Free stock promotions have become a cornerstone of modern investing, allowing beginners to start building wealth without upfront costs. In 2025, platforms use these incentives to attract users, often pairing them with tools like micro-investing apps or zero-based budgeting tools to create a seamless financial ecosystem. Below, we break down the top 9 apps offering free stocks, their requirements, and how to leverage these rewards effectively.
1. Robinhood: Best for Instant Free Stock
Reward: 1 free stock slice (5–5–200) after linking your bank account.
How to Claim:
- Sign up via a referral link.
- Link your bank account (no deposit required).
- Receive a fractional share of companies like Apple or Tesla.
Pros:
- No fees: Commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and crypto.
- IRA Match: Earn 3% on retirement contributions with Robinhood Gold ($5/month).
Cons:
- Most users receive shares valued under $10.
- Limited research tools compared to competitors.
Best For: First-time investors prioritizing simplicity.
2. Webull: Best for High-Value Bonuses
Reward: 20 free fractional shares (valued 3–3–3,000) with a $500 deposit.
How to Claim:
- Deposit $500 and hold it for 30 days.
Pros:
- Advanced charting tools and 24/7 trading.
- Paper Trading: Practice strategies with virtual funds.
Cons:
- No mutual funds or bonds.
Best For: Active traders seeking high-potential rewards.
3. Moomoo: Best for Multiple Free Stocks
Reward: Up to 60 free stocks (2–2–2,000 each) with tiered deposits.
How to Claim:
- Deposit 100 for 5 stocks, 2,000 for 25 more, and $5,000 for 30 additional.
Pros:
- Global Markets: Trade U.S., Hong Kong, and China stocks.
- High APY: Earn 8.1% on uninvested cash.
Cons:
- Complex interface for beginners.
Pair With: Best investment management tools for portfolio optimization.
4. Public: Best for Alternative Assets
Reward: $20 in free stock per referral + cash bonuses for portfolio transfers.
How to Claim:
- Transfer an external brokerage account (e.g., 5,000+=5,000+=150 bonus).
Pros:
- Invest in stocks, crypto, art, and real estate.
- Social investing features to share strategies.
Cons:
- Transfer fees from old brokers may offset bonuses.
Tax Tip: Use 2025’s best tax software to track capital gains.
5. SoFi Invest: Best for Financial Planning
Reward: 5–5–1,000 in free shares with a $50 deposit.
How to Claim:
- Open an Active Invest account and deposit $50.
Pros:
- Free access to certified financial planners.
- Automated investing and fractional shares.
Cons:
- Limited mutual fund options.
Best For: Users integrating investing with banking and loans.
6. Acorns: Best for Passive Investors
Reward: $20 cash bonus for setting up recurring investments.
How to Claim:
- Link a bank account and enable round-up investing.
Pros:
- Spare-Change Investing: Automate savings from daily purchases.
- IRA Options: Retirement accounts with no minimums.
Cons:
- 3–3–12/month subscription fees.
Pair With: Best savings apps for millennials to boost liquidity.
7. TradeStation: Best for Active Traders
Reward: 150–150–3,500 cash bonus for transferring portfolios ($5,000+).
How to Claim:
- Deposit 5,000–5,000–250,000.
Pros:
- Advanced tools for futures, crypto, and options trading.
- High APY on uninvested cash.
Cons:
- Steep minimum deposit requirements.
Best For: Experienced traders needing liquidity.
8. M1 Finance: Best for Custom Portfolios
Reward: Up to $500 cash bonus for transfers.
How to Claim:
- Deposit 10,000–10,000–100,000 within 14 days.
Pros:
- Dynamic Rebalancing: Maintains target allocations automatically.
- Fractional shares for diversified portfolios.
Cons:
- No options trading.
Best For: Long-term investors using investment apps for beginners.
9. Stash: Best for Education + Bonus
Reward: 5 cash bonus with a 5 deposit.
How to Claim:
- Open an account and deposit $5.
Pros:
- Themed portfolios (e.g., ESG, tech).
- Financial literacy content for beginners.
Cons:
- 3/month fee for balances under 5,000.
Learn More: Master budgeting with YNAB vs Mint.
How to Maximize Free Stock Offers in 2025
- Read Fine Print: Most bonuses require holding deposits for 30+ days.
- Combine Offers: Use multiple apps to diversify rewards.
- Leverage Referrals: Platforms like Public offer $20 per referral.
- Prioritize Debt: Use debt payoff apps before heavy investing.
Final Thoughts
Free stock promotions in 2025 offer a low-risk entry into investing. Beginners should start with Robinhood or Acorns, while advanced traders benefit from Webull or TradeStation. For long-term growth, pair these tools with mindset books for success to stay disciplined.