Bonuses for Opening a Brokerage Account
With so many brokerage firms competing for new business, there are several reward types currently available for opening an investment account. Here are the five basic reward categories:
Cash Bonuses at Brokers: Several stock brokers are simply paying cash bonuses to new clients
to encourage them to open brokerage accounts. Usually, there is a minimum deposit or account
transfer amount for the initial funding to qualify for the promo. Even so, meeting the requirement can be very rewarding in some cases, as the bonus can be as high as $5,000 just for opening and funding a new account. Brokerage firms often let a transfer of securities qualify for the initial funding, so no new cash actually has to be deposited.
Free Stocks: This category has become more common. Broker-dealers are handing out free stock shares or fractional shares for opening an account. The values of the shares can vary widely, from just a few dollars to much larger amounts. Often, a stock will be chosen randomly, and the broker will give away a large number of lower-value rewards and a much smaller number of higher-value rewards.
The biggest difference between the first two categories is in how the rewards may be taxed. A cash bonus might show up on one type of tax form, while free shares of stock may appear on another. Selling those shares can also create capital gains or losses, which generally is not the case with a plain cash bonus. Because tax treatment can vary by broker and reward type, it is smart to review the fine print and speak with a tax advisor if needed.
Referral Promos at Brokers: Existing customers at several brokerage firms can refer friends, family members, and other people and receive a bonus of some type for doing so. In many cases, the referred friend can also receive a bonus if they meet the broker’s requirements, such as funding the new account.
Account Transfer Fee Rebates: Many investment firms still charge fees for outgoing account transfers, and this policy discourages investors from moving to rival firms. But a competing broker can decide to refund another firm’s ACAT transfer fee, and many brokerage firms today offer such specials, at least in some situations. For example, the transfer may need to have a minimum value. In some cases, a brokerage firm may have no standing policy on the issue, but it never hurts to ask, especially after a large transfer.
Miscellaneous Broker Specials: A few broker-dealers may offer other types of prizes from time to time. These can range from gift cards to rate boosts on cash balances, free management for a limited period, or other account-related perks.
As with any type of promotion, there will be fine print in brokerage specials. Sometimes, certain account types, such as IRAs, may be ineligible. Other times, a minimum amount of funding must be received within a specific timeframe. As always, be sure to understand the rules before signing up.
Also of importance is the expiration date an offer may have. Some promotions are ongoing, which means
they have no specific expiration, although an offer can be withdrawn at any time. Here is a list
(in alphabetical order) of brokerage promotions in 2026 that are valid as of the latest check:
All Broker Promotions
Kraken
If cryptocurrencies are what you’re after, Kraken has a referral offer that pays both the referrer and the new customer. Under the current program, each side can receive $150 when the new customer signs up through the Kraken app, deposits fiat currency, and completes the required trading activity within the stated time limit.
Because Kraken’s promo is referral-based and app-based, the new account needs to be opened through the proper invite link or code, and the required steps must be finished within 15 days of signing up.
moomoo
If you prefer shares of stock instead of cash, moomoo is worth considering. The broker is
currently promoting up to $1,000 in free NVIDIA stock for new customers. It is also advertising an APY boost on uninvested cash, and minimum funding requirements do apply.
ZacksTrade
ZacksTrade is running a straight cash bonus rather than a free-stock promotion. The broker is currently advertising a limited-time offer worth up to $3,000 for opening an account and making a qualifying deposit.
This makes ZacksTrade a fit for investors who prefer an active-trader platform and a traditional deposit-based cash reward instead of a random stock giveaway.
Robinhood
Robinhood is currently advertising two main promotions. New customers can get free stock worth up to $200, and the firm is also promoting IRA matches that can go as high as 3% for eligible customers.
Robinhood also has a refer-a-friend program, although the exact annual value and reward terms can vary by offer version and should be checked in the app or on the current promo page before relying on them.
tastytrade
tastytrade currently has a referral-based cash bonus offer for new taxable brokerage accounts. The current promotion highlighted by Brokerage Reviews is $100 for opening a Tastytrade account with the qualifying referral link.
WiserAdvisor
WiserAdvisor is different from the others on this list because it is not a brokerage firm. Instead of offering free stock or a cash deposit bonus, it provides a no-cost advisor-matching service that connects investors with screened financial advisors.
The service includes no match fee, no obligation to hire, and a free initial consultation, which can be valuable for investors who want help deciding where to move or invest their money.
Charles Schwab
New clients at Charles Schwab can get up to $1,000 for opening and funding a new investment account. This is a referral-based promotion, so the account generally must be opened through a valid referral link or code from an existing Schwab client. Eligible accounts can include brokerage accounts and certain retirement accounts, and the new account must be funded within 45 days.
Coinbase
If cryptocurrencies are what you’re after, Coinbase currently promotes a new-customer incentive worth up to $2,000 in Bitcoin, although the exact reward and odds can vary by region or user. Coinbase’s current help materials say most users in one version of the offer receive between $30 and $50 after making a qualifying crypto purchase and spinning the reward wheel.
Existing Coinbase account holders are not eligible for the new-customer incentive.
Acorns
Rounding out our list of brokerage promotions is Acorns, which focuses more on automated investing than active trading. The company’s promotions are usually tied to opening an account and making a qualifying recurring investment rather than trading activity.
Broker Promotions Disclaimer
The brokerage specials for new accounts could change without notice. Each brokerage account bonus offer has fine print, therefore investors
should thoroughly read and understand it before opening an account. Also, remember that these new brokerage account bonuses expire on
different dates, so investors need to be aware of that fact as well.
Updated on 4/15/2026.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
|