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Best Brokerage Bonuses of September 2025

Brokerage firms compete for investor deposits by offering large bonuses and promotions. Here are some of the best brokerage bonuses and promotions right now, with the fine print expained.

Updated: Sep 5, 2025
Arielle O'Shea
Written by 
Arielle O'SheaArielle O'Shea
Head of Content, Investing & Taxes
Chris Davis
Reviewed by 
Chris DavisChris Davis
Managing Editor
+ 1 more
Pamela de la Fuente
Edited by 
Pamela de la FuentePamela de la Fuente
Managing Editor
Fact Checked
Arielle O'Shea
Written by 
Arielle O'SheaArielle O'Shea
Head of Content, Investing & Taxes
+ 2 more
Chris Davis
Reviewed by 
Chris DavisChris Davis
Managing Editor
Pamela de la Fuente
Edited by 
Pamela de la FuentePamela de la Fuente
Managing Editor
Fact Checked

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.


The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

Why trust NerdWallet

Our deep, independent analysis of brokerage firms sorts through key details to find and evaluate the information investors want when choosing an account.

Over 60 investment account providers reviewed and rated by our expert Nerds.

More than 50 years of combined experience writing about finance and investing.

Hands-on testing of the account funding process, broker websites and stock-trading platforms.

Dozens of objective ratings rubrics, and strict guidelines to maintain editorial integrity.

To see our full methodology and learn more about our process, read our criteria for evaluating brokers and for evaluating robo-advisors.

Currently, the best brokerage account bonus is from Webull. With a $2,000 deposit, you'll earn $140. With a $10,000 deposit you'll earn $400.

The broker promotion that requires the lowest deposit amount is from TradeStation, which offers a $50 cash reward on a deposit of $500 or more.

That said, the best bonus available to you will depend on how much money you have to deposit and how long you have to let your money sit. Check out our full comparison table below.

Stock vs. cash promotions

It's worth noting that when companies offer stock promotions, it's likely the company advertises the highest potential reward, but the reality is there's a very small chance you'll actually get that amount. For example, when brokers offer stock bonuses, they provide a high and low range for the dollar amount in stocks you might receive, but most of those promos state that there is a less than 1% chance of receiving the highest dollar value.

How brokerage bonuses work

Most brokers that offer promotions will do so in exchange for a set deposit amount — the more you're willing to deposit, the greater the promotion available to you. However, there are some brokerage firms that set the bar lower — for example, offering a bonus simply for placing your first trade.

Below, we've categorized current brokerage promotions so you can easily find the best options for you. As always, be sure to read the fine print on the brokerage firm's website to ensure you qualify for the offer.

Best Brokerage Bonuses

BrokerNerdWallet rating FeesAccount minimumPromotionLearn more
Webull

Webull

Learn moreon partner's site
on Webull's website
5.0/5
Best for free stock promotions
$0
per trade
$0
2% match (up to $1M), plus a 8.1% APY
when you open and fund an account with Webull Premium.
Learn moreon partner's site
on Webull's website
SoFi Active Investing

SoFi Active Investing

Learn moreon partner's site
on SoFi Invest®'s website
4.4/5
$0
per trade
$0
Get up to $1,000
in stock when you fund a new account. Terms & Conditions Apply.
Learn moreon partner's site
on SoFi Invest®'s website
TradeStation

TradeStation

Learn moreon partner's site
on TradeStation's website
4.1/5
$0
per trade
$500
Get $150
when you open and fund a new TradeStation account. Offer Code: NERDAGMV
Learn moreon partner's site
on TradeStation's website
Public

Public

Learn moreon partner's site
on Public's website
4.6/5
Best for cash promotions
$0
$0
Earn up to $10,000
when you transfer your investment portfolio to Public.
Learn moreon partner's site
on Public's website
Robinhood

Robinhood

Learn moreon partner's site
on Robinhood's website
4.5/5
$0
on trades of stocks, ETFs and their options. Other fees may apply.
$0
1 Free Stock
after linking your bank account (stock value range $5.00-$200)
Learn moreon partner's site
on Robinhood's website
View more
  • Our pick for

    free stock promotions

    • Webull
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on Webull's website
      NerdWallet rating
      5.0/5
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on Webull's website

      Fees

      $0

      per trade

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      2% match (up to $1M), plus a 8.1% APY

      when you open and fund an account with Webull Premium.

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.

      • Easy-to-use platform.

      • Advanced tools.

      • High interest rate on uninvested cash.

      • High order execution quality.

      Cons
      • No mutual funds.

      • Separate app required to trade crypto.

      Why We Like It

      Webull will appeal to the mobile-first generation of casual investors with its slick interface for desktop and mobile apps. The brokerage also delivers an impressive array of tools for active traders and a wide investment selection, including stocks (plus fractional shares), options, ETFs, crypto, commodities and futures. However, it lacks access to mutual funds.

    • SoFi Active Investing
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on SoFi Invest®'s website
      NerdWallet rating
      4.4/5
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on SoFi Invest®'s website

      Fees

      $0

      per trade

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      Get up to $1,000

      in stock when you fund a new account. Terms & Conditions Apply.

      Our Take
      Pros
      • No commissions on stock, options and ETF trades

      • IPO access.

      Cons
      • Low interest rate on uninvested cash.

      Why We Like It

      SoFi Active Investing's $0 trading commission, fractional shares and $0 account minimum are attractive to new investors. More advanced investors will appreciate the company's wide mutual fund selection and IPO access.

    • TradeStation
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on TradeStation's website
      NerdWallet rating
      4.1/5
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on TradeStation's website

      Fees

      $0

      per trade

      Account minimum

      $500

      Promotion

      Get $150

      when you open and fund a new TradeStation account. Offer Code: NERDAGMV

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.

      • High-quality trading platforms.

      • Comprehensive research.

      • Advanced tools.

      • Active trader community.

      Cons
      • No transaction-fee-free mutual funds.

      • High account fees.

      • Low interest rate on uninvested cash.

      Why We Like It

      TradeStation is a strong choice for active stock, options and futures investors who rely on high-octane trading platforms, reams of research and sophisticated analytical tools. Trades are commission-free.

    • Robinhood
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on Robinhood's website
      NerdWallet rating
      4.5/5
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on Robinhood's website

      Fees

      $0

      on trades of stocks, ETFs and their options. Other fees may apply.

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      1 Free Stock

      after linking your bank account (stock value range $5.00-$200)

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Trades of stocks, ETFs and their options are commission free. Other fees may apply.

      • Streamlined interface.

      • Cryptocurrency trading.

      • IRA with 1% match (3% for Gold members).

      • High interest rate on uninvested cash.

      Cons
      • No mutual funds.

      • Little third-party research.

      Why We Like It

      At Robinhood, trades of stocks, ETFs and their options are commission free, as are cryptocurrency trades. (Other fees may apply, including on index options.) Robinhood Gold offers a high interest rate on uninvested cash and low margin rates. The company does not offer mutual funds or individual bonds.

    • NerdWallet rating
      4.5/5

      Fees

      $0

      per trade

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      Get up to $700

      when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.

      • Easy-to-use platform.

      • App connects all Chase accounts.

      • In-person customer support at Chase branches.

      Cons
      • Low interest rate on uninvested cash

      Why We Like It

      J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is a clear-cut investment platform that is great for beginners looking to learn how to buy and sell investments. More advanced investors, however, may find it lacking in terms of available assets, tools and research. INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

    • NerdWallet rating
      4.4/5

      Fees

      $0

      per trade

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      Get up to $600

      when you invest in a new Merrill account

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.

      • Integrated with Bank of America.

      • High order execution quality.

      • 24/7 phone support.

      Cons
      • No fractional shares.

      • Low interest rates on uninvested cash.

      Why We Like It

      Merrill Edge's extensive research and educational offerings, its Idea Builder investment-finder tool, and its seamless integration with other Bank of America accounts make it a solid choice for beginner investors.

    • NerdWallet rating
      4.7/5

      Fees

      $0

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      Earn 8.1% APY

      on your uninvested cash for 3 months + up to 60 Free Stocks with qualified deposits. Terms & Conditions apply.

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.

      • No contract fee on equity options.

      • Popular, easy-to-use app.

      • High yield on uninvested cash.

      • Low margin rates.

      Cons
      • No mutual funds or bonds.

      • Lower than average execution quality.

      Why We Like It

      Moomoo offers free stock and option trades in an easy-to-use trading platform that charges low margin rates. It's not built for passive retirement investors — IRAs aren't supported, nor are mutual funds — but there's a lot to like about Moomoo for more active traders.

  • Our pick for

    cash promotions

    • Public
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on Public's website
      NerdWallet rating
      4.6/5
      Learn moreon partner's site
      on Public's website

      Fees

      $0

      Account minimum

      $0

      Promotion

      Earn up to $10,000

      when you transfer your investment portfolio to Public.

      Our Take
      Pros
      • Commission-free stock, options and ETF trades.

      • Rebates for trading options.

      • Easy-to-use signup and trading interface.

      • High interest rate on uninvested cash.

      Cons
      • No mutual funds.

      • Lack of tools (e.g. customizable investment screeners).

      Why We Like It

      Public provides free stock and ETF trades, pays you to trade options, and gives traders access to crypto and bonds, as well as a high-yield cash account. The platform will appeal to traders looking for a low-cost options broker and access to many types of assets.

Brokerage account bonus details

The best bonus for you will depend on how much you have to deposit. For example, if you have $500 to add to your account, you're best off with TradeStation because you'll earn $50. But if you have $10,000, you'll earn $400 with Webull.

You'll also want to pay attention to how long you have to maintain the deposit amount — some companies require you to keep that balance up for a year or you'll risk losing your bonus.

Company

Promotion amount

Terms

Cash reward on $10,000 deposit

Cash rewards

$5k: $150 $25k: $250 $100k: $600 $250k: $1,000 $500k: $2,000 $1 mill: $4,000 $5 mill+: $10,000

Must maintain funds and bonus for 12 months. Payout date: One month.

If current brokerage charges outgoing transfer fees, Public will cover them if your account value exceeds $500.

$150

$5k: $50 $25k: $150 $100k: $325 $250k+: $700

Deposit within 45 days. Maintain funds for 90 days.

$50

$500: $50 $25k: $250 $100k: $400 $200k: $800 $1 mill: $3,000 $2 mill+: $5,000

Deposit within 45 days. Payout date: ~10 months.

$50

$2k: $100

2% match bonus for $2k minimum investment, up to $20k

$100 bonus will be paid within 10 business days, match paid in 24 equal monthly installments. First installment issued within 45 days of end of offer period (9/30/25).

$400

$20k: $100 $50k: $150 $100k: $250 $200k+: $600

Deposit money within 45 days of opening the account and maintain balance for at least 90 days.

$0

Stock rewards

Probable value of stock reward

1 stock ranging in value from $5 to $200. The probability of receiving stock worth $5 to $10 is 98%.

You can sell stock after 2 trading days.

$5 to $10

Deposit at least $50, get up to $1,000 worth of stock.

The probability of receiving stock worth $5 is 85%.

Deposit money within 30 days of opening the account.

$5

$100+: $20 in NVDA $2k+: $50 in NVDA $10k+: $300 in NVDA $50k+: $1,000 in NVDA

Must maintain average assets of initial deposit or more for 60 days to unlock stocks.

$300 (for just over $10,000 deposit)

Data is current as of August 4, 2025.

And while a cash or stock bonus is a nice perk, it may be worth looking more carefully at the other aspects of a brokerage before committing. Customer service hours and access (can I call and talk with a person on the weekend?), asset availability (do they have crypto?) and account types (wait, you can't invest through a Roth IRA at this brokerage?) are all important things to consider.

More about these promotions

Robinhood promotion

1 Free Stock after linking your bank account (stock value range $5.00-$200).

Robinhood's sign-up bonus offers free stock that can range in value. The company is known for its free stock, options, ETF and cryptocurrency trades, and also offers a 1% match on IRA account contributions, which isn't typical at other brokers.

Webull promotion

2% match (up to $1M), plus a 8.1% APY when you open and fund an account with Webull Premium.

Like Robinhood, Webull issues its sign-up bonus in the form of free stock shares. Webull has some of the lowest fees of all the brokers we review, and typically appeals most to mobile-first investors. But it also offers impressive tools for active trading.

SoFi promotion

Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account. Terms & Conditions Apply..

SoFi is appealing to new or beginner investors, thanks to its user-friendly platform and range of products, including banking accounts and educational seminars. It also offers access to IPOs.

TradeStation promotion

Get $150 when you open and fund a new TradeStation account. Offer Code: NERDAGMV

Tradestation is among the best choices for advanced, active traders, due to its high-quality trading platforms, tools and research. But it also offers features that appeal to more casual investors, including commission-free stock, ETF and options trades.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing promotion

Get up to $700 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.

J.P. Morgan's active investing offering is a clean, approachable platform that will appeal to beginner investors and existing Chase customers. The app seamlessly connects all of your Chase accounts.

Public.com promotion

Earn up to $10,000 when you transfer your investment portfolio to Public.

Public offers some unique features, including a rebate on options trades and access to alternative assets like shares of artworks and royalties.

More resources for opening a new brokerage account

Last updated on September 5, 2025

Methodology

NerdWallet’s comprehensive review process evaluates and ranks the largest U.S. brokers by assets under management, along with emerging industry players. Our aim is to provide an independent assessment of providers to help arm you with information to make sound, informed judgements on which ones will best meet your needs. We adhere to strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

We collect data directly from providers through detailed questionnaires, and conduct first-hand testing and observation through provider demonstrations. The questionnaire answers, combined with demonstrations, interviews of personnel at the providers and our specialists’ hands-on research, fuel our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance across more than 20 factors. The final output produces star ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details about the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Brokerage Bonuses of September 2025