Merril Edge will give you tons of free trades. It is (not based on personal experience, but probably will be once I can transfer enough money to max out the bonus) even a good deal for people who use simple etf portfolios. They will give you up to $600 just for moving over.
I moved to Merrill Edge for the signup bonus. Everything was handled professionally, and I'm paying nothing. VTI.
After you have been at Merrill Edge long enough to qualify*, sign up for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program. This gets you free trades, and bonuses on (some) cash back credit cards. You do need to open a BoA checking account - signup bonus is typically $100, unless you are targeted for a higher one.
*So, 95% of people at BoA and Merrill Edge will give you wrong information on how qualifying works. You need a trailing 3 month balance of at least $20k, combined from all accounts across both BoA and Merrill Edge. About one week after the end of the month, your new 3 month balance for the prior month has been calculated percolated through the system. You to NOT have to wait 3 months, or 6 months or whatever they tell you. It does NOT calculate on the first of the month or the first business day of the month. It takes at least several days - probably a week.
Example: If you transfer over your $200k+ for the bonus mid-month, you should qualify about 3 weeks later. Tier increases within the program are automatic. You just have to sign up manually (call in) once you qualify for the lowest tier.