The Merrill alternative with a flat, fee-only rate and no products to sell
Merrill is the stronger choice if you want investing tightly integrated with Bank of America banking and a big-bank advisor network. Nino is the broader choice when you want a flat, fee-only CPA and CFP team who plan and file your taxes with no products to sell, plus do-it-yourself software from $20/mo.
Nino vs Merrill
| Feature | Nino | Merrill |
|---|---|---|
| Flat fee | Nino (Flat fee): included | 0.45% to 1.75% |
| In-house CPA / CFP | Nino (In-house CPA / CFP): included | Advisor, no CPA |
| AI-powered client platform | Nino (AI-powered client platform): included | Merrill (AI-powered client platform): not included |
| Account aggregation | Nino (Account aggregation): included | Limited |
| Tax optimization | Nino (Tax optimization): included | Harvesting only |
| Equity module | Nino (Equity module): included | Advisor-led |
| Real estate module | Nino (Real estate module): included | Merrill (Real estate module): not included |
| Bank-level security | Nino (Bank-level security): included | Merrill (Bank-level security): included |
When to choose each
Choose Nino
Choose Nino if you want both a flat, fee-only CPA and CFP team and self-serve software with no products to sell and an in-house CPA on your taxes.
Choose Merrill
Choose Merrill for investing integrated with Bank of America and a big-bank advisor network.
Where Nino is stronger
A flat fee, not a percentage
Merrill's advisory fees run from about 0.45% for its automated service to as much as 1.75% for a dedicated advisor. Nino's software is a flat $20/mo and its advisor a flat $3,600/year, neither growing with your balance.
Fee-only, with no products to sell
Merrill is fee-based: its advisors and Bank of America can also earn from commissions and product revenue. Nino charges one flat fee and sells no products, so the advice isn't tied to what you buy.
Taxes planned and filed in-house
Merrill manages portfolios tax-efficiently but doesn't prepare your return. Nino's in-house CPA plans your taxes year-round and can file.
Where Merrill is stronger
Bank of America integration
Merrill ties your investing to Bank of America banking, rewards, and lending in one relationship.
A large advisor network
Merrill spans a low-cost robo up to dedicated advisors at higher balances.
A major, established brand
Merrill is one of the largest and most recognized wealth managers in the US.
Pricing
How the two fees compare.
- Nino
- A flat, fee-only CPA and CFP from $3,600/year, or software from $20/mo self-serve, with no products sold.
- Merrill
- About 0.45% (automated) up to roughly 1.75% (dedicated advisor) of assets a year, and fee-based.