Trading Tools and Resources

We'll provide you with access to research, tools and market data so you can make the most of trading ETFs. Explore these different opportunities to find the ETFs that may be appropriate for you.


Tools to help you research ETFs:
  • ETF Screener helps you choose ETFs based on the criteria you set
  • Profiles provide all of the details you need on each fund, including return history, top 10 holdings, expense ratio and Lipper ratings
  • Detailed holdings information include comparison charts and graphs of trends
  • BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research for world-class research, market analysis and risk-management
ETF-related market and economic news to help manage your holdings:
  • Market Mover tracks the biggest gainers and losers each day
  • Real-time index and sector performance
  • Broad market indices and live updates as they change
  • Analysis of recent economic reports by Standard & Poor's
  • Daily market updates throughout the day and after close
Ready To Get Started?
Call 1.888.MER.EDGE (1.888.637.3343)
Representatives are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please remember there's always the potential of losing money when investing in securities.

1 $0 trades are only available with an individual or joint Merrill Edge self-directed brokerage account. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) waives its commission fee for as many as 30 monthly online equity trades, including stock and exchange traded funds (ETFs) for customers who meet any one of the following criteria:

a) Combined total of $25,000 or more in your deposit accounts at Bank of America, N.A. When you make a trade, MLPF&S determines whether you meet the balance requirement to qualify that trade for the $0 waiver. MLPF&S adds the average collected balances in your deposit accounts as of the prior month to the balances in your bank CD and IRAs as of the prior business day. Bank deposit accounts with the same Social Security number (SSN) as the SSN(s) on the self-directed brokerage account are systematically included in the balance determination. If this calculation reflects a combined total of less than $25,000, a second calculation is made. To determine the 30- trade limit, MLPF&S adds the qualifying trades in your individual accounts and joint accounts. Commission fees apply when the balance requirement is not met, or when you exceed 30 qualifying trades a month. Brokerage fees associated with, but not limited to, margin transactions, option trading, special stock registration/gifting, account transfer and processing, account maintenance, research request and termination apply. See merrilledge.com for details. Standard deposit account fees apply. Relationship requirements and pricing are subject to change.
b) Or combined balance of $25,000 or more in cash balances in one or more of the following sweep options in your Merrill Edge self-directed account(s) as of the prior business day:
  • Bank Deposit Accounts sweep option with your Cash Management Account® (CMA®)
  • Retirement Assets Savings Program II sweep with your IRA.

c) Or Client of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management
d) Or Client of Platinum Privileges

This offer does not apply to Business/Corporate Accounts, Investment Club Accounts, Partnership Accounts and certain fiduciary accounts held at MLPF&S.

You automatically enjoy status in the Platinum Privileges® program if you have an active Bank of America personal checking account and maintain at least $50,000 as a combined balance in your Bank of America deposit accounts and/or your Merrill Edge brokerage accounts. Platinum Privileges® is not available to U.S. Trust and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management clients. Please speak with your U.S. Trust advisor or Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor for information about the enhanced banking benefits available to you through your wealth management relationship.

BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research is equity research produced by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and/or one or more of its non-U.S. affiliates.

Exchange Traded Funds are subject to risks similar to those of stocks. Investment returns may fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor's shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing in this product. This and other important information is included in the prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing. Prospectuses can be obtained from your investment professional or through the investor's sign-in area of bankofamerica.com/investments.