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 Edge IRA vs Alto IRA

Merrill Edge is a great option if you want a strong trading platform with great access to research and data, integrated with Bank of America.

Consider Alto if you want to diversify your retirement assets with alternative investments. Alto CryptoIRA offers more than 150 coins, while Alto IRA offers alternative investments including private equity, securities in fine art, and other non-public securities and pre-IPO shares.

Merrill Lynch

Merrill Lynch

Self-Directed

Best if you want
A strong trading platform with great access to research and data, integrated with Bank of America.
Fees
0%
What they invest in
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Bonds
Limitations
Some extra benefits (e.g. fee discounts) are reserved for Bank of America customers.
Human advisor available?
Account Minimums
$0
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filledStar half
2.5 stars
Customer Support
Call centers, online support, and Bank of America branches.
AltoIRA

AltoIRA

Self-Directed

Best if you want
To diversify your retirement assets with alternative investments. Alto CryptoIRA offers more than 150 coins, while Alto IRA offers alternative investments including private equity, securities in fine art, and other non-public securities and pre-IPO shares.
Fees
Crypto IRA: 1% Trade Fee for all transactions; No Custody or Account Fees
Alto IRA: $10/month for Starter and $25/month for Pro, and $10-75 fee per private investment
What they invest in
Cryptocurrency and Crypto Funds, Securitized Collectibles, Cannabis, Real Estate, Crowdfunding, Private Credit, Private Equity, Pre-IPO Stocks and funds, Private High Yield Offerings, Venture Capital, and more.
Limitations
Standard restrictions on alternative investments apply; in addition, you cannot currently invest in publicly traded assets like stocks and bonds.
Human advisor available?
Account Minimums
$0
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Customer Support
Good support over the phone and online if you need it.
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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