Let’s start this blog with an investing/trading metaphor. Brokerage transfer bonuses represent pure arbitrage for investors. It’s compensation simply for moving existing assets from one custodian to another. In an increasingly competitive market where commission-free trading has become standard, brokers compete for assets under management through cash incentives, otherwise known as a brokerage transfer bonus, percentage matches, and fee reimbursements that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on account size. A one-time $500 or $2,000 bonus costs less than sustained advertising campaigns, making transfer incentives economically rational for both parties.
People are exploring avenues to consolidate, reposition, or optimize their investment accounts. This is where transfer-in bonuses provide an extra incentive beyond the core services a platform offers. It often becomes the deciding factor for an investor in which brokerage they should transfer their assets. The trick is to spot the best offers, reading the fine print such as holding periods, asset types, and eligibility, and then transferring the assets at an appropriate time.
Public.com
Among the newer breed of digital brokerages, Public.com stands out with a straightforward, clean “match the assets you transfer” approach. When the investor transfers eligible assets, such as brokerage accounts or an IRA, to Public.com, they earn a 1% uncapped cash match on the transferred value.
Unlike tiered structures that cap rewards at specific thresholds, this percentage-based approach scales linearly: $100,000 transferred earns $1,000, $500,000 earns $5,000, and so on, without limits. This comes with a mandatory holding requirement: the investor must hold the transferred and matched funds in the account for 5 years, or face a clawback fee.
The transfer process uses ACATS, which allows investors to move their stock and ETF positions smoothly from one brokerage to another. Public.com doesn’t stop at a 1% uncapped match of the transferred value. It also reimburses transfer fees up to $100, depending on the transfer size. Public.com especially appeals to those who prefer a sleek, app-first experience with straightforward investing tools, fractional share capabilities, and transparent pricing. It has become quite popular among new-gen investors who prefer a platform that feels simple yet modern.
However, the investor who is considering the transfer must keep in mind that the asset they are transferring qualifies for the bonus. They should also verify whether any fractional or restricted securities require liquidation, and review the current promotional terms, as brokerage transfer bonus schemes are updated from time to time by each broker. Public.com’s 1% uncapped match is one of the strongest dollar-for-dollar transfer bonuses available, turning a routine brokerage transfer into a calculated financial advantage.
E*TRADE
E*TRADE, which is now a part of Morgan Stanley, offers one of the most recognizable tiered brokerage transfer bonus structures in the U.S.. It is an appealing option for investors who are considering moving moderate to large portfolios. Its transfer bonus is offered as a cash credit. The cash credit ranges from $50 for smaller transfers to $10,000 for larger transfers. The most popular bonus tiers are the mid-tiers: $300 for transfers between $20,000 and $100,000, and $600+ for six-figure transfers.
E*TRADE’s strength lies in its strong research platform, excellent trading tools, and the comfort of a well-established brokerage. For investors who want a bonus without giving up robust charting, retirement planning tools, or a stable long-term platform, E*TRADE is a solid choice.
Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge offers an easy-to-qualify and straightforward brokerage transfer bonus that appeals to everyday investors with its transparent bonus structure depending on the qualifying asset balances: $100 for $20,000-$49,999, $150 for $50,000-$99,999, $250 for $100,000-$199,999, and $600 for $200,000+. Qualifying investments must be made within 45 days of account opening, with a 90-day holding period. That’s significantly shorter than competitors’ demanding year-plus commitments.
Merrill Edge’s integration with Bank of America also unlocks additional perks for the investors through its Preferred Rewards program, making the overall deal even stronger. Its minimum holding requirement period of just 90 days makes it less competitive than its competitors. The platform itself is well-suited for investors who want a stable, research-driven environment with simple navigation, strong customer service, and an ecosystem that benefits those who already bank with Bank of America.
Merrill Edge’s bonus is ideal for investors with mid-sized portfolios who want an attainable reward without the commitment of multi-year holding periods.
Webull
Webull is known for its sign-up promotions, and the current transfer bonus is appealing for investors who want to transfer assets in smaller amounts. While most brokerage platforms have minimum transfer requirements that start at higher amounts, Webull has a minimum transfer requirement of $500 and a minimum transfer requirement of $2000 to be eligible for the offer.
There is no cash bonus for the transfers made. Rather, it is a transfer fee reimbursement of up to $175, where $100 is reimbursed for a transfer of $2000 or more into a cash or margin account, and $75 is reimbursed for the first transfer into a self-directed traditional, Roth, or Rollover IRA. This offer is applicable till the end of the year and remains one of the most rewarding options available.
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is one of the top contenders for investors looking for stability and a decent brokerage transfer bonus with promotional tiers, offering rewards for transfers starting at $25,000 and scaling up to more than $500,000. The reward ranges from $100 to $1,000, depending on the tiers of qualifying net deposits. The exact tiers can change seasonally, but Schwab consistently targets long-term investors who value a full-service brokerage with extensive research tools, advanced planning resources, and strong customer support.
The bonus is for those who open a new Charles Schwab account and use a referral code. The new account openers are eligible for a bonus only if they make a new deposit or transfer their accounts within 45 days of opening an eligible Charles Schwab account.
Schwab’s legacy and industry reputation make it particularly appealing for investors who want to consolidate their accounts or move to a more established environment. Schwab’s mix of rewards and high-quality infrastructure offers compelling long-term value for investors seeking a reliable platform backed by decades of experience. When choosing the right brokerage for asset transfers, the decision depends entirely on the investment size, the investor’s goals, and how long the investor is willing to stay with the new broker. It is also dependent on how much value the platform can provide to the investor in the long term, beyond the transfer bonus. With so many brokerages competing for new assets, right now is one of the best times to take advantage of these offers.
