Merrill Edge does not charge a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers. ACH transfers (bank links) typically complete in 1–3 business days. The most significant transfer cost at Merrill Edge is the $49.95 ACAT-out fee charged when you move your entire account to another brokerage — though most major brokerages will reimburse this fee when you transfer in. Here is everything you need to know about moving money into and out of Merrill Edge in 2026.
Merrill Edge Transfer Fees at a Glance
| Transfer type | Fee | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ACH/EFT deposit (bank link) | $0 | 1–3 business days |
| ACH/EFT withdrawal (bank link) | $0 | 1–3 business days |
| Incoming domestic wire | $0 | Same day (when received) |
| Outgoing domestic wire | $0 | Same day (before 4:00 PM ET cutoff) |
| Incoming international wire | $0 | Varies (2–5 business days) |
| Outgoing international wire | May apply — verify at merrilledge.com | Varies |
| Full ACAT account transfer out | $49.95 per account | 5–7 business days |
| Partial ACAT transfer | $49.95 per account | 5–7 business days |
| Check deposit (mobile) | $0 | 1–2 business days |
| Paper check request | $0 (standard) | 5–7 business days by mail |
ACH daily limits vary by account type and tenure. Verify current limits in your Merrill Edge account settings.
Wire Transfers
Wire transfers are the fastest method for large fund movements. Merrill Edge processes outgoing domestic wires for free.
To send an outgoing wire from Merrill Edge:
- Log in to merrilledge.com
- Go to “Accounts” → “Transfer Money” → “Wire Transfer”
- Enter the receiving bank’s routing number, account number, and any required intermediary bank details
- Submit before 4:00 PM ET for same-day processing
Important: Once a wire transfer is sent, it is generally irreversible. Verify all account details carefully before confirming — particularly the ABA routing number and the recipient’s account number. Merrill Edge cannot recall a wire after it has been transmitted.
For international wires: International wire fees and procedures differ from domestic wires. Check merrilledge.com’s current fee schedule before initiating, as international wires may carry additional correspondent bank fees.
ACH Transfers (Bank Link)
ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers are the standard way to move money between your Merrill Edge account and an external bank account. They are slower than wires but still free.
To link a bank account:
- Log in to merrilledge.com → “Accounts” → “Transfer Money”
- Select “Add a Bank Account” and enter your routing and account numbers
- Merrill Edge makes micro-deposits to verify the account (typically 1–2 business days)
- Once verified, initiate transfers up to your daily ACH limit
Daily ACH limits vary based on account tenure and type. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time. Check your specific account’s current limits in the Merrill Edge dashboard under “Account Settings” → “Transfer Limits.”
Settlement requirements: Funds from stock and ETF sales must settle before you can withdraw them via ACH. Equities settle T+1 (one business day after the trade date) since the SEC’s T+1 settlement rule went into effect in 2024.
ACAT Account Transfers (Moving to Another Broker)
The ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) system allows you to move your entire investment account — holdings and cash — to another brokerage without selling your investments.
Merrill Edge ACAT-out fee: $49.95 per account
This is one of the higher ACAT fees in the industry. For comparison:
| Broker | ACAT-out fee |
|---|---|
| Merrill Edge | $49.95 |
| E*TRADE | $75.00 |
| Fidelity | $0 |
| Schwab | $0 |
| Vanguard | $0 |
How to get the ACAT fee reimbursed: Most major receiving brokerages will reimburse the Merrill Edge ACAT fee as a transfer incentive. When you initiate an ACAT from Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard to receive your Merrill Edge assets, ask the receiving broker’s representative about transfer fee reimbursement. Many will credit your account for the $49.95 within 30–60 days.
ACAT timeline: Full account transfers take 5–7 business days. During the transfer, your account is temporarily frozen — you cannot buy, sell, or withdraw funds. Partial ACAT transfers (moving only some positions) take a similar amount of time.
How Long Do Merrill Edge Transfers Take?
| Method | Deposit timing | Withdrawal timing |
|---|---|---|
| ACH (bank link) | 1–3 business days | 1–3 business days |
| Wire transfer (domestic) | Same day | Same day (before 4 PM ET) |
| Check deposit (mobile) | 1–2 business days | N/A |
| ACAT in | 5–7 business days | N/A |
| ACAT out | N/A | 5–7 business days |
Can I Trade While Waiting for Funds?
Merrill Edge may allow you to trade against pending ACH deposits in some cases — this depends on your account standing and the type of trade. However, settled funds are required before you can withdraw proceeds. Selling a stock and immediately requesting a wire will only work if the sale has already settled (T+1).
Tips to Speed Up Transfers
- Use wire transfers for time-sensitive large transfers — same-day domestic delivery
- Schedule ACH ahead of time — if you know you’ll need funds for a specific purchase, initiate the ACH 3 business days in advance
- Link your Bank of America account — Merrill Edge is part of the BofA family; transfers between BofA deposit accounts and Merrill Edge accounts may process faster than standard ACH
- Sell and wait for settlement — if withdrawing proceeds from a stock sale, wait for T+1 settlement before initiating the withdrawal
See the full Merrill Edge review and compare transfer policies at the best brokerage accounts guide. For rollover transfers from a 401(k), see the Merrill Edge 401(k) rollover guide.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy