Getting started as an investor can feel like a real challenge, but many brokerage platforms are making it more accessible and rewarding than ever. One of the most popular ways they’re attracting new users is by offering free stocks as a sign-up bonus or through referral programs. These promotions provide a risk-free way to start investing, allowing you to own a piece of a company without spending your own money.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to take advantage of free stock offers available in November. We’ll walk you through promotions from some of the most popular platforms, explain the requirements, and highlight important details like potential tax implications so you can start investing with confidence.
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## How it Works: Earning Your Free Stock
The concept behind free stock promotions is simple: brokerages are in a competitive race for new clients, and offering a freebie is a powerful incentive. The process typically involves three key steps:
1. **Opening and funding an account:**
The most common requirement is to open a new, eligible brokerage account and fund it with a minimum amount of money. This can be as low as $1 or more than $100.
2. **Meeting offer terms:**
Once you’ve funded your account, you must fulfill any additional requirements. This could include maintaining a minimum balance for a set period or making a qualified trade.
3. **Claiming your reward:**
After you’ve met all the conditions, the brokerage will credit your account with a cash value or a fractional share of stock. You can sell the stock or use the cash to invest in something else.
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## Current Free Stock Offers
Free stock offers are constantly changing. Below are some of the promotions currently available. Be sure to check the official terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information, as offers can change without notice.
### Robinhood
**How it works:**
Robinhood offers free stock for new users who sign up and link their bank accounts. The stock’s value is random and can range from a small amount to a much larger one.
**Offer details:**
New users who open a Robinhood brokerage account and link an eligible bank account can receive a reward stock typically worth between about $5 and $200, with roughly 99% of customers receiving a stock reward around $5. There’s no account minimum to open an account, but you must meet the terms of the current promotion (such as having your account approved and linking a bank).
After you sell the reward stock, the cash value has to stay in your account for at least 30 days before you can withdraw those funds.
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### SoFi
**How it works:**
SoFi Invest offers new users a chance to receive a significant stock bonus through its *The Claw* promotion.
**Offer details:**
New customers who don’t already have a SoFi Invest self-directed (Active Invest) brokerage account and who open and fund one with at least $50 within 45 days can play *The Claw* for a random stock bonus between $5 and $1,000.
The award is credited in stock-dollar value, usually within about 10 business days after opening and funding, and can then be used to invest according to SoFi’s promo terms. SoFi also regularly runs separate referral bonuses for eligible clients who invite friends and family.
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### Webull
**How it works:**
Webull’s promotions are often tied to specific deposit tiers, offering a graduated system of rewards.
**Offer details:**
Webull regularly runs tiered welcome and deposit promotions for new users, with cash or stock-based rewards that scale with how much you deposit and how long you keep those funds in the account.
Current offers and maximum bonus amounts are listed on Webull’s Offers & Promotions page, and each promotion has its own qualifying deposit tiers, required holding period, and payout schedule. Be sure to check the live terms for the exact details.
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### Public
**How it works:**
Public offers a promotion for investors who transfer their existing portfolios from another brokerage.
**Offer details:**
Public now offers a 1% uncapped match on eligible brokerage transfers into a Public Investing account, along with reimbursement of transfer fees up to $100, replacing the earlier up-to-$10,000 cash-bonus promotion.
Eligible ACAT transfers that meet promo terms receive the 1% match after the transfer is completed, and both the matched amount and the transferred assets must remain in the account for the required holding period outlined in Public’s current offer terms.
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## Tax Implications
When you receive a free stock, it is generally considered taxable income. The value of the stock at the time you receive it is reported to the IRS and may be subject to ordinary income tax.
For example, if you receive a free stock worth $10, you are responsible for paying taxes on that $10. If the stock’s value increases after you receive it and you sell it later, any gains would be subject to capital gains tax. Conversely, if the value drops and you sell at a loss, you can typically use that loss to offset other capital gains.
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## A Launchpad Into Investing
Free stock promotions are a great way to dip your toes into investing. They eliminate the initial barrier to entry and offer an opportunity to start building a portfolio without risking your own capital.
While the most valuable rewards are rare, even a small, free stock can provide a valuable learning experience. Before you sign up, read the fine print to understand all specific requirements, including minimum deposits, holding periods, and potential fees.
These promotions are designed to encourage long-term engagement, so consider which brokerage best fits your overall investment strategy.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
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Start exploring these free stock offers today and take your first step into the world of investing with confidence!
https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-get-free-stocks-august-2024