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Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?

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BronzeTrader
Valued Contributor

Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?

I like to invest with self-directed discount brokers. Now I get free trades with Merrill Edge and Wells Trades. I'm happy in general, but just wonder if there is anything else. 

 

I want to stay with bank based discount brokers, with low or no cost trading. I also want the banking, and possiblly credit cards if they offer. 

 

Right now, I'm not ready to go with full service wealth management and pay them about 2% fees. 

Message 1 of 6
5 REPLIES 5
wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?

TD Bank + TD Ameritrade, maybe?

Personal spend: Amex Gold, Amex Schwab Plat., BofA PR+CCR(x2), Costco
Business use: Amex Bus. Plat., BBP, Lowes Amex AU, CFU AU
Perks: Delta Plat., United Explorer, IHG49, Hyatt, "Old SPG"
Mostly SD: Freedom Flex, Freedom, Arrival
Upgrade/Downgrade games: ED, BCE
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Message 2 of 6
BronzeTrader
Valued Contributor

Re: Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?


@wasCB14 wrote:

TD Bank + TD Ameritrade, maybe?


Yes, but still behind the BA+Merrill Lynch.

Message 3 of 6
wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?

Capital One, as well. Not saying it's better, but it fits your criteria.

 

I personally see no need to do "one stop shopping" and have fairly little overlap between brokerage, checking/saving/deposit, and credit card accounts. I use Fidelity as my primary brokerage account.

Personal spend: Amex Gold, Amex Schwab Plat., BofA PR+CCR(x2), Costco
Business use: Amex Bus. Plat., BBP, Lowes Amex AU, CFU AU
Perks: Delta Plat., United Explorer, IHG49, Hyatt, "Old SPG"
Mostly SD: Freedom Flex, Freedom, Arrival
Upgrade/Downgrade games: ED, BCE
SUB chasing: AA Platinum Select
Message 4 of 6
BronzeTrader
Valued Contributor

Re: Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?


@wasCB14 wrote:

Capital One, as well. Not saying it's better, but it fits your criteria.

 

I personally see no need to do "one stop shopping" and have fairly little overlap between brokerage, checking/saving/deposit, and credit card accounts. I use Fidelity as my primary brokerage account.


If you maintain enough $$ at one firm, you get plenty perks, such as BA, Chase and CitiGold. 

 

I have a large account at Fidelity for years. But each time I have to pay $7 to trade. Not much, but I'm not happy. I get free trades at BA/Merrill. 

Message 5 of 6
wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: Any Bank Discount Brokers Better than Merrill Edge and Wells Trade?


@BronzeTrader wrote:

@wasCB14 wrote:

Capital One, as well. Not saying it's better, but it fits your criteria.

 

I personally see no need to do "one stop shopping" and have fairly little overlap between brokerage, checking/saving/deposit, and credit card accounts. I use Fidelity as my primary brokerage account.


If you maintain enough $$ at one firm, you get plenty perks, such as BA, Chase and CitiGold

 

I have a large account at Fidelity for years. But each time I have to pay $7 to trade. Not much, but I'm not happy. I get free trades at BA/Merrill. 


Or, alternatively, move it around and churn the accounts (which doesn't have to involve churning the actual securities) for cash, free trades, and miles. Those are more useful to me than premium banking perks.

Personal spend: Amex Gold, Amex Schwab Plat., BofA PR+CCR(x2), Costco
Business use: Amex Bus. Plat., BBP, Lowes Amex AU, CFU AU
Perks: Delta Plat., United Explorer, IHG49, Hyatt, "Old SPG"
Mostly SD: Freedom Flex, Freedom, Arrival
Upgrade/Downgrade games: ED, BCE
SUB chasing: AA Platinum Select
Message 6 of 6
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