Updated 2026-03-20
Merrill vs Ubiquity 401(k) Comparison
Compare Merrill Lynch (#8, 8.0/10) and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings (#23, 6.3/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Merrill | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Rank | #8 | #23 |
| AUM | $3.0 trillion | $3.5 billion |
| Participants | 5 million | 100,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 2,500+ | 10,000+ |
| Founded | 1914 | 1999 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Merrill | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.2/5 | 3.2/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Merrill | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size | $115 - $250/month flat fee |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.80% |
| Trading Fees | $0 - $6.95 | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.45% - 1.5% | Optional, varies |
Merrill Strengths
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards benefits
- Strong advisory and guidance services
- complete financial planning
- Wide investment selection
Ubiquity Strengths
- True flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges
- Costs become more competitive as assets grow
- Open architecture investment options
- Over 25 years of experience
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Merrill | Ubiquity |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Benefits OnLine | Ubiquity Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Benefits OnLine, Phone (888-968-4015), Bank of America branches | Online via Ubiquity portal, Phone (855-831-7344), Dedicated account manager |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, 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 Ubiquity if you want:
- Growing small businesses
- Cost-transparent seekers
- Companies with growing plan assets
- Custom plan designers
Our Verdict: Merrill vs Ubiquity
Merrill Lynch wins this comparison with a score of 8.0/10 vs 6.3/10. 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 Ubiquity: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Merrill Lynch and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Merrill offers bofa integration while Ubiquity is known for flat fee. In terms of fees, Merrill charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Ubiquity's 0.03% - 0.80%. Merrill manages $3.0 trillion in assets and serves 5 million participants, while Ubiquity has $3.5 billion AUM and 100,000 participants.
Key Differences: Merrill vs Ubiquity
When comparing Merrill and Ubiquity, consider their core strengths: Merrill excels with bank of america preferred rewards benefits, while Ubiquity stands out for true flat-fee pricing with no asset-based charges. 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 Ubiquity's 3.9/5. For mobile experience, Merrill scores 4.2/5 while Ubiquity scores 3.2/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Merrill if you prioritize bofa customers. Choose Ubiquity if you're looking for growing small businesses. 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 Ubiquity provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merrill Lynch scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.0/10. Merrill is best for bofa customers, while Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses. 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. Ubiquity charges 0.03% - 0.80% expense ratios with admin fees of $115 - $250/month flat fee. Merrill's fees rating is 3.3/5 compared to Ubiquity's 4.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Merrill and Ubiquity. Merrill uses Benefits OnLine for rollovers, while Ubiquity uses Ubiquity Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Merrill offers 401(k) loans. Ubiquity 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 Ubiquity scores 3.7/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Merrill's investment options include Mutual Funds, ETFs, Stocks. Ubiquity offers Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Merrill is best for bofa customers, advice seekers, large employers, full-service needs. Ubiquity is best for growing small businesses, cost-transparent seekers, companies with growing plan assets, custom plan designers. Compare admin fees: Merrill charges Varies by plan size vs Ubiquity's $115 - $250/month flat fee.
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