How to Get Free Stocks
Many apps and investing platforms give free stocks to beginners. Find the top bonus offers here.
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Guess what? It is possible to earn stocks for free.
You just need to follow a couple of instructions to receive your bonus cash or stock.
So, review the best places to get free stocks and cash bonuses in this article. Plus, learn how to receive and withdraw them.
Here are the platforms where you can earn free shares:
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing - Get Up to $700
- Get up to $700 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.
- $700 when you fund with $250,000 or more
- $325 when you fund with $100,000-$249,999
- $150 when you fund with $25,000-$99,999
- $50 when you fund with $5,000-$24,999
- Get unlimited commission-free online stock, ETF, fixed income, and options trades when you open an account.
- $0 Online Commission trades
- Choose an account that's right for you: General Investing, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
- Access our secure, easy-to-use trading experience online or through the Chase Mobile® app.
- Our powerful tools and resources are built to help you take control of your investments.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE:
Deposit $5,000 and Get 60 Free Stocks plus 8.1% APY on uninvested cash
Enroll in Cash Sweep to enjoy 4.1% APY base rate plus 4.0% APY booster for the first 3 months on up to $20k after opening your account
Make a net deposit of $5,000 or more to receive 60 draws, each for a free stock worth $2 - $2,000 each. Maintain average assets totaling $5,000 or more for 60 days to unlock the free stocks. Terms and conditions apply.
Fund Account and Get Up to $12,000 Bonus
Open a new eligible Webull account. Fund the account with one or more qualifying deposits totaling $5,000 or more. Maintain a net qualifying funding amount of at least $5,000 in the account until the payment of the final installment of the offer reward. The offer reward will be credited to the eligible Webull account in 12 equal monthly installments, with the first installment issued within 45 days after the end of the offer period. To participate in this offer, you must click “Enroll Today” on the website. Terms and conditions apply.
| Net Qualifying Funding Amount | Offer Reward Amount |
|---|---|
| $5,000 - $25,000.99 | $100 |
| $25,001 - $100,000.99 | $750 |
| $100,001 - $250,000.99 | $1,500 |
| $250,001 - $500,000.99 | $3,750 |
| $500,001 - $1,000,000.99 | $5,000 |
| $1,000,001 - $5,000,000.99 | $8,000 |
| $5,000,001+ | $12,000 |
Invest and Earn $150 Bonus
Open a new account using promo code TSTVAGLL. Fund the account with new and qualifying assets of $5,000 or more. Maintain a balance of $5,000 or more in the account for 60 days.
Ways to Earn Free Stocks
Each platform would reward free stocks differently, but here are some common ways to earn them:
- Welcome Bonus
Sign up and receive free stocks when you successfully meet the broker's initial deposit requirement.The type of free stocks varies per promo. Some brokers offer a fixed amount of stock, while some offer shares whose value depends on a random lottery result. The reward from a random lottery can be anywhere between $2 and $3,000 per share. - Funding Bonus
Add a specific amount of money to your new account and get bonus cash. These bonuses are usually tiered—the more you deposit, the bigger the bonus. - Referral Program
Refer a friend or relative to your existing stock broker. Ask them to sign up through your referral link, and once they successfully fund their account, earn bonus cash. - Games
Play a game when you sign up with a broker and earn free stock. For example, you can claim your free sign-up gift at SoFi through its online claw machine. Then, at Tornado, you can earn free stock when you attend investing courses.
Platforms Offering Free Stocks
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Now, learn exactly which platforms currently offer free stock and cash bonuses. Continue reading.
Robinhood: Commission-free trading
Free stock value: $5 and $200 [1]
Robinhood popularized commission-free trading, making stock trading accessible for retail investors. This user-friendly app offers stocks, options, ETFs, and crypto trading with no minimums.
How to get free stocks
- Sign up or invite a friend: For new users, sign up here. If you're an existing Robinhood investor, invite your friend using your referral link.
- Link your account: Link a debit or credit card once the brokerage account is approved.
- Get your reward: Receive the welcome cash bonus ranging from $5 to $200. Use this money to purchase a stock from a list of 20 of America's leading companies.
How to withdraw
You can sell your free stock 3 trading days after you receive it. But you cannot withdraw the cash value of your free stock for 30 days.
Webull: Platform for active traders
Webull is another easy-to-use investing app for retail investors. Like Robinhood, it offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and options without a minimum investment.
3 Free Fractional Shares
Open a new Webull individual brokerage account. Make a qualifying single initial deposit of $100 - $499.99 during the promotional period to get 3 fractional shares, each valued between $3 - $3,000. Maintain a balance of $100 - $499.99 in the account for 30 days or more. Terms and conditions apply.
20 Free Fractional Shares
Open a new Webull individual brokerage account. Make a qualifying single initial deposit of $500 or more during the promotional period to get 20 fractional shares, each valued between $3 - $3,000. Maintain a balance of $500 or more in the account for 30 days or more. Terms and conditions apply.
SoFi: Invest with just $5
SoFi is a fintech app offering various financial services, including investing. At SoFi, you can trade zero-commission stocks and ETFs. You can even automate investments through its robo-advisor.
The Claw Active Investing - $5 to $1,000 Free Stock
Win a stock ranging from $5 - $1,000 through a one-time electronic claw "grab" when you sign up for a SoFi Invest Active Investing brokerage account on the SoFi mobile app or the SoFi website. The account must be funded with a minimum of $50 within 30 days to qualify for the offer. Terms and conditions apply.
Moomoo: One-stop investing platform
Moomoo is an investment app that lets you invest in commission-free stocks, options, ETFs, and American Depository Receipts (ADRs). It also offers IPO subscriptions and global stocks from the China A-Shares and Hong Kong markets.
Deposit $5,000 and Get 60 Free Stocks plus 8.1% APY on uninvested cash
Enroll in Cash Sweep to enjoy 4.1% APY base rate plus 4.0% APY booster for the first 3 months on up to $20k after opening your account
Make a net deposit of $5,000 or more to receive 60 draws, each for a free stock worth $2 - $2,000 each. Maintain average assets totaling $5,000 or more for 60 days to unlock the free stocks. Terms and conditions apply.
Deposit $2,000 and Get 25 Free Stocks plus 8.1% APY on uninvested cash
Enroll in Cash Sweep to enjoy 4.1% APY base rate plus 4.0% APY booster for the first 3 months on up to $20k after opening your account
Make a net deposit of $2,000 or more to receive 25 draws, each for a free stock worth $2 - $2,000 each. Maintain average assets totaling $2,000 or more for 25 days to unlock the free stocks. Terms and conditions apply.
Deposit $100 and Get 5 Free Stocks plus 8.1% APY on uninvested cash
Enroll in Cash Sweep to enjoy 4.1% APY base rate plus 4.0% APY booster for the first 3 months on up to $20k after opening your account
Make a net deposit of $100 or more to receive 5 draws, each for a free stock worth $2 - $2,000 each. Maintain average assets totaling $100 or more for 25 days to unlock the free stocks. Terms and conditions apply.
TradeStation: For serious traders
TradeStation is one of the stock trading platforms geared toward serious and active traders. Its platform allows customization, backtesting, and simulation, but it requires a bit of a learning curve.
Invest and Earn $150 Bonus
Open a new account using promo code TSTVAGLL. Fund the account with new and qualifying assets of $5,000 or more. Maintain a balance of $5,000 or more in the account for 60 days.
Stash: For Beginner Investors
Stash is a stock trading app that guides beginners in creating a portfolio. You can invest in stocks and ETFs, and open IRAs or custodial accounts.
Sign Up and Get $5
- Sign up, add at least $5 to your account and get a $5 bonus.
- Invest with fractional shares
- Get portfolio recommendations
Schwab: For All Levels of Investors
Schwab is one of the oldest names in the world of investing. With low fees, no account minimums, and robust research tools, it's a good brokerage for all levels of investors.
Schwab's Referral Offer - Up to $1,000 Bonus
You must enroll in the offer via your friend's personal link. Open a new qualifying account (Schwab retail brokerage accounts and IRAs, including accounts enrolled in Schwab-sponsored investment advisory programs), and make a qualifying net deposit of cash or securities within 45 days of opening the account. The bonus will be deposited to your account about a week after the initial 45 days.
| Qualifying Net Deposit | Bonus |
|---|---|
| $25,000 - $49,999 | $100 |
| $50,000 - $99,999 | $300 |
| $100,000 - $499,999 | $500 |
| $500,000 or more | $1,000 |
Schwab Starter Kit - $101 Bonus
Open a new account and deposit $50 or more into the account within 30 days of account opening.
Limited-Time Offers
Take advantage of these limited-time offers before they expire:
Merrill Edge Investment Account - Up to $1,000 Bonus
Enroll in this offer using offer code 1000PR. Fund your IRA or CMA with at least $20,000 in qualifying net new assets within 45 days of account opening. Enroll in Preferred Rewards within 90 days of funding your account. Maintain the new assets in your account for at least 90 days. Cash reward will be determined by the deposited net new assets in your account.
| Qualifying Net New Asset Balance | Cash Rewards |
|---|---|
| $20,000 - $49,999 | $100 |
| $50,000 - $99,999 | $200 |
| $100,000 - $249,000 | $400 |
| $250,000 or more | $1,000 |
This offer is valid for new and existing individual Merrill IRAs or Cash Management Accounts (CMA).
Plynk: $10 Sign Up Bonus
Download the Plynk app, and sign up for a new account. Link an eligible bank account to your new Plynk account.
E*TRADE Account - Up to $10,000 Bonus
Open a new eligible E*TRADE brokerage (non-retirement) account. Use promo code OFFER25. Fund your new or existing account/s within 60 days of account opening or enrollment in this offer. Maintain new money (minus any trading losses) in the account for a minimum of 6 months. Receive cash credits corresponding to the amount deposited to the account/s.
| New Account Deposit Amount | New Account Cash Credit | Existing Account Deposit Amount | Existing Account Cash Credit | Total Cash Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 - $4,999 | $50 | $5,000,000+ | $9,200 | $9,250 |
| $5,000 - $19,999 | $150 | $9,350 | ||
| $20,000 - $99,999 | $300 | $9,500 | ||
| $100,000 - $199,999 | $600 | $9,800 | ||
| $200,000+ | $800 | $10,000 |
This offer is for existing customers who open a new account, or new customers who open one or more new accounts within 60 days of enrolling in this offer.
Other Trading Apps with Referral Programs
Aside from some of the platforms mentioned earlier, here are the brokers that offer referral programs in case you already have an existing account with them:
| Broker | Deposit of at least | Receive reward of |
|---|---|---|
| Public[2] | $1,000 | $20 |
| M1 Finance[3] | $10,000 | $75 |
| Interactive Brokers[4] | $10,000 | $200 |
| tastytrade[5] | $5,000 | $250 |
| E*Trade[6] | $1,000–$4,999 | Starts at $50 |
| Schwab[7] | $25,000 - $49,999 | Starts at $100 |
Unlike welcome bonuses or funding bonuses, referral programs typically require a much higher initial deposit from the person you referred before you'll receive a free stock or cash bonus.
Alternatives
While these apps won't give you any free stock directly, many of them will provide bonuses and rewards that you can easily exchange for stocks of your choosing. Let's take a look.
Acorns
Acorns started out as an app that would roundup and invest your spare change. But it does a lot more than that now.
It lets you invest automatically through curated portfolios that you choose when you set up your account, rather than going to the effort of investing in individual stocks.
There is a monthly fee, but if you sign up for Acorns, you can earn a bonus that they'll invest in your chosen portfolio.
$20 Investment Bonus
- Open an Acorns account (new users only)
- Set up the Recurring Investments feature
- Have your first investment be made successfully via the Recurring Investments feature
Bits of Stock
Unlike many of the other apps on this list, Bits of Stock isn't a trading app that will reward you with stock for signing up. Instead, their business model revolves around giving you stocks as rewards when you shop.
All you have to do is download the app and link a credit or debit card. Then, whenever you spend, you'll earn rewards.
Bits of Stock is available for iOS and Android devices.
Are Free Stocks Worth It?
A free stock could be a great way to kickstart your investment journey. It could be the nudge you need to start investing. But before you jump in, check if the investing app is right for you. If it's not a good fit, you might never use it.
Keep in mind, though: snagging a really high-value free stock is rare. And the stock could be for a company you're not too excited about.
That said, a free stock of any value is still a gift. And it could be that important first step into wealth building.
Do You Pay Taxes on Free Stocks?
If you received free stocks from an investing app, you need to report the value of your shares as income. And you will need to pay taxes on it. It's treated as if you received a cash gift.
Say you got a free stock worth $10 on the day that you received it. Even though it's only $10, you're still required to report it on your tax return as "other income."
If you decide to sell your free stock at a profit, you will also have to pay capital gains tax on it. So say you sell it later at $15, you'll pay $5 in capital gains. You'll be taxed depending on how long you've had the stock.
- Less than one year - you pay short-term capital gains tax. This is the same as your regular income tax rate.
- More than one year - you pay long-term capital gains rate. This is 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free stocks really free?
Yes. Free stock offers are really free. A lot of investing apps give you a free stock just for opening a new account. Some may require a minimum deposit in order to get your free stock.
How long does it take to get a free stock?
Investment apps will usually give you your free stock within 5 business days of meeting requirements.
Can you sell a free stock?
Yes, you can sell the free stock you receive. After you sell it, you can use the proceeds to buy stock in other companies that you want to invest in.
Can you cash out a free stock?
You can sell and withdraw your free stock as cash. However, there may be rules. For example, Robinhood doesn't let you withdraw the cash value of the free stock for 30 days. Public has a 90-day hold before you can withdraw after selling.
This is because the companies want people to use their apps. Instead of just receiving the free stock, cashing out, and deleting the account.
Why do companies give away free stock?
Brokerages give away free stock because they want to attract new users to their investment platform. It's just like how a bank may offer a cash bonus for opening a new checking account.
What the Experts Say
CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions about stocks. Here's what they said:
Bottom Line
Whether you're looking to get into investing for the first time or just interested in switching to a new platform, it's a good time to be an investor.
Trading platforms are all vying for your business, and that means they're willing to offer generous rewards to those who sign up.
And if you're just in it for the free stocks, the good news is that there's nothing stopping you from signing up for more than one.
References
- ^ Robinhood. Open account, pick your stock, Retrieved 03/09/2025
- ^ Public. Public Referral Program, Retrieved 03/10/2025
- ^ M1 Finance. M1 Referral Rewards, Retrieved 03/10/2025
- ^ Interactive Brokers. Referral Member, Retrieved 03/10/2025
- ^ tastytrade. Referral Member, Retrieved 03/10/2025
- ^ E*Trade. Promos, Retrieved 03/10/2025
- ^ Schwab. Refer a friend, Retrieved 03/10/2025
Jeremy Harshman is a creative assistant at CreditDonkey, a personal finance comparison and reviews website. Write to Jeremy Harshman at jeremy.harshman@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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