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The stock market is one of the best places to put your money to work for you for the long run. To invest in a diversified stock and bond portfolio, you will need a brokerage or retirement investment account. There are many different brokers out there with a range of products, services, and fees. Some also offer competitive bonuses and rewards to attract new clients.
We've researched the industry to find the best broker bonuses and help you choose the right one for you. Bonuses may change without notice, so check back here frequently for the latest rewards and promotions.
Broker/Advisor | Best For | Commissions | Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Featured Offer
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
1% IRA match |
Commission:
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold |
|
2024 Award Winner
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonus for deposits of as little as $25 |
Commission:
$0 for stocks, $0 for options contracts |
|
2024 Award Winner
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonus even for smaller deposits |
Commission:
$0 for stocks, $1 per option contract (opening trades only), 1% per crypto purchase and sale |
|
2024 Award Winner
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Referral bonus for deposit of $25,000 and above |
Commission:
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades |
|
2024 Award Winner
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonus for deposits of $5,000 and above |
Commission:
$0 per trade |
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonus for deposits of $20,000 and above |
Commission:
$0 for online stock and ETF trades |
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonus for deposits of $50 and above |
Commission:
Commission-free; other fees apply |
|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonuses for deposits within 14 days of account opening |
Commission:
$0 commissions and no management fee. M1 Plus membership costs $3 per month. |
|
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor |
Best For:
Intro bonus for deposits of $5,000 and above |
Commission:
$0 stock trades |
Each brokerage firm sets different qualifications for receiving a bonus. Some firms offer a sign-up bonus for opening a brokerage account, but many require a minimum investment deposit amount.
Investors often need to keep their funds in the account for a specific period to qualify for the bonus.
READ MORE: Best Stock Brokers
Robinhood continues to lead the way when it comes to making investing more accessible. Plus, the investing pioneer's IRA match stands out, especially if you use Robinhood Gold.
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold
$0
Earn an uncapped bonus
On Robinhood's Secure Website.
SoFi has built a robust and valuable ecosystem to help manage your money in one place. SoFi Invest enhances that ecosystem with $0 stock commissions and low account minimums.
$0 for stocks, $0 for options contracts
$0
Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new Active Invest account.
On SoFi Active Investing's Secure Website.
A solid pick for options and futures investors wanting both a high-quality trading platform and cheap commissions under one roof. What's more, Tastytrade's mobile app simplifies on-the-go options trading.
$0 for stocks, $1 per option contract (opening trades only), 1% per crypto purchase and sale
$0
On Tastytrade's Secure Website.
Charles Schwab pioneered the low-cost brokerage model decades ago, and that legacy continues with its lineup of no-commission-fee offerings. The robust lineup of account types and investment vehicles, and the high-quality app round out the stacked feature set.
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades
$0
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed is a standout brokerage with $0 online stock and ETF trades, strong research offerings, and excellent customer support. Owned by Bank of America, you can also get access to its fantastic Preferred Rewards program.
$0 for online stock and ETF trades
$0
E*TRADE has something for everyone with its mix of trading platforms. In terms of sign-up bonuses, the broker rewards both new and existing customers who are ready to deposit funds or securities.
Commission-free; other fees apply
$0
Open and fund and get up to $1,000
On E*TRADE's Secure Website.
M1 is a leader when it comes to automated investing. The platform has some hefty bonuses on offer for people who are able to make serious deposits.
$0 commissions and no management fee. M1 Plus membership costs $3 per month.
$100
On M1 Finance's Secure Website.
This low-cost platform has low commissions on a wide mix of investment options. Plus, if you're looking for a new brokerage, it offers competitive bonuses for many types of investors.
$0 stock trades
$0
New accounts with qualifying assets earn $50 to $5,000 using code FOOLAFYJ
On TradeStation's Secure Website.
To qualify for the best brokerage sign-up bonuses, you'll usually need to be a new customer and make a minimum deposit. But bonuses aren't the only factor to consider when choosing a stock broker. Check out our guide for how to choose the right brokerage firm to learn more about finding an investment account that suits your needs.
Charles Schwab has a Referral Offer that rewards referred friends and family of Charles Schwab clients with a Bonus Award for becoming a new Charles Schwab client and making a qualifying net deposit. New investors using the referral offer can receive up to $1,000 in bonus cash as long as they meet the tiered deposit requirements.
There's a limit of one cash bonus per account and only one account per client with the referral. Charles Schwab offers $0 online stock and ETF trades and a wide selection of mutual funds and fixed income products. It has specialized trading platforms and a robust mobile app.
Check out our Charles Schwab promotions page for more.
The SoFi Invest bonus might appeal to anyone with a small amount to invest, as you only need $25 to take part. It works along the same lines as an arcade claw machine, though all customers will win something. New customers can participate in an electronic lucky dip to win one of the following offers:
You then convert the prize into fractional shares of your choice. SoFi Invest stands out for its top-notch mobile app, commission-free stock and options trading, and low account minimum.
Check out our SoFi Invest promotions page for more.
You'll need to open a new J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account from the offer launch page. Next, deposit money, transfer securities, or roll over assets within 45 days, and keep them there for at least 90 days to qualify for this bonus offer. Offer expires July 19, 2024. The bonus amount depends on the amount you deposit:
The offer does not apply to J.P Morgan's robo-advisor account. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing offers commission-free stock, mutual fund, and ETF trading.
Use the offer code 600ME when you open a Merrill Edge® Self-Directed account with at least $20,000 to receive an introductory bonus. You'll need to deposit qualifying assets within 45 days of account opening and keep them there for at least 90 days to qualify.
Merrill Edge® Self-Directed has all the features you'd expect from a top broker and is a particularly great option for Bank of America customers.
Formerly known as Tastyworks, the trading platform that stands out for its options trading is offering new customers as much as $5,000 when they sign up. To qualify, you'll need to deposit at least $2,000 in cash or by account transfer and enter MYNEWBONUS when you open an account. You won't be able to withdraw your funds for a year if you want that tasty bonus. The offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.
The popular low-cost broker, E*TRADE has two offers -- one for new customers and another for existing ones who open a new account. Both offers are valid until May 31, 2024.
If you're new to E*TRADE and use the promo code PROMO24 when you open one of its non-retirement brokerage accounts, you could qualify. You need to deposit money or securities within 60 days of account opening.
If you already have an E*TRADE account and open a new one, you need to deposit at least $500,000 in funds and securities across your accounts to qualify. You can earn between $100 and $1,000 in bonuses, depending on how much you deposit and where you put the money.
M1 Finance will pay up to $500 to new customers who deposit money into an M1 taxable account within 14 days of account opening. Offer runs until Dec. 31, 2024. The size of your bonus depends on how much you deposit.
Check out our M1 Finance promotions page for more.
If you open a non-retirement account with TradeStation and deposit more than $5,000 in cash or securities within 45 days, you could qualify for a welcome bonus. You'll need to use the promo code TSTVAGFD and leave the assets with TradeStation for 270 days, after which your reward will be deposited into your account.
Check out our TradeStation promotions page for more.
Many of the offers on this page don't apply to retirement accounts. But Robinhood's IRA match is different. If you transfer an IRA -- individual retirement account -- to Robinhood, you'll get 1% back on the amount you move.
Even better, if you're willing to sign up for the premium Robinhood Gold service for a year, you can get 3% back on eligible IRA contributions. This does not apply to transfers. You need to keep the funds in your IRA for at least five years to keep the match.
Check out our Robinhood promotions page for more.
When picking the best broker promotions, first figure out the minimum requirements to qualify for the bonus. For example, many cash bonuses require a minimum deposit, which can be both cash and securities, and to hold those funds in an account for a set period of time. Think about how much you plan to invest and which account offers the best bonus for that amount. Many promotional offers are only available for set periods of time, so make sure the offer is still valid before you deposit money.
Another factor to consider is whether it is a stock bonus or cash bonus. New account holders with some brokers can receive free stocks worth up to a typical limit for opening a new account and meeting a minimum deposit requirement. However, many of these stocks are chosen at random, and the value is determined by a probability distribution.
Don't open a brokerage account purely because of the sign-up bonus. Look for an account that will suit your investment needs and won't charge you a fortune along the way. A bonus can be a nice boost to your investments, but the account types, products, and tools that you want to use are more important.
For cash bonuses, you can use those funds to purchase stocks, bonds, or funds, or keep it as cash as part of a diversified portfolio. Just be aware that if you want to transfer the bonus out of your account, there may be a minimum holding period. Otherwise, you could lose the bonus.
If you got a stock bonus, you may hold or sell awarded stocks once they're credited to your account. The value from sale of the stock can be withdrawn or used to buy other eligible securities.
TIP
Before you sell any bonus stock, think about what you'll pay. For example, if there is a $4.99 trading commission and the stock you received is worth $3, then it would not be worth liquidating the stock.
If you can sell a stock with no commission, analyze the stock to see if it is right for your investment portfolio, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Research to see if the stock is for a growing company with the potential to appreciate in value over time. If not, then it may be worth selling and purchasing other securities that better fit your financial goals.
It's also worth noting that each firm requires a minimum amount of funds be deposited in an account to qualify for a bonus. So you'll probably have to keep the funds in the account for a certain time to be able to keep your bonus.
Yes, as long as the minimum requirements are met, you can open accounts at more than one brokerage to get multiple bonuses. Keep in mind that the funds must be in the account for a specific period or the bonus may be revoked.
In addition, some brokerages have account closing fees that may be more than the bonus is worth.
If you're just getting started with investing, check out our list of the best online stock brokers for beginners to learn more about your options.
At The Motley Fool Ascent, brokerages are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on fees, available assets, and user experience; however, we also take into account features like research, education, tax-loss harvesting, and customer service. Our highest-rated brokerages generally include low fees, a diverse range of assets and account types, and useful platform features.
See our full methodology here: Ratings Methodology
Not all brokers offer sign-up bonuses. Those that do often only offer them for limited promotional time periods, and may only offer them on specific accounts. Bonuses are not that common in the brokerage world, but may be a way you can get extra cash to put toward your wealth-building goals.
The best brokerage bonus depends a lot on the amount you have to invest and what kind of account you are looking for. Don't only look for the best bonus -- think about which brokerage will meet your needs longer term.
Our Brokerages Experts
Brokerages we evaluated for consideration on this page: Acorns, Ally Invest, Axos Self-Directed Trading, Betterment, Cash App Investing, Charles Schwab, Delphia, Domain Money, Ellevest, Empower, eToro Brokerage, E*TRADE Core Portfolios, E*TRADE, Fidelity, Fidelity Cash Management, Fidelity Go®, Firstrade, FOREX.com, Interactive Brokers, J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, M1 Finance, Magnifi, Marcus Invest, Merrill Edge® Self-Directed, moomoo, NinjaTrader, Personal Capital, Plynk, Prosperi Academy, Public, Robinhood, Rocket Dollar, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, SoFi Active Investing, SoFi Automated Investing, Stash, Stockpile, Tastytrade, Titan, Tornado App, TradeStation, Tradier, Vanguard, Vanguard Digital Advisor®, Wealthfront, Webull, Zacks Trade.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
E*TRADE services are available just to U.S. residents.
J.P Morgan Disclosure
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
tastytrade, Inc. (“tastytrade”) has entered into a Marketing Agreement with Marketing Agent (“Marketing Agent”) whereby tastytrade pays compensation to Marketing Agent to recommend tastytrade’s brokerage services. The existence of this Marketing Agreement should not be deemed as an endorsement or recommendation of Marketing Agent by tastytrade and/or any of its affiliated companies. Neither tastytrade nor any of its affiliated companies is responsible for the privacy practices of Marketing Agent or this website. tastytrade does not warrant the accuracy or content of the products or services offered by Marketing Agent or this website. Marketing Agent is independent and is not an affiliate of tastytrade.
tastytrade was previously known as tastyworks, Inc.
Robinhood disclosure
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Securities are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information see the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more.
Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.
Robinhood Gold is an account offering premium services available for a $5 monthly fee. Not all investors will be eligible to trade on Margin. Margin investing involves the risk of greater investment losses. Additional interest charges may apply depending on the amount of margin used. Bigger Instant Deposits are only available if your Instant Deposits status is in good standing.