New account sign-up bonuses
Since Sep 24Updated Nov 2, 2026Based on 20 AI responses
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
Morgan Stanley is recommended for brokerage accounts in this topic, nearly even with Robinhood.
Brands AI mentions
Robinhood is mentioned among brokers offering signup bonuses.
Also mentioned rarely: Betterment, Webull, Merrill Edge, SoFi Invest, Public, tastytrade, TradeStation, SoFi Plus, Acorns, Albert, Chase, eToro, Fidelity Investments, Interactive Brokers, M1 Finance, NVIDIA, Wealthfront, Citi Wealth Management
| Mentioned in | ChatGPTChatGPT | Google AI ModeGoogle AI Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | 60% | 60% |
| Charles Schwab | 80% | 40% |
| J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | 40% | 70% |
| Moomoo | 60% | 40% |
| Ally Invest | 20% | 50% |
Questions and answers
Google AI ModeOct 28, 2026
Several major brokerage firms offer promotional cash bonuses or stock rewards for opening and funding a new account. These incentives are typically tiered based on the total amount of new funds deposited within a specific timeframe (often 60 days).
Brokerage Cash Bonuses
- E*TRADE provides tiered cash bonuses ranging from modest amounts up to $10,000 for very large deposits, often using specific enrollment or promo codes . Review terms on the E*TRADE Promo Page.
- Betterment offers tiered cash promotions scaling up to a $2,000 bonus depending on the size of the initial transfer or deposit.
- J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing features cash reward bonuses scaling up to $1,000 based on the aggregate deposit value.
- Charles Schwab runs promotional cash offers reaching up to $1,000 for qualifying new accounts and net deposits.
- Merrill Edge offers promotional cash tiers scaling up to $600 for new funded balances, which pairs nicely if you already use Bank of America.
- Ally Invest provides smaller tiered cash bonuses scaling up to $300 for initial deposits.
Stock/Fractional Share Rewards
- moomoo offers promotions rewarding new users with free fractional shares (such as valued shares of Nvidia) depending on initial deposit milestones.
- Robinhood provides promotional fractional shares or stock rewards upon initial account connection and funding.
Note: Promotional bonus structures, minimum deposit tiers, required promo codes, and expiration dates change frequently. Be sure to check the broker's active disclosure page for holding-period rules (how long you must keep the cash in the account to avoid clawback of the bonus).
If you share your estimated deposit amount and whether you prefer cash or stock rewards , I can help you identify which specific tier and brokerage matches your budget.
ChatGPTOct 28, 2026
If you're opening a new brokerage account and plan to deposit money, there are several firms worth comparing for sign-up bonuses, cash rewards, and transfer incentives. The best offer depends on how much you deposit, whether you transfer investments from another broker, and how long you're willing to keep the money in the account.
One important distinction: some promotions give you a cash bonus, while others award fractional shares, a match on eligible contributions, or a percentage of transferred assets. Most require you to meet a minimum deposit, maintain a balance for a specified period, or use a referral link.
Brokerage accounts with sign-up and funding rewards
The following offers were listed in sources checked on October 28, 2026. They are for U.S. investors, and some are available only through specific promotion or referral links.
1. E*TRADE
(Cash bonus)
$50–$10,000
Minimum qualifying deposit: $1,000
New customers can receive a tiered cash bonus by opening an eligible non-retirement brokerage account, entering promo code
OFFER26, and depositing new cash or securities within 60 days. The bonus depends on the amount deposited; the highest tiers require millions of dollars. The advertised promotion expires October 31, 2026.
2. Charles Schwab
(Cash bonus)
$100–$1,000
Minimum qualifying net deposit: $25,000
Schwab offers a referral promotion for eligible new clients. The reward tiers are $100 for $25,000–$49,999, $300 for $50,000–$99,999, $500 for $100,000–$499,999, and $1,000 for $500,000 or more. You must enroll using an eligible referral link or code and make the qualifying net deposit within 45 days.
3. Merrill Edge
(Cash bonus)
Up to $600
Minimum qualifying investment: $20,000
The advertised reward tiers are $100 for $20,000, $150 for $50,000, $250 for $100,000, and $600 for $200,000 or more. You need offer code
600ME, must fund the new eligible account within 45 days, and must maintain the balance for at least 90 days.
4. moomoo
(Promotional rewards)
Deposit and transfer incentives
Eligible new customers; terms vary by offer
Moomoo advertises 2026 welcome and transfer promotions that can include cash rewards, stock-related incentives, and enhanced cash-sweep rates. Its transfer promotion includes a 3% cash coupon on the first eligible transfer amount, capped at $20,000 of transferred assets. That coupon is not unrestricted cash: usage rules and holding periods apply.
5. Webull
(Free-share promotion)
12 free shares advertised
No standard account-opening minimum listed
NerdWallet lists an offer for 12 free shares when you open and fund a Webull account. The value depends on the shares awarded, and the required funding amount and other conditions should be checked on the offer page before enrolling.
6. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
(Cash bonus)
Up to $1,000
Minimum qualifying transfer: $5,000
The published offer has tiers of $50 for $5,000–$24,999, $150 for $25,000–$99,999, $325 for $100,000–$249,999, and $1,000 for $250,000 or more. The listed enrollment deadline is October 21, 2026, so this particular offer has expired as of October 28; check for a replacement before opening an account.
Which one is best for your deposit?
Here's a quick comparison based on the amount you plan to invest.
Your deposit Accounts worth checking first Under $1,000 Webull; check current free-share eligibility $1,000–$4,999 E*TRADE $5,000–$19,999 E*TRADE; compare moomoo's reward terms $20,000–$49,999 Merrill Edge, E*TRADE $50,000–$99,999 Schwab referral offer, Merrill Edge, E*TRADE $100,000+ Compare Schwab, Merrill Edge and E*TRADE bonus tiers These are starting points, not guarantees of the largest available reward. Some offers pay in cash, while others provide restricted promotional credits or stock.
A few things to check before signing up
- Deposit versus transfer: Some brokers accept fresh bank deposits, while others require transferring assets from a different brokerage.
- Holding period: Withdrawing or transferring money out too soon may disqualify you from the reward.
- Promotion eligibility: Referral codes, promo codes, and enrollment links may be mandatory.
- Taxes: Cash and stock rewards may be taxable. Check the broker's tax documentation and the applicable IRS rules.
- Investment quality: Don't choose a broker solely for a bonus. Trading costs, account features, investment choices, and customer service matter over time.
I can narrow this down to the best offers for your situation. How much are you planning to deposit initially? That will make it much easier to compare the actual reward you could receive rather than just the maximum advertised bonus.
Sources cited in this answer13
- cnbc.comBest Brokerage Account Bonuses of October 2026: Get up to $10,000
- us.etrade.comOnline Brokerage Account | Open an Account
- us.etrade.comOnline Brokerage Account | Open an Account | E*TRADE
- schwab.comSchwab referral promo awards up to $1000 bonus | Charles Schwab
- merrilledge.comSelf-Directed Investing Account
- merrilledge.comSelf-Directed Investing Account - $600 Bonus Offer
- moomoo.comMoomoo US Help Center-Transfer In Promotion (Jun 10, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026) terms and conditions
- moomoo.comMoomoo US Help Center-Welcome Bonus - Deposit (January 1, 2026
- moomoo.comMoomoo US Help Center-Welcome Bonus - Deposit (January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026) Terms and Conditions
- nerdwallet.comThe Best Brokerage Sign-up Bonuses: September 2026
- webull.comInvest Confidently with Webull - Stocks, Options, ETFs
- chase.comCommission-free online trading with J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Chase
- chase.comSelf Directed Investing FAQs
ChatGPTOct 21, 2026
As of October 21, 2026, the best brokerage signup offers to compare are those that reward you for opening an account and depositing cash or transferring investments. Some offer a fixed cash bonus, while others provide bonus stock, transfer-fee reimbursements, or a percentage-based reward.
The key is to compare the qualifying deposit, holding period, and withdrawal restrictions—not just the advertised bonus. Offers can change frequently, and the largest headline bonus often requires a substantial deposit or an eligible referral code.
Current brokerage signup offers worth checking
U.S. platforms · Verified against current offer pages where available
1. E*TRADE
(Cash bonus)
Up to $1,500
Open and fund an eligible new, non-retirement brokerage account with at least $1,000 in qualifying new funds within 60 days. Use promo code
OFFER26and enroll by October 31, 2026. The payout varies with the amount deposited.
2. Betterment
(Cash bonus)
$100
New customers can qualify by opening a self-directed investing account, enrolling in the offer, and depositing at least $2,500 in new funds by November 5, 2026. Cash Reserve deposits and certain account types do not qualify.
3. Charles Schwab
(Investment reward)
$50 in fractional shares
Schwab's Starter Kit provides $50 to invest equally across five leading S&P 500 stocks. Fund your eligible account with at least $50 within 30 days of opening it. This is stock value, not an unrestricted cash bonus.
4. Ally Invest
(Invitation-only cash bonus)
$200–$300
Eligible, directly invited existing Ally Bank or Ally Auto customers can receive $200 for transferring at least $15,000 or $300 for transferring at least $30,000 from a non-Ally account. Open by December 31, 2026, meet the funding deadline, and maintain the required balance for 180 days. This is not a universally available public offer.
Official Ally Invest offer and eligibility
5. Webull
(Promotion-dependent)
Webull maintains an official promotions center where you can view the offers currently available to you. Rewards may involve shares or other incentives and depend on the specific promotion and funding requirements. I couldn't verify a universal fixed cash bonus from its public page.
Check Webull's current promotions
Which offer is best for your deposit?
Amount you plan to deposit Best starting point Why $50–$999 Schwab $50 stock reward with a $50 qualifying deposit $1,000–$2,499 E*TRADE Eligible for its tiered cash bonus $2,500+ Betterment or E*TRADE Compare the $100 bonus against E*TRADE's deposit-based reward $15,000–$30,000+ E*TRADE; Ally if invited Larger potential rewards, but more restrictions These are starting points based on the verified offers above, not a guarantee that each is the most lucrative for every deposit size.
Before you open an account
- Check the deadline: Promotions can expire or change without much notice.
- Look for the required promo code or enrollment link: Opening an account through the wrong page may disqualify you.
- Check the holding period: Withdrawing or transferring assets too soon may forfeit the bonus or trigger a chargeback.
- Compare ongoing costs: Advisory fees, margin rates, options fees, and cash interest can matter more than a one-time reward.
- Check tax treatment: Brokerage promotional rewards may be taxable.
For broader comparison, CNBC Select's October 2026 brokerage bonus roundup lists additional offers, including Merrill Edge, J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, and moomoo. Verify the current terms directly with each provider before applying.
One question so I can narrow this to the most lucrative offers for you: How much would you plan to deposit or transfer into a new brokerage account?
1. Approximate amount
$50–$499
$500–$2,499
$2,500–$9,999
$10,000–$24,999
$25,000 or more
2. How will you fund it?
New cash from my bank
Transfer stocks or funds from another brokerage
Either option
3. What type of reward do you prefer?
Cash only
Cash or free stock
[Find the best matching bonuses]
Sources cited in this answer7
- us.etrade.comAccount Info | FAQ | E*TRADE
- betterment.comSelf-Directed Investing Bonus Offer Terms and Conditions
- schwab.comSchwab Starter Kit® | Charles Schwab
- ally.com$300 Cash Bonus | Ally Invest Promotion
- webull.comOffers & Promotions Center - Webull
- cnbc.comBest Brokerage Account Bonuses of October 2026: Get up to $10,000
- fool.comBest Brokerage Account Bonuses for 2026: Cash Rewards, Free Stock, and Matches | The Motley Fool
Google AI ModeOct 21, 2026
Several major brokerage platforms offer cash bonuses and tiered financial incentives for opening and funding new accounts, including E*TRADEE*TRADE (up to $1,500 with code OFFER26), tastytradetastytrade (up to $2,000 to $4,000 via their Sweet Bonus program), TradeStationTradeStation (up to $3,500), and asset-transfer promotions from platforms like RobinhoodRobinhood and WebullWebull.
Current Brokerage Promotions
- E*TRADEE*TRADE : Offers tiered cash bonuses up to $1,500 for new self-directed brokerage accounts funded with $1,000 or more within 60 days using the promo code
OFFER26(expires October 31, 2026). Higher deposit tiers scale up significantly. - tastytradetastytrade : Runs the "Sweet Bonus" tier structure paying lump-sum cash rewards from $50 (for $2,500 deposit) up to $2,000+ for deposits of $100,000+ using code
SWEETBONUS. - TradeStationTradeStation : Provides tiered cash incentives up to $3,500 for qualifying money or asset transfers deposited within 45 days, subject to a 270-day holding period.
- Ally InvestAlly Invest : Awards a flat $200 cash bonus for new self-directed trading accounts funded with $1,000 or more in external funds.
- RobinhoodRobinhood & WebullWebull : Frequently feature transfer match bonuses (such as a 1% to 2% match on incoming asset transfers from other brokerages).
If you share your approximate deposit amount and whether you are doing a new cash deposit or an account transfer from another broker , I can help you find the highest-paying specific offer for your situation.
Sources cited in this answer1
ChatGPTNov 2, 2026
Yes. Several major U.S. brokerage firms offer cash bonuses, free stock, or deposit-matching rewards when you open and fund a new account.
As of November 1, 2026, there are some worthwhile promotions. The best one depends on how much you plan to deposit and whether you're opening a brand-new account or transferring investments from another brokerage.
Here are the offers I'd look at first.
Brokerage sign-up offers
Brokerage Potential reward What you need to do SoFi Active Invest $150 gift card Deposit at least $1,250 through Finder's promotion Charles Schwab $100–$1,000 cash Qualifying deposit of $25,000–$500,000+ with a referral code Moomoo Up to $1,000 in NVDA stock Deposit $500–$100,000 Public 1% transfer match Transfer an eligible existing brokerage or IRA account Sources and offer details:
1. SoFi — $150 gift card
(Good smaller-deposit offer)
- Deposit at least $1,250.
- Must be a new SoFi customer.
- Must open through the qualifying Finder promotion.
- Offer listed through November 30, 2026.
- Deposit must remain in the account through January 15, 2027.
This is particularly interesting if you're starting with a relatively modest amount.
2. Charles Schwab — up to $1,000 cash
(Good traditional brokerage option)
Schwab has a referral-based cash bonus:
Qualifying deposit Bonus $25,000–$49,999 $100 $50,000–$99,999 $300 $100,000–$499,999 $500 $500,000+ $1,000 - You need a referral code from an existing Schwab customer.
- Deposit within 45 days of opening.
- The reward is paid after the qualifying period.
- Only qualifying outside assets count.
Schwab also has a separate Starter Kit offer advertised for some new customers, so it's worth checking if you don't have a referral.
3. Moomoo — up to $1,000 in NVIDIA stock
This is a stock reward rather than a cash bonus.
The October promotion offered:
- $500 deposit: $30 in NVIDIA stock.
- $2,000 deposit: $100.
- $10,000 deposit: $200.
- $50,000 deposit: $400.
- $100,000 deposit: $1,000.
The listed promotion ran through December 31, 2026. Check the current terms before opening, especially the new-customer and first-deposit requirements.
4. Public — 1% transfer match
This is more attractive if you already have investments at another brokerage.
- Transfer an eligible existing brokerage account, IRA, or 401(k) rollover.
- Receive a 1% match on eligible transferred assets.
- Match is uncapped.
- Paid in monthly installments over 60 months.
- Removing assets can reduce remaining match payments.
Importantly, this is for transfers, not simply depositing new cash.
A couple of other firms worth watching
- E*TRADE: Had a promotion offering $50–$10,000 depending on deposit size, but the advertised October 31 deadline has passed. I wouldn't count on that offer still being available.
- Robinhood: Has offered IRA contribution matches and brokerage transfer bonuses, but its October transfer promotion has expired.
My recommendation
I wouldn't choose a brokerage solely for its sign-up bonus. I'd compare:
- Trading commissions and account fees.
- Interest paid on uninvested cash.
- Availability of stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds.
- Quality of customer service.
- Whether the bonus requires keeping your money deposited for months or years.
Let me narrow this down for you
I can compare the best promotions based on how much money you're planning to invest.
Approximately how much would your initial deposit be?
1. Initial deposit
2. Account type
Regular taxable brokerage account
Traditional or Roth IRA
Either account type
3. What's most important?
Highest cash bonus
Free stocks or investment rewards
Best overall brokerage with a good bonus
[Compare brokerage offers]
I can then identify which firms would actually give you the most money for opening an account.
Sources cited in this answer9
- finder.comBest Brokerage Account Bonuses: Up to $10,000 (2026)
- schwab.comSchwab referral promo awards up to $1000 bonus | Charles Schwab
- help.public.comTransfer Account Bonus | Public FAQ
- sofi.comOnline Investing, Stock Trading, Brokerage Services | SoFi Invest
- cnbc.comBest Brokerage Account Bonuses of October 2026: Get up to $10,000
- us.etrade.comGet up to $1,500: Brokerage Account Promo Offer | E*TRADE
- moomoo.comMoomoo: Online Trading Platform, Commission-Free Stock Trading
- public.comStocks, Bonds, Crypto & Options AI Investing App - Public.com
- robinhood.comAccount transfer bonus | Robinhood
Google AI ModeNov 2, 2026
Several major brokerages offer cash or stock sign-up bonuses for opening and funding a new account.
Current Brokerage Bonuses
- E*TRADE : Offers a $50 to $10,000 cash bonus depending on the size of your deposit ($1,000 to $5 million+), requiring a new self-directed account using the promo code.
- Betterment : Offers up to a $2,000 cash bonus based on your initial deposit and funding timeline.
- J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing : Offers $50 to $1,000 cash for deposits ranging from $5,000 to $250,000+.
- Charles Schwab : Offers up to a $1,000 cash bonus (typically via eligible referral or promotional programs).
- Merrill Edge : Offers up to a $600 cash bonus for qualifying deposits starting at $20,000+.
- Ally Invest : Offers $200 to $300 cash for deposits between $15,000 and $30,000+.
- Moomoo : Offers up to $1,000 in Nvidia (NVDA) stock depending on your initial deposit tiers.
- Robinhood & Albert : Offer up to $200 in free stock after meeting initial deposit requirements.
Key Things to Know Before You Apply
- Deposit Thresholds & Tiers: Most bonuses are scaled. A small deposit (e.g., $1,000–$5,000) usually yields a smaller bonus ($50), while maximizing the reward requires a much larger deposit (sometimes $100,000 to over $1 million).
- Holding Periods: Brokerages typically require you to maintain the deposited funds or securities in the account for 90 days or longer before the bonus is deposited.
- Promo Codes & Deadlines: Many offers require you to enter a specific promotional code during the application process or sign up before a specific deadline.
- Tax Implications: Cash bonuses and promotional stock rewards are generally treated as taxable interest income , and the brokerage will typically issue a Form 1099-INT at tax time.
You can review current terms and tier breakdowns directly via the CNBC Best Brokerage Account Bonuses guide.
If you let me know how much you plan to deposit and what type of account you need (such as taxable brokerage, Roth IRA, or automated investing), I can recommend which specific offer matches your budget best.
Sources cited in this answer1
which brokerage accounts are best?
Summary
The answers mention Robinhood among brokers offering signup bonuses. They also point to Firstrade for low-cost or free options, including fractional shares.
