TradeStation
Merrill Edge
VS
Higher Rated
TradeStation
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
Choosing between TradeStation and Merrill Edge depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. TradeStation is headquartered in Plantation, USA, while Merrill Edge operates from Charlotte, USA. TradeStation has the longer track record, established in 1982, compared to Merrill Edge which was founded in 2010. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
TradeStation
Merrill Edge
TradeStation is the better choice overall, scoring 3.8/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, TradeStation offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowOverall Rating
TradeStation
3.8 vs 3.2
Lowest Fees
Tied
0 vs 0 pips
Regulation
TradeStation
2 vs 1 licences
Min. Deposit
Tied
$0 vs $0
TradeStation
WinnerMerrill Edge
TradeStation
Merrill Edge
TradeStation holds licences from SEC, CFTC. Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC.
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. TradeStation additionally covers Forex, Commodities, Crypto.
TradeStation supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Merrill Edge offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
TradeStation requires no minimum deposit, while Merrill Edge sets no minimum deposit. This makes TradeStation accessible to traders with any budget.
BrokerRank scores TradeStation at 3.80/5 and Merrill Edge at 3.19/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. TradeStation leads overall with a clear advantage.
TradeStation scores higher overall on our independent rating system. TradeStation holds a 3.8/5 rating vs Merrill Edge's 3.2/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
TradeStation offers spreads from 0 pips, while Merrill Edge starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
TradeStation requires a minimum deposit of $0. Merrill Edge requires $0.
TradeStation is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while Merrill Edge holds licences from SEC.
TradeStation supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Merrill Edge supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.