Best Brokerage Bonuses for Small Deposits (2026)

You don't need six figures to earn a brokerage bonus. Many top brokerages offer meaningful sign-up bonuses for deposits under $25,000 — sometimes even under $5,000. This guide highlights the best brokerage bonuses accessible to everyday investors who want to earn extra cash when opening a new investment account.

Qualifying Offers

Schwab Brokerage Referral Bonus

Up to $1,000 cash bonus based on deposit amount

$1000

Merrill Brokerage Bonus

Up to $1,000 cash bonus

$1000

Chase Self-Directed Investing Bonus

Up to $1,000 cash bonus

$1000

Bank of America Merrill Brokerage Bonus

Up to $1,000 cash bonus

$1000

SoFi IRA Match Bonus

1% match on rollovers and contributions

$1000

CIT Bank Self-Directed Investing Bonus

Up to $750 based on deposit tier

$750

Citi Self Invest Bonus

Up to $500 bonus

$500

Plynk Premium Dividend Match Bonus

50% dividend match (Plynk Premium members only)

$250

Ally Invest Bonus

$200 cash bonus with $1,000 transfer (90-day hold)

$200

Robinhood Brokerage Bonus

Up to $200 in free stock

$200

Webull Transfer Bonus

Up to $175 transfer fee reimbursement

$175

NinjaTrade Brokerage Bonus

$100 bonus when you deposit $100+

$100

Public Brokerage Bonus

Unable to verify

$20

Tips for Maximizing Small-Deposit Bonuses

• Look for offers with low minimum deposit requirements — some start at just $1,000 or less.
• Check the hold period: many bonuses require you to keep the deposit for 6–12 months.
• Consider funding with an ACAT transfer from another brokerage for potentially faster bonus eligibility.
• Stack bonuses: some brokerages offer both new account and referral bonuses.
• Set a calendar reminder before the hold period expires so you can decide whether to keep the account or close it.