LEARN > choose an ira
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!

SoFi Automated IRA vs Merrill Guided Investing IRA

Updated on May 30, 2024

Learn about our Editorial Process

SoFi offers hands-off approach with an automated IRA. Enjoy a low, $1 account minimum and no annual management fee with access to Certified Financial Planners in a user-friendly robo-advisor platform.

Merrill offers a simple, automated IRA with customizable portfolios and potential fee discounts for existing Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers.

Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA
Provider
SoFi
Automated IRA
Merrill Lynch
Automated IRA
Fees
SoFi
0%
Merrill Lynch
0.45%
What they invest in
SoFi
ETFs, both proprietary and non-proprietary
Merrill Lynch
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
SoFi
No customizable portfolios; some ETFs have higher expense ratios.
Merrill Lynch
A platform that's not quite as easy-to-navigate as newer institutions and comes with a higher fee.
Human advisor available?
SoFi
Yes - SoFi has certified financial professionals on staff that you'll get access to.
Merrill Lynch
Only if you have more than $20,000 to invest and are willing to pay a higher fee (0.85%).
Account minimums
SoFi
$1
Merrill Lynch
$1,000
Ease of use
SoFi
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Merrill Lynch
Star filledStar filled
2 stars
Rollover

Fund a SoFi IRA with a 401(k) rollover

Get Started

Fund a Merrill Lynch IRA with a 401(k) rollover

Get Started
COMPARE

Compare SoFi Automated IRA to another IRA product

SoFi Automated IRA vs Merrill Guided Investing IRA

Compare

SoFi Automated IRA vs Ally Invest Robo Portfolios IRA

Compare

SoFi Automated IRA vs Wealthfront IRA

Compare
COMPARE

Compare Merrill Guided Investing Automated IRA to another IRA product

Merrill vs Ally IRA Product Comparison

Compare

SoFi Automated IRA vs Merrill Guided Investing IRA

Compare

Merrill Guided Investing IRA vs Ally Invest IRA

Compare
Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA