Founded in by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. Stock options merrill something of a Swiss Army knife for investors, as they can be used to add substantial risk to a portfolio for speculation, or substantially reduce trading risk of loss when used to hedge a portfolio. But not all brokers are created equal when it comes to options trading. Let's take a look at how Merrill Edge compares for investors who want to open a brokerage account to make options trades. Merrill Edge uses a standard base-plus commission schedule in which each trade is assessed a flat fee, plus a variable fee based on the number of options traded. Many brokers options additional discounts and pricing options beyond the standard published prices. Merrill Edge currently offers free trades to customers who keep a minimum account balance. Learn more about special offers for new accounts to see if you trading for a cash bonus or commission-free trades. Some investors employ simple options strategies edge involve buying or selling merrill single put or call contract infrequently. Others use more complex strategies, which require the simultaneous purchase or sale or multiple contracts, which require multi-leg trading capabilities. Merrill Edge offers multi-leg trades of up to two contracts simultaneously. Some brokers options only one base rate on multi-leg trades, which reduces the commission price. Merrill Edge does not. That said, Merrill Edge's commission schedule doesn't include an extra fee when options are exercised or assigned. Instead, the cost is equal to the base commission price. Other brokers charge higher fees merrill exercise or assignment. Brokers vary in the services they provide for stock options trading. Discount brokers are known for providing fewer services and "extras" than full-service brokers, but that is increasingly changing. Many brokers now offer free research and trading tools to their customers just for having an open account. Merrill Edge customers merrill access to its merrill screener to find options based on simple attributes, or more complex criteria such as volatility or option value. Merrill Edge doesn't require a certain options deposit to open an account, and all accounts can qualify for basic options trading. That said, all edge require higher minimums for more complex and speculative options trading, such as selling naked calls or puts, which can subject the investor trading losses that can exceed his or her account balance. Merrill Edge fits the needs of investors who trade options infrequently, as edge as those who don't options more complex options strategies. While it offers only up to two legs in a multi-leg trade, many may find that its no-minimum-deposit requirements and options research tools are sufficient for their needs. Plus, Bank of America customers may benefit from the fact their accounts can be linked directly to their brokerage. To be clear, The Options Fool does not endorse any particular brokerage, but we can help you find one that's a good fit for you. Jordan Wathen has no position in any edge mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Jordan is a value investor who believes incentives matter. Moats, floats, and compelling valuations. Skip to main content The Motley Fool Fool. Premium Advice Help Fool Answers Contact Us Login. Latest Stock Picks Stocks Premium Edge. Stock Advisor Flagship service. Rule Breakers High-growth stocks. Trading Investor Dividend stocks. Hidden Gems Small-cap stocks. Inside Value Undervalued stocks. Learn How to Invest. Credit Cards Best Credit Cards of Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Best Balance-Transfer Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Cash-Back Credit Cards Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards Best Small Business Credit Cards. Mortgages Compare Mortgage Rates Get Pre-Approved How Much House Can I Afford? Taxes How to Reduce Your Taxes Deductions Even Pros Overlook Audit-Proof Your Tax Return What Info Should I Keep? Helping the World Invest — Better. How to Invest Learn Trading to Invest. Personal Finance Credit Cards Best Credit Cards of Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Best Balance-Transfer Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Cash-Back Credit Cards Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards Best Small Business Credit Cards. Apr 27, at 1: Standard commission schedule, commission never exceeds the proceeds.
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