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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!

TD Essentials IRA vs Merrill Guided Investing IRA

Updated on May 29, 2024

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TD Ameritrade offers an automated IRA with no management fee and a wide range of portfolio options.

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
TD Ameritrade
Automated IRA
Merrill Lynch
Automated IRA
Fees
TD Ameritrade
0%
Merrill Lynch
0.45%
What they invest in
TD Ameritrade
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences
Merrill Lynch
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
TD Ameritrade
Schwab's automated IRA has a $5,000 account minimum which is a little higher than other providers, but comes with 24/7 human support.
Merrill Lynch
A platform that's not quite as easy-to-navigate as newer institutions and comes with a higher fee.
Human advisor available?
TD Ameritrade
Yes, the Schwab's Premium Intelligent Portfolios offering; requires $25,000 minimum balance and costs $30 a month in addition to a $300 one time planning fee.
Merrill Lynch
Only if you have more than $20,000 to invest and are willing to pay a higher fee (0.85%).
Account minimums
TD Ameritrade
5000
Merrill Lynch
$1,000
Ease of use
TD Ameritrade
Star filledStar filledStar filled
3 stars stars
Merrill Lynch
Star filledStar filled
2 stars
Rollover

Fund a TD Ameritrade IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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

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Compare TD Essentials Automated IRA to another IRA product

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Compare Merrill Guided Investing Automated IRA to another IRA product

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