Help with Login

Q: Why is Merrill Lynch upgrading my login?

A: Merrill Lynch is committed to providing you with enhanced online security features to protect your personal information. The upgrade is designed to introduce additional preventative measures against unauthorized access, while also allowing you to create a personalized User ID rather than assigning you one that is system generated.

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Q: How should I choose my new User ID?

A: Your User ID should be easy to remember. It must be 6 to 20 characters using letters and/or numbers, contain at least one letter, no special characters (e.g., ?, *) and no spaces.

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Q: How should I choose my new Password?

A: Your Password should be unique to you and difficult for others to guess. It is case sensitive and must be 8 to 20 characters.

Your password must:

  • Be 8 to 20 characters
  • Have 1 upper case, 1 lower case, 1 number
  • Not repeat the same number or letter more than 3 times in a row
  • Not contain spaces, and may only use these characters @ # * ( ) + = { } / ? ~ ; , . - _
  • Not be the same as any of your last five passwords.
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Q: What should I do if there are multiple people using my account?

A: If there are multiple people accessing a Merrill Lynch account, such as joint account holders, each individual should create his/her own unique User ID and Password, select their own Personal Security Image and Phrase and answer separate Security Questions. This will ensure that access is secure and tailored for each individual.

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Q: Do I have to provide an email address?

A: Yes, your email address is required to upgrade your login.

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Q: Why do I need to select Security Questions?

A: The answers to the Security Questions are unique to you and designed to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. You must enter your answers EXACTLY as you enter them during the upgrade process.

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Q: How should I choose the answers to the Security Questions?

A: Your answers should be unique to you and easy to remember. Here are some suggestions:

  • Keep it simple
  • Use one word
  • Use lowercase letters
  • Avoid abbreviations
  • Avoid special characters (e.g., ?, *)
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Q: Do I have to answer the Security Questions each time I log in?

A: Because we need to confirm your identity, you may be asked to answer Security Questions during login if you:

  • Are logging in from a new computer for the first time. 
  • Have not previously selected "Remember me."
  • Have recently cleared cookies or reset settings on this computer. 
Be sure to answer the questions EXACTLY as you entered them during the upgrade. Any punctuation used during the setup process must be included in your responses to these questions. For example, if you answered St. Mary"s, you should enter St. Mary"s, not StMarys. Answers to the Security Questions are NOT case sensitive.
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Q: I received a message that the information I entered is invalid, but I am typing it correctly. What do I do?

A: Please contact Merrill Lynch to update your account information.
Merrill Lynch EContribs Help Desk: 1-888-MER-TRIB (637-8742)

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Q: What if I use more than one computer to access my account?

A: If you access Merrill Lynch OnLine from multiple computers, such as your home and work computers, the User ID will need to be separately saved on each computer. When you log in from each computer, simply replace the 10-digit ID with your personalized User ID and then select "Remember me" to simplify future logins. Because "Remember my User ID" stores your User ID on the computer you"re using, you should not use this feature on public computers (such as those in a kiosk, library or internet cafe).

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Q: Why should I select "Remember me?"

A: "Remember me" saves your User ID on the computer you are currently using and simplifies your future logins. Click here to learn more about using "Remember me."

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Q: Will I need to select "Remember me" again if I have done it once?

A: If you have selected this box, you will not be required to do so again unless you delete the cookies from your browser, use software that does it for you, or if you buy a new computer.

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