Merrill Guided Investing review

Merrill Guided Investing costs the most of the percentage-fee services here at a 0.45% annual program fee, and the minimum is $1,000 for growth-focused strategies or $50,000 for income-focused ones. In return, strategies are actively managed: Merrill's portfolio managers monitor each account against its target allocation and rebalance as needed, rather than on a timed schedule. The program uses ETFs and mutual funds, and there is a step up, Merrill Guided Investing with an advisor, for one-on-one advice from $20,000. The main reason to choose it is the Bank of America relationship, since Merrill investing balances can count toward higher Bank of America Preferred Rewards tiers, which bring card bonuses and loan discounts. Merrill also listed a special offer of $0 program fees for 6 months when we checked. For a hands-off investor without that banking tie, Vanguard, Betterment and Wealthfront charge roughly half the fee.

Who it is for

Bank of America customers who want Merrill portfolio managers

Price

0.45% annual program fee; $1,000 minimum for growth strategies.

Merrill Guided Investing carries a low 0.45 % annual program fee
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Actively managed ETF and mutual fund strategies
• Portfolio managers monitor allocation and rebalance as needed
• $1,000 minimum for growth-focused strategies, $50,000 for income-focused
• Optional version with an advisor from $20,000
• Balances can count toward Bank of America Preferred Rewards tiers

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Strategies are run by Merrill portfolio managers rather than fixed rules
• Strength: Upgrade path to one-on-one advice from $20,000
• Strength: Investing balances can help qualify for higher Bank of America Rewards tiers
• Weakness: 0.45% is the highest percentage fee on this list
• Weakness: Income-focused strategies need $50,000
• Weakness: Not rebalanced on a fixed schedule, so timing depends on manager decisions

Key facts

• Program fee: 0.45% per year
• Minimum: $1,000 growth, $50,000 income
• With an advisor: From $20,000
• Rebalancing: As needed by portfolio managers

Where it ranks

Merrill Guided Investing is No. 9 in our Best Robo Advisors verdict.