What makes this brokerage offer different
This brokerage offer is transfer-oriented, so the practical value depends on the asset tier, transfer friction, and required hold period.
Brokerage
Merrill Brokerage Bonus — Up to $1,000
Sign up for Merrill Brokerage Bonus and earn up to $1,000 in bonus rewards.
Bonus Tiers
| Deposit | Bonus |
|---|---|
| $20,000 | $100 |
| $50,000 | $200 |
| $100,000 | $400 |
| $250,000 | $1,000 |
Hold Period
90 days
Qualifying Period
Within 45 days of account opening
Payout
Within 2 weeks following the end of the 90-day period
Requirements
- ✓Promo code 1000PR required at account opening
- ✓Minimum $20,000 in qualifying net new assets
- ✓Must be enrolled in Preferred Rewards as of 90 days from funding
- ✓Assets cannot originate from other MLPF&S accounts, Bank of America Private Bank, or 401(k) accounts administered by MLPF&S
- ✓Minimum $20,000 in qualifying net new assets deposit within 45 days of account opening
- ✓Maintain balance for at least 90 days after funding
- ✓Must use promo code 1000PR at account opening
- ✓Enroll in Preferred Rewards program within 90 days of funding to qualify for higher tiers
- ✓Use promo code 1000PR at account opening
- ✓Must be enrolled in Preferred Rewards as of 90 days from meeting funding criteria
- ✓Fund account with at least $20,000 in qualifying net new assets within 45 days
- ✓Assets must originate outside Bank of America and MLPF&S
- ✓Maintain balance for at least 90 days
Restrictions
- ⚠Preferred Rewards members only
- ⚠New and existing individual Merrill IRAs or Cash Management Accounts (CMA) only
- ⚠Limited to one CMA and one IRA per accountholder
- ⚠Not applicable to business/corporate accounts, investment club accounts, partnership accounts, certain fiduciary accounts, UTMA/UGMA accounts, 529 Plan accounts, or accounts held with other business units of MLPF&S
- ⚠New or existing individual Merrill IRAs or Cash Management Accounts (CMA) only
- ⚠Eligible IRAs limited to Rollover, Traditional, Roth, and Sole-Proprietor SEP
- ⚠Must enroll in Preferred Rewards as of 90 days from meeting funding criteria (for full $1,000 tier)
- ⚠Assets transferred from other MLPF&S accounts, Bank of America Private Bank, or BofA-administered 401(k) do not count
- ⚠New and existing individual Merrill IRAs or Cash Management Accounts (CMA)
- ⚠Eligible Merrill IRAs limited to Traditional, Roth, and owner-only SEP IRA
Fees
- $0 commission for online stock and ETF trades
- Bonus may be taxable income; Merrill may issue IRS Form 1099
- If bonus is credited to an IRA, the IRS may view the reward as taxable income or as a contribution to the IRA (excess contributions subject to 6% annual excise tax)
- Qualifying net new assets are calculated by adding total incoming assets/transfers and subtracting assets withdrawn/transferred within the preceding 52 weeks
- Account must be a Merrill Edge Self-Directed, Advisory Account, or Merrill Guided Investing account
- Merrill reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time without notice
- Non-Preferred Rewards members receive lower tiered bonuses: $100 for $20K-$49,999; $150 for $50K-$99,999; $250 for $100K-$249,999; $600 for $250K+
- Cash reward is determined by qualifying net new assets regardless of trading gains or losses
- Bonus credited as investment earnings; may be subject to IRS Form 1099
- If account enrolled in investment advisory program, cash reward subject to program fees
- Does not apply to business/corporate accounts, investment club accounts, partnership accounts, fiduciary accounts, UTMA/UGMA accounts, or 529 Plan accounts
- Assets transferred from other MLPF&S accounts, Bank of America Private Bank, or 401(k) accounts administered by MLPF&S do not count towards qualifying net new assets
- Bonus amount based on qualifying net new assets irrespective of any losses or gains due to trading or market volatility
- If enrolled in an investment advisory program, cash reward will be subject to program fee and terms
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards program will become BofA Rewards on or about May 26, 2026
Last updated May 10, 2026
How to evaluate Merrill Brokerage Bonus
Before transferring assets, compare the bonus tier against the deposit amount, required hold period, transfer fees, and whether IRA or taxable accounts qualify.
Qualification checklist
Timing
- Qualifying period
- Within 45 days of account opening
- Payout timeline
- Within 2 weeks following the end of the 90-day period
- Hold period
- 90 days
How to qualify
- Promo code 1000PR required at account opening
- Minimum $20,000 in qualifying net new assets
- Must be enrolled in Preferred Rewards as of 90 days from funding
- Assets cannot originate from other MLPF&S accounts, Bank of America Private Bank, or 401(k) accounts administered by MLPF&S
Common pitfalls
- Preferred Rewards members only
- New and existing individual Merrill IRAs or Cash Management Accounts (CMA) only
- Limited to one CMA and one IRA per accountholder
- Not applicable to business/corporate accounts, investment club accounts, partnership accounts, certain fiduciary accounts, UTMA/UGMA accounts, 529 Plan accounts, or accounts held with other business units of MLPF&S
What makes this offer different
Bonus value versus similar offers
The sign-up bonus is below the current nearby $7,500 median, so the requirements and any referral or portal stack matter more.
Requirement clarity
Credolix has extracted 4 requirements for this offer, so compare the bonus against the actual steps rather than the headline payout alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to qualify for Merrill Brokerage Bonus?
The qualifying period listed for Merrill Brokerage Bonus is Within 45 days of account opening.
When does Merrill Brokerage Bonus pay out?
The payout timeline listed for Merrill Brokerage Bonus is Within 2 weeks following the end of the 90-day period.
How long do I need to keep funds or the account for Merrill Brokerage Bonus?
The hold period listed for Merrill Brokerage Bonus is 90 days.
