How to Get Free Stocks: 3 Legit Ways to Earn Free Shares
Getting free stocks sounds almost too good to be true, but several legitimate investing platforms offer stock rewards to attract new customers or encourage referrals.
The catch is that “free” doesn’t always mean you can sign up, collect a stock, and immediately cash out. Some offers require you to deposit money, maintain a certain account balance, refer someone, or keep your reward in the account for a specific period.
If you’re completely new to the stock market, check out my What Is Investing? guide before opening an account. You should understand what you’re investing in instead of signing up for an app just because it’s offering a bonus.
Below are three legitimate ways to get free stocks, along with what you should know before signing up.
Last verified: September 2026. Brokerage promotions change frequently, so always check the current terms before opening or funding an account.
1. Webull
Webull is an investing platform that offers stocks, ETFs, options, and other investments.
It has also become well known for its promotional stock offers.
The important thing to understand is that Webull’s free-stock offer changes. The company currently has an Offers & Promotions section where customers can select eligible promotions and fund their accounts based on the requirements of the particular offer.
Webull confirms that the number and value of free stocks can vary depending on the promotion. Once a promotional stock is awarded, you generally have 30 days to claim it. After it’s credited to your account, you can hold or sell the stock.
Before signing up, look at the current offer and pay particular attention to the required deposit. Don’t deposit hundreds or thousands of dollars solely because you hope to receive a valuable stock.
2. Moomoo
Moomoo is another commission-free investing platform that offers stocks, ETFs, options, market data, research tools, and educational resources.
As of August 2026, eligible customers who have not previously made a qualifying deposit can receive:
- $30 in NVDA stock with a net deposit of at least $500
- $100 in NVDA stock with at least $2,000
- $200 in NVDA stock with at least $10,000
- $400 in NVDA stock with at least $50,000
- $1,000 in NVDA stock with at least $100,000
The promotion is scheduled to run through December 31, 2026.
There is an important catch.
You have to maintain certain average asset levels for specified periods before the stock becomes fully unlocked. For example, someone qualifying for the $30 reward must maintain average assets of at least $500 for 60 days. Higher reward tiers have additional requirements.
I wouldn’t deposit $10,000 or $100,000 just to chase a bonus. If you were already planning to invest that amount and Moomoo fits what you’re looking for, the promotional stock is an extra perk.
If terms like ETFs, fractional shares, and market capitalization are new to you, my investment terms for beginners guide can help.
3. Robinhood
Robinhood is one of the most recognizable investing apps in the United States and helped popularize commission-free stock trading.
It also offers a free-stock promotion for eligible new customers.
Unlike promotions where you’re randomly given a full share, Robinhood awards eligible users a specified dollar amount that can be used toward fractional shares of stocks from a list of companies.
To qualify, a new customer must open and be approved for their first eligible taxable self-directed individual investing account and link a bank account or debit card.
That means you don’t necessarily receive an entire share of an expensive company. You could receive a fractional share representing the value of your reward.
Robinhood’s approach is one of the simpler promotions on this list, but you should still read the current terms before signing up.
Other Ways to Get Free Stocks
Opening a new brokerage account isn’t the only way to earn free stock.
Refer Friends
Some brokerage companies reward existing customers for referrals.
Robinhood’s stock reward program includes qualifying existing customers who successfully refer eligible new customers.
If you already use and like an investing platform, check its referral section before recommending it to someone.
Deposit Promotions
Moomoo is a good current example of a deposit-based promotion.
The more qualifying money you deposit, the larger the potential stock reward.
Again, don’t let the bonus determine how much money you invest.
If you only have $500 available to invest, depositing $2,000 to qualify for a larger promotion makes no sense.
Account Transfer Promotions
Brokerages sometimes offer rewards for transferring an existing investment account.
These offers aren’t always technically “free stocks.“ You may receive cash, an account match, or another incentive instead.
They can also have substantial holding requirements, so read the fine print before moving an investment portfolio solely to receive a bonus.
Can You Sell Your Free Stock?
Usually, yes, once you’ve satisfied the requirements of the promotion.
For example, Webull says customers can sell promotional stock after it has been credited and settled in their accounts. The proceeds can then be invested in other eligible securities or withdrawn.
Other platforms may require you to maintain your deposit or assets for a certain amount of time before your reward is unlocked.
That’s why the terms matter.
A $100 bonus isn’t nearly as attractive if you have to move a large amount of money somewhere you didn’t originally want it for months just to qualify.
Are Free Stocks Really Free?
Technically, you may not have to purchase the promotional stock itself.
But there can still be requirements.
You may have to:
- Open a brokerage account
- Link a bank account
- Deposit money
- Maintain a minimum balance
- Refer another person
- Wait before selling or withdrawing your reward
There’s also no guarantee that a stock will increase in value after you receive it.
If you receive $30 worth of stock, it could eventually increase in value. It could also lose value.
That’s investing.
A promotional stock shouldn’t change the basic rules of managing your money. Before investing heavily, make sure you’re also saving money and taking care of your other financial priorities.
Which Free Stock Offer Is Best?
I wouldn’t choose a brokerage based solely on which company advertises the biggest possible reward.
Instead, look at:
The deposit requirement. How much of your own money must you put in?
The holding period. How long does your money need to stay there?
What you actually receive. Is it a guaranteed amount, random stock, fractional share, or chance at a larger reward?
The platform itself. Would you use the brokerage without the promotion?
That last question is the most important.
If the answer is no, a $20 or $30 bonus probably shouldn’t change your mind.
Get Free Stocks and Start Investing
Free stock promotions can be an easy way to add a little extra money to an investment portfolio.
Just don’t confuse a signup bonus with an investment strategy.
Webull, Moomoo, and Robinhood all have stock-related promotional programs, but the requirements are different and can change. Check the latest terms before depositing money or moving investments.
Once you’ve received the reward, the bigger question becomes what you’re going to do next.
Learning how investing works, consistently putting money aside, and giving your investments time to grow will matter much more than the free stock you received when you opened the account.
A free share might get you started.
Building the habit is where the real value is.
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Jason Butler is the founder of My Money Chronicles and an SEO consultant with over a decade of blogging experience. Since 2015, he has earned income through side hustles including blogging, eBay flipping, affiliate marketing, and freelance work while paying off over $64,000 in debt. His work has been featured in Forbes, Discover, Investopedia, and Yahoo Finance.
