Online brokerage platforms have transformed the way individuals access the stock market. For those new to investing, free stock promotions are offered as a compelling incentive to join. These types of promotions, often requiring nothing more than a funded account or linked bank, offer a low-risk gateway to ownership of publicly traded companies.
April continues the trend with major and emerging brokerages offering attractive sign-up bonuses, deposit incentives and referral rewards. Whether opening your first brokerage account or considering transferring funds from an existing one, this guide is designed to help you identify and evaluate the best opportunities.
Major Online Brokerage Platforms Offering Free Stock in April 2025
| Broker Name | Type of Bonus | Potential Value/Range | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Holding Period | Key Conditions | Expiration Date |
| Robinhood | Free Stock | $5 – $200 | Link Bank Account | 3 days to sell | New customer, link bank account | Ongoing |
| Webull | Free Stock | Up to $3,000 (fractional) | Any Amount | 30 days (for some) | New customer, fund account | Varies |
| Public.com | Cash Bonus | $150 – $10,000 | $5,000 (transfer) | 12 months | Transfer from another broker | April 30, 2025 |
| Moomoo | Free Stock | $2 – $2,000 (multiple shares) | $100 | 60 days to unlock | New customer, deposit funds | Varies |
| SoFi Active Invest | Free Stock | $5 – $1,000 (Claw Game) | $50 | None | Fund account, play Claw Game | April 1, 2025 |
Brokerage Breakdown
Robinhood
Robinhood's free stock program remains one of the most accessible entry points for beginners. With no deposit requirement beyond linking a bank account, the promotion enables users to receive one free stock valued between $5 and $200. Most recipients receive shares in the $5 to $10 range. The offer comes with a three-day holding period before selling is allowed and a 30-day wait before withdrawal of proceeds.
Robinhood also provides a 1% IRA match for regular users and 3% for Gold members, incentivizing long-term retirement savings. Its referral program adds another layer, enabling existing users to gift free stock to new members.
Webull
Webull’s free stock offer includes multiple fractional shares with potential value up to $3,000, although most fall below $10. The tiered promotion scales with deposits: $100 might earn five stocks, $2,000 or more could earn up to 25 stocks. Some offers require holding funds for 30 days. Webull appeals to users seeking more robust trading tools and free equity ownership.
Public.com
Public.com offers cash bonuses instead of stock. In April, $5,000 or more account transfers are eligible for bonuses from $150 to $10,000. The offer expires April 30, 2025 and requires assets to remain for 12 months. Public also includes a 1% IRA match and a referral program awarding stock.
Moomoo
New users who deposit $100 or more can earn 5–60 free stocks depending on the amount. A $100 deposit yields five shares; $2,000 or more brings 25 additional shares. A 60-day holding period applies. Most shares are valued between $2 and $10, though maximum value can reach $2,000. Moomoo also features high-yield cash options.
SoFi Active Investing
SoFi's "Claw Game" offers $5 to $1,000 stock for new accounts funded with $50. While odds of hitting the $1,000 top reward are low, the gamified experience lowers entry barriers. SoFi also provides a 1% transfer bonus on $20,000 or more portfolios and a 1% match for recurring deposits.
Types of Free Stock Promotions
Sign-Up Bonuses: No or low-deposit rewards granted for simply opening and linking a bank account (e.g., Robinhood).
Deposit-Based Bonuses: More common among Webull and Moomoo, these promotions scale based on how much capital a user commits.
Transfer Bonuses: Cash rewards for moving assets from another platform. Public.com and SoFi both offer transfer incentives.
Referral Programs: Existing users refer friends and both receive stock. Robinhood and Public.com lead in this area.
Understanding Free Stock Value and Limitations
Free stocks may be advertised with high ceilings – up to $3,000 in Webull’s case – but the likelihood of that outcome is low. Robinhood and Moomoo users generally receive $5 –$10 shares.
Risks, Fees and Restrictions
Free trades don’t mean zero costs. Fees for options, withdrawals and premium features may apply. Promotions often carry restrictions – like 30-day hold requirements or minimum balance thresholds. More importantly, free stock still fluctuates with the market. It is real equity and carries risk.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, users typically must:
- Be new to the platform
- Be a U.S. resident aged 18 or older
- Link a bank account
- Fulfill minimum deposit or funding requirements
- Avoid having participated in previous promotions from the same provider
Smart Entry Points for New Investors
Brokerage firms continue to use free stock offers to drive customer growth in 2025. While high-value payouts are rare, the accessibility of the programs makes them a valuable on-ramp for new investors.
Newcomers should carefully compare offers, understand eligibility and risks and consider the total value of a platform – tools, fees, education – not just the promotional bonus. With the right strategy, these offers can serve as both an incentive and a smart start to building long-term wealth.
About AJ Fabino
AJ Fabino is the Investing & Cryptocurrency Editor at Benzinga, overseeing a range of financial content, including stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, futures, IPOs, bonds, and cryptocurrency. With extensive experience in financial journalism and content strategy, AJ is dedicated to delivering engaging, insightful, and timely news that empowers readers to make informed investment decisions.
