Brokerage Bonuses Explained: Free Money for Opening an Investment Account
February 22, 2026
Investment platforms are spending big to attract new investors. Brokerage bonuses reward you with cash, free stocks, or account credits simply for opening a new investment account and funding it. If you're already planning to invest, these bonuses are essentially free money on top of your returns.
How Brokerage Bonuses Work
Brokerage promotions follow a simple formula: open a new account, deposit or transfer a qualifying amount, and receive a bonus. The bonus amount typically scales with your deposit — deposit more, earn more. Unlike bank bonuses that pay a fixed amount, many brokerage bonuses have tiered structures where larger deposits unlock higher reward levels.
Types of Brokerage Bonuses
- •Cash bonuses — The most straightforward type. You receive a dollar amount deposited into your account, typically ranging from $50 to $10,000+ depending on your deposit size.
- •Free stocks — Some platforms (like Robinhood and Webull) give you randomly selected free stocks when you sign up and make an initial deposit.
- •Transfer bonuses — Major brokerages offer bonuses specifically for transferring assets from another brokerage. These tend to have the highest values since you're moving an existing portfolio.
- •Fee credits — Some brokerages offer trading fee credits or rebates as part of their welcome package, though this is less common now that most platforms offer commission-free trading.
Common Requirements
- •Minimum deposit — Almost every brokerage bonus requires a minimum deposit, ranging from $1 (for free stock offers) to $250,000+ (for the largest cash bonuses).
- •Holding period — You typically must keep the deposited funds in the account for 60 to 365 days. Withdrawing early usually means forfeiting the bonus.
- •New customer status — Most offers are for new customers only or for customers who haven't held an account at that brokerage within the past 12-24 months.
- •Account type — Some bonuses apply to specific account types (individual brokerage, IRA, or both). Check which account types qualify.
⚠️ Pay close attention to holding periods. Brokerage bonuses often require longer holding periods than bank bonuses — sometimes up to a year. Make sure you won't need access to those funds before committing.
Best Platforms for Bonuses
Traditional Brokerages
Major platforms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, and Merrill Edge tend to offer the largest dollar-amount bonuses, but they require significant deposits (often $25,000+). These are ideal if you're consolidating retirement accounts or moving a large portfolio.
App-Based Platforms
Platforms like Robinhood, Webull, Public, and SoFi Invest have lower barriers to entry. They often offer bonuses for deposits as small as $1-$100, making them accessible for beginners. The bonus values are smaller but the requirements are far easier to meet.
You Don't Have to Actually Trade
A common misconception is that you need to actively trade stocks to earn a brokerage bonus. In most cases, you just need to deposit the money — it can sit in a money market fund or the account's cash sweep earning interest while you satisfy the holding period. You're not required to buy stocks, options, or any other investments.
💡 If you deposit funds just for the bonus and don't want market risk, park the money in the brokerage's money market fund or Treasury bills. You'll earn interest while waiting out the holding period.
Tax Implications
Brokerage bonuses are taxable income. Cash bonuses will be reported on a 1099-MISC. Free stocks are taxed at their fair market value on the day you receive them. When you eventually sell those free stocks, you'll also owe capital gains tax on any appreciation. Keep records of the bonus value for tax time.
Stacking With Other Offers
Brokerage bonuses stack well with other financial promotions. You can earn a bank bonus with one set of funds, then move those funds to a brokerage for a second bonus. Just be mindful of holding periods and timelines so you don't accidentally violate the terms of either offer. Browse our current brokerage promotions to compare what's available.