Bank of America expands zero-commission stock trading

(Reuters) - Bank Of America said on Monday it would expand its zero-dollar online trading to all customers of its Preferred Rewards program and cut commissions for others, following similar moves by several online brokers.

Discount brokerage Charles Schwab Corp, Fidelity Investments and TD Ameritrade had eliminated commissions on online trading earlier this month to lure clients amid increased competition from several fintech startups that offer quick and cheaper services.

"We began offering zero-dollar trading 13 years ago as one of the many ways we reward clients for doing business with us," Aron Levine, head of Consumer Banking and Investments at Bank of America, said in a statement.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based bank offers zero-dollar online trading through its Merrill Edge Self-Directed program.

Bank of America reported better-than-expected third-quarter numbers last week, easing concerns that lower interest rates would crimp growth.

(Reporting by Abhishek Manikandan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)