Updated 2026-03-20
Merrill vs Slavic401k 401(k) Comparison
Compare Merrill Lynch (#8, 8.0/10) and Slavic401k (#25, 6.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Merrill | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 | 6.1/10 |
| Rank | #8 | #25 |
| AUM | $3.0 trillion | $3 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 50,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 2,500+ | 2,500+ |
| Founded | 1914 | 1995 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Merrill | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Merrill | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | Varies by investment choice |
| Trading Fees | $0 - $6.95 | $0 for stocks/ETFs, varies for options |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 1.5% | N/A - self-directed |
Merrill Strengths
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards benefits
- Strong advisory and guidance services
- complete financial planning
- Wide investment selection
Slavic401k Strengths
- Full self-directed brokerage within 401(k)
- Trade individual stocks, ETFs, options
- Maximum investment flexibility
- TD Ameritrade/Schwab brokerage window
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Merrill | Slavic401k |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Benefits OnLine | Slavic401k Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Benefits OnLine, Phone (888-968-4015), Bank of America branches | Phone (800-356-3009), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, In-kind transfer of securities, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Merrill if you want:
- BofA customers
- Advice seekers
- Large employers
- Full-service needs
Choose Slavic401k if you want:
- Self-directed investors
- Active traders
- Sophisticated investors
- Those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility
Our Verdict: Merrill vs Slavic401k
Merrill Lynch wins this comparison with a score of 8.0/10 vs 6.1/10. Merrill excels with bank of america preferred rewards benefits, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.
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Merrill vs Slavic401k: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Merrill Lynch and Slavic401k for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Merrill offers bofa integration while Slavic401k is known for self-directed. In terms of fees, Merrill charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Slavic401k's Varies by investment choice. Merrill manages $3.0 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Slavic401k has $3 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.
Key Differences: Merrill vs Slavic401k
When comparing Merrill and Slavic401k, consider their core strengths: Merrill excels with bank of america preferred rewards benefits, while Slavic401k stands out for full self-directed brokerage within 401(k). Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Merrill's customer service rating is 4.1/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.4/5. For mobile experience, Merrill scores 4.2/5 while Slavic401k scores 3.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Merrill if you prioritize bofa customers. Choose Slavic401k if you're looking for self-directed investors. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual Merrill and Slavic401k provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merrill Lynch scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.0/10. Merrill is best for bofa customers, while Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Merrill charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by plan size. Slavic401k charges Varies by investment choice expense ratios with admin fees of $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant. Merrill's fees rating is 3.3/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.2/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Merrill and Slavic401k. Merrill uses Benefits OnLine for rollovers, while Slavic401k uses Slavic401k Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Merrill offers 401(k) loans. Slavic401k offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Merrill scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while Slavic401k scores 4.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Merrill's investment options include Mutual Funds, ETFs, Stocks. Slavic401k offers Individual Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Merrill is best for bofa customers, advice seekers, large employers, full-service needs. Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors, active traders, sophisticated investors, those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility. Compare admin fees: Merrill charges Varies by plan size vs Slavic401k's $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant.
Pavlo Pyskunov
Managing Director & Investment Fund Director
Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.
Last updated: 2026-03-20