Top Brokerage Signup Bonuses (Cash Credit & Free Stock)

If you're opening a new investment account or moving money from an old one, a brokerage signup bonus is the easiest way to give your portfolio an immediate, risk-free boost. These incentives, which come in the form of cash credits or free stock shares, are a thank-you gift from the broker for bringing your business to them.

But these promotions change constantly, and the value often depends entirely on the amount of money you deposit. To get the maximum value, you need to know the fine print.

This comprehensive list breaks down the top signup bonuses available in early 2026, categorized by the type of investor they serve best.

Best Bonuses for Large Deposits (Cash Credit Tiers)

The largest cash bonuses are offered by established, full-service brokerages and are typically aimed at investors transferring over an existing account (like a 401(k) rollover or IRA transfer) or those with significant funds to deposit.

1. E*TRADE (from Morgan Stanley)

E*TRADE offers one of the most aggressive and highly tiered cash bonus programs in the industry. It's the best choice for high-net-worth investors or those with large balances to transfer.

• Key Fine Print: The funds must be new money transferred from outside E*TRADE and must be maintained (held) in the account for at least six months.

2. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing (Chase)

J.P. Morgan offers an excellent tiered cash bonus, especially appealing to those who already bank with Chase and want a unified platform. Their bonus tiers are very accessible, starting at just $5,000.

• Key Fine Print: Funds must be deposited within 45 days of opening and held for 90 days from the enrollment date.

3. Charles Schwab

Schwab often offers a large cash bonus through specific referral codes (sometimes up to $1,000 for a deposit of $500,000 or more). They are an excellent option for large IRA transfers, as their platform is a leader in retirement services.

• Key Fine Print: Requires a referral code and funds must be transferred within 45 days.

Best Bonuses for Beginners (Free Stock & Low Deposits)

These promotions are perfect for a beginner who is starting with a small deposit (under $500) and wants an immediate, fun boost to their portfolio.

1. Webull

Webull is a consistent leader in accessible promotions, often giving away free stock or a cash match simply for starting a small account.

• Free Stock Bonus: Webull routinely offers a tiered bonus of free fractional stock shares for opening an account and depositing a small amount (often $100). The value of these free shares is random but can be as high as $3,000.
• Deposit Match Bonus: For larger deposits (e.g., $100,000+), Webull offers a competitive cash match bonus (often up to 4%) on deposits or transfers, providing a guaranteed, non-random return.
• Transfer Fee Reimbursement: Webull offers a reimbursement for account transfer fees (ACATS), often up to $100 for brokerage accounts and $75 for IRA accounts, provided the transfer is $2,000 or more.

2. SoFi Active Investing

SoFi offers a seamless platform that combines banking, lending, and investing. Their bonuses are designed to get users started quickly.

• Bonus Offer: Get up to $1,000 in stock when you open and fund a new Active Invest account.
• Minimum Requirement: Fund the account with as little as $50 to qualify for a bonus that typically ranges from $15 up to $1,000.

3. Charles Schwab Starter Kit™

Schwab has a dedicated beginner-focused promotion that is simple and educational.

• Bonus Offer: Get $50 to buy fractional shares of the top five stocks in the S&P 500.
• Minimum Requirement: Open a new Schwab Individual Brokerage account and deposit at least $50.
• Best For: True beginners who want their first investment to be automatically diversified across the biggest companies in the market.

Essential Rules to Claim Your Bonus

Getting a bonus is simple, but missing one rule means you lose the free money. Always check the official terms and conditions for the specific offer you sign up for, but these rules apply across the board:

1. It Must Be "New Money"

The funds you deposit must come from outside the brokerage and its affiliates. You cannot move money from your Chase checking account into your Chase investment account (J.P. Morgan) and expect a bonus, as it's not "new" to the overall institution.

2. Use the Correct Code

Almost every large cash bonus requires you to enter a specific promo code (e.g., E*TRADE’s OFFER25) either when you start the online application or at the funding stage. If you forget the code, you will not get the reward.

3. Mind the Maintenance Period

You must keep the funds in the account for a specified "maintenance period" to keep the bonus. This is typically 90 days (3 months) for smaller tiers and 180 days (6 months) for larger cash bonuses. If you withdraw the funds early, the brokerage will claw back the bonus amount.

4. Account Type Matters

Most cash bonus promotions apply only to taxable (non-retirement) brokerage accounts. If you are opening a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA, check the specific rules, as those account types may be excluded or have different bonus terms.

Final Verdict

Never choose a brokerage solely for the bonus. Long-term fees, research tools, and platform stability matter far more than a one-time cash incentive. However, if you are deciding between two equally good platforms, or simply rolling over a large 401(k), the cash bonus becomes the deciding factor—and E*TRADE often offers the highest dollar value for large transfers.