Brokerage Promotions and Sign-Up Bonuses (September 2026): Cash and Free Stock

The best brokerage promotions right now: E*TRADE pays up to $1,500 cash and J.P. Morgan up to $1,000 for larger deposits. For small accounts, Schwab adds $50 in stock when you deposit $50, and SoFi, Webull and Moomoo give free stock to new funded accounts.

A sign-up bonus is a nice extra when you're opening a brokerage account anyway. These are the main offers running now, grouped by how much money they need.

Offers checked 25 September 2026. Bonuses change often and some end on a set date, so confirm the terms on the broker's promotions page before you fund an account.

Broker	Offer	What it takes
*ETRADE**	Up to $1,500 cash	Open a new account and fund it within 60 days; the bonus depends on how much you deposit
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing	Up to $1,000 cash	Open and fund a new account; offer ends 31 October 2026
Charles Schwab (referral)	$100 to $1,000	Open through an existing client's referral link and deposit $25,000 to $500,000+ within 45 days
Schwab Starter Kit	$50 in stock	Deposit $50 into a new account
SoFi Active Investing	Free stock, up to $3,000	Open and fund a new account; most people receive a small amount
Moomoo	Free stock	Open and fund a new account; the number of shares depends on your deposit. See how to claim Moomoo free stock
Webull	Free fractional shares; 3.5% IRA match	Make a qualifying deposit; the match applies to IRA contributions

Best for large deposits: E*TRADE and J.P. Morgan

Both pay cash, and both scale with the size of your deposit. E*TRADE pays up to $1,500 and doesn't require moving an existing portfolio: new money counts. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing pays up to $1,000 and suits anyone who already banks with Chase, since both accounts sit in one app. See E*TRADE vs Ally Invest if you're choosing between bank-linked brokers.

Best if you know a Schwab client: the referral offer

Schwab's cash bonus only works through a referral link from an existing client. You need to deposit at least $25,000 within 45 days, and the tier is set by your net deposit at the end of that period. The bonus arrives about a week later.

Best for beginners: free stock with small deposits

Schwab Starter Kit: deposit $50 and Schwab adds $50 split across five large US companies. It's small, but it's the most predictable beginner offer here, from a broker you won't outgrow.
SoFi Active Investing: a free stock worth up to $3,000. The headline is the maximum; most new customers get a much smaller amount.
Moomoo: free stock for new accounts, with more shares for larger deposits. Our step-by-step Moomoo free stock guide covers the deposit and holding rules.
Webull: free fractional shares for a qualifying deposit, plus a 3.5% match on IRA contributions. The details change often. Compare it in Robinhood vs Webull.
Robinhood: new customers get a free first stock, and its IRAs pay a 1% match (3% with Gold). See our Robinhood review.

Rules that decide whether you get paid

It must be new money. Moving cash between accounts at the same broker doesn't count.
Use the offer link or code when you open. Most brokers can't add a bonus afterwards.
Keep the money there. Most offers require you to hold the deposit for a set period, often 60 days to a year, or the bonus can be taken back.
Check the account type. Some offers apply only to regular taxable accounts, others include IRAs. See taxable vs tax-deferred accounts.
Bonuses are taxable. Cash and stock bonuses usually count as income, and brokers report them on a 1099.

Don't choose a broker for the bonus

A $50 or even $1,000 bonus is small next to years of fees, cash interest and the tools you'll use. Pick the broker that fits how you invest, then take whatever bonus it offers. Our best investment apps for beginners guide starts there.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best brokerage promotion right now?

For large deposits, E*TRADE (up to $1,500) and J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing (up to $1,000) pay the most cash. For small accounts, Schwab's $50 Starter Kit is the most predictable, and SoFi, Webull and Moomoo offer free stock.

Are brokerage sign-up bonuses taxable?

Yes. Cash and free stock bonuses are usually taxable income, and the broker reports them on a 1099 for the year you receive them.

How long do I have to keep the money in the account?

It depends on the offer, but most require you to hold the deposit for 60 days to a year. Withdrawing early can mean the bonus is taken back.

Can I get a bonus for transferring an existing account?

Often, yes. Many cash offers count incoming transfers from another broker as new money. Moving cash between accounts at the same broker usually doesn't count.

Which broker gives free stock?

SoFi, Webull and Moomoo give free stock to new funded accounts, and Schwab adds $50 in stock with its Starter Kit. Robinhood also gives new customers a free first stock.