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 vs Ally IRA Product Comparison

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

Consider Ally Invest Robo Portfolios if you want an automated IRA from a leading digital bank offering a range of other financial products (incl. bank accounts & mortgages).

Merrill Lynch

Merrill Lynch

Automated

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.
Ally

Ally

Automated

Best if you want
An automated IRA from a leading digital bank offering a range of other financial products (incl. bank accounts & mortgages).
Fees
0%
What they invest in
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
Ally's 0% fee only applies to the "Cash-Enhanced" portfolio which puts 30% of your assets into cash, which could impact your returns.
Human advisor available?
Not at this time, though you'll get access to Ally's call center support.
Account Minimums
$100
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar half
3.5 stars
Customer Support
Mix of online and call center.
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 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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COMPARE

Compare Ally Invest Robo Portfolios to another IRA product

Wealthfront

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Betterment

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Merrill Lynch

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