The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

[indexfundfan]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

[GeraniumLover]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

Maybe I missed it but I didn't read anything about how long the funds need to stay at TDA

[SlowMovingInvestor]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

Maybe I missed it but I didn't read anything about how long the funds need to stay at TDA

Account value of the qualifying account must remain equal to, or greater than, the value after the net deposit was made (minus any losses due to trading or market volatility or margin debit balances) for 12 months,

[SlowMovingInvestor]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

What if you're doing an IRA -- will they put the $700 into the IRA or only $200 ?

I am also wondering what sort of lookback period they have, because I just pulled a fair amount from another TDAM account

[indexfundfan]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

What if you're doing an IRA -- will they put the $700 into the IRA or only $200 ?

I am also wondering what sort of lookback period they have, because I just pulled a fair amount from another TDAM account

Offer not valid for IRAs.

[SlowMovingInvestor]

For TDAM, actual transfer needs to be completed by Oct 8th. Not just initiating transfer.

Not much time -- it takes a few days for ACATs. Disappointing that the board missed this earlier

ADDED: *Offer valid for preselected clients who respond to the offer.

So not clear they would honor it if you're not preselected.

[fire_maybe]

Schwab actually has it's first bonus in a while for existing customers

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... eward.html

Not that great, the Schwab referral bonus I linked to earlier is better in some ways, but that may only hold for new to Schwab customers.

Two questions...

(1) Which brokerages generally only allow one bonus per customer ever? The TD bonus seems like the best deal in a long time and some brokerages seem willing to match the offer and my inclination would be to use it on a brokerage that doesn't tend to allow churning of bonuses.

(2) The annoying thing is that offers get worse dollar-for-dollar, especially above $1M or $2M. I could make more by splitting up my money which is annoying, but if I'm going to get pushback trying to get a second bonus in the future, it would make sense to never split up my money and maximize bonuses. What strategy do you all use when deciding whether to split or consolidate?

[indexfundfan]

For TDAM, actual transfer needs to be completed by Oct 8th. Not just initiating transfer.

Not much time -- it takes a few days for ACATs. Disappointing that the board missed this earlier

ADDED: *Offer valid for preselected clients who respond to the offer.

So not clear they would honor it if you're not preselected.

If you want to get on, you need to talk to a rep from your local office immediately. If your account title is not complicated (individual or joint), the transfer should complete in 3 or 4 business days.

[SlowMovingInvestor]

If you want to get on, you need to talk to a rep from your local office immediately. If your account title is not complicated (individual or joint), the transfer should complete in 3 or 4 business days.

I can do it if I open a new account from that page, right ? My problem is I have a bonus in another regular account and the retention period for that is still running .

[SlowMovingInvestor]

Schwab actually has it's first bonus in a while for existing customers

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... eward.html

Not that great, the Schwab referral bonus I linked to earlier is better in some ways, but that may only hold for new to Schwab customers.

Two questions...

(1) Which brokerages generally only allow one bonus per customer ever? The TD bonus seems like the best deal in a long time and some brokerages seem willing to match the offer and my inclination would be to use it on a brokerage that doesn't tend to allow churning of bonuses.

Fido in recent years unless you're bringing a really hefty sum over.

Schwab was that way for 2 years or so, but just offered this bonuses for existing customers and the referral bonus for previous customers.

[boglewow]

For TDAM, actual transfer needs to be completed by Oct 8th. Not just initiating transfer.

Not much time -- it takes a few days for ACATs. Disappointing that the board missed this earlier

ADDED: *Offer valid for preselected clients who respond to the offer.

So not clear they would honor it if you're not preselected.

Just confirmed with TD rep: you do not have to be preselected, any deposit will trigger the bonus. If not, just call the TD client desk.

[indexfundfan]

If you want to get on, you need to talk to a rep from your local office immediately. If your account title is not complicated (individual or joint), the transfer should complete in 3 or 4 business days.

I can do it if I open a new account from that page, right ? My problem is I have a bonus in another regular account and the retention period for that is still running .

No idea.

[SlowMovingInvestor]

If you want to get on, you need to talk to a rep from your local office immediately. If your account title is not complicated (individual or joint), the transfer should complete in 3 or 4 business days.

I can do it if I open a new account from that page, right ? My problem is I have a bonus in another regular account and the retention period for that is still running .

No idea.

It says 'New accounts must be titled differently from any existing TD Ameritrade accounts.'. I suppose that means a new individual account wouldn't do, and no IRA accounts allowed. So only a joint account would do, which complicates matters.

[the way]

btw it's strange that the last footnote says "**Cash bonus of up to $700 requires a valid transfer from another brokerage company by 11/08/19", which kind of implies the bulk of the bonus doesn't need "new money". Eg if you had an existing joint and individual account already at TD, you could just swap all the assets and get the bonus in each one.

[indexfundfan]

btw it's strange that the last footnote says "**Cash bonus of up to $700 requires a valid transfer from another brokerage company by 11/08/19", which kind of implies the bulk of the bonus doesn't need "new money". Eg if you had an existing joint and individual account already at TD, you could just swap all the assets and get the bonus in each one.

The rep told me that this additional bonus is for getting assets from a competitor. I assume you won't get this bonus if you simply deposit money from a bank.

[SlowMovingInvestor]

btw it's strange that the last footnote says "**Cash bonus of up to $700 requires a valid transfer from another brokerage company by 11/08/19", which kind of implies the bulk of the bonus doesn't need "new money". Eg if you had an existing joint and individual account already at TD, you could just swap all the assets and get the bonus in each one.

The rep told me that this additional bonus is for getting assets from a competitor. I assume you won't get this bonus if you simply deposit money from a bank.

So you first ACH the cash to that competitor, then transfer it as part of the account transfer

Honestly, I thought that institutions would cut back on bonuses after losing a chunk of their revenues from 0 commissions, but it seems like they're going the opposite route. [Although this TDAM promotion looks like it's been around for a while, since it says 08/19/19]

[hale2]

If you want to get on, you need to talk to a rep from your local office immediately. If your account title is not complicated (individual or joint), the transfer should complete in 3 or 4 business days.

I can do it if I open a new account from that page, right ? My problem is I have a bonus in another regular account and the retention period for that is still running .

No idea.

It says 'New accounts must be titled differently from any existing TD Ameritrade accounts.'. I suppose that means a new individual account wouldn't do, and no IRA accounts allowed. So only a joint account would do, which complicates matters.

I transferred funds into an account I just opened in May. Received a bonus for the May deposit as well as this one.

[hale2]

So you first ACH the cash to that competitor, then transfer it as part of the account transfer

[ quote fixed by admin LadyGeek]

Actually, this is exactly what I did. I had recently sold a property. To get the extra $300 bonus I transferred the funds from my bank account to a Vanguard short term bond fund. I then submitted the request to TD to transfer that fund from Vanguard. Received the bonus. I then wanted to use those funds for more long term investments, so I asked for, and received a fee waiver on selling the fund.

[557880yvi]

The Schwab bonus offer ad says in fine print, that a 1099 will be issued for the bonus(es) - meaning this is taxable income. I spoke to the local Schwab office where we are considering moving funds to from Vanguard (which will get the maximum bonus currently offered). They told me that the way they put this bonus money in the account doesn't generate a 1099 (not reported to IRS). We are closely managing our taxable income won't transfer the $ if the bonus is taxable (sends us over one of those nasty tax cliffs!)

Has anyone received the Schwab bonus and was told it was not going to be reported as taxable income? Not sure they can do that so maybe someone in their office just needs to hit goals and figures we would not move the $ out because of the 12 month requirement even if it did wind up being taxable!

[SlowMovingInvestor]

The Schwab bonus offer ad says in fine print, that a 1099 will be issued for the bonus(es) - meaning this is taxable income. I spoke to the local Schwab office where we are considering moving funds to from Vanguard (which will get the maximum bonus currently offered). They told me that the way they put this bonus money in the account doesn't generate a 1099 (not reported to IRS). We are closely managing our taxable income won't transfer the $ if the bonus is taxable (sends us over one of those nasty tax cliffs!)

If you're transferring an IRA, it shouldn't be taxable now (or ever if Roth).

If a regular brokerage account, I don't see how it's not taxable. Even if a 1099 is not generated (and I fully expect one to be generated).

[whodidntante]

E*Trade has a new (as far as I know) deposit bonus offer. If not, consider this a bump.
https://us.etrade.com/what-we-offer/how ... /brokerage

$100 -- $5,000–$24,999
$200 -- $25,000–$99,999
$300 -- $100,000–$249,999
$600 -- $250,000–$499,999
$1,200 -- $500,000–$999,999
$2,500 -- $1,000,000+

[kxl19]

E*Trade has a new (as far as I know) deposit bonus offer. If not, consider this a bump.
https://us.etrade.com/what-we-offer/how ... /brokerage

$100 -- $5,000–$24,999
$200 -- $25,000–$99,999
$300 -- $100,000–$249,999
$600 -- $250,000–$499,999
$1,200 -- $500,000–$999,999
$2,500 -- $1,000,000+

FYI - when calling my local ETrade office, I was offered a $4k bonus for $1m transfer, with a 12 month holding time. The first $2,500 is offered immediately, with the rest to follow in 3-6 months. Might be locality dependent?

[grp2c]

E*Trade has a new (as far as I know) deposit bonus offer. If not, consider this a bump.
https://us.etrade.com/what-we-offer/how ... /brokerage

$100 -- $5,000–$24,999
$200 -- $25,000–$99,999
$300 -- $100,000–$249,999
$600 -- $250,000–$499,999
$1,200 -- $500,000–$999,999
$2,500 -- $1,000,000+

Slightly better offer available if you call them. They transfer you to their local office who can plug in the offer once you open the account. Just transferred assets a week ago. They reimbursed close out fees from 2 separate brokerages too.

[the way]

Slightly better offer available if you call them. They transfer you to their local office who can plug in the offer once you open the account. Just transferred assets a week ago. They reimbursed close out fees from 2 separate brokerages too.

What city or branch was this? Any idea what promo code they used? When I tried asking my local rep (over email), he claimed to not know of anything like this.

[yougotitdude]

For the td offer, if you elect gift cards, items or cash, are the taxes the same?

Like if you get $1,000 in items or gift cards, I'm assuming it's the same as the $1,000 cash reward?

[neilpilot]

For the td offer, if you elect gift cards, items or cash, are the taxes the same?

Like if you get $1,000 in items or gift cards, I'm assuming it's the same as the $1,000 cash reward?

It is the same

[grp2c]

Slightly better offer available if you call them. They transfer you to their local office who can plug in the offer once you open the account. Just transferred assets a week ago. They reimbursed close out fees from 2 separate brokerages too.

What city or branch was this? Any idea what promo code they used? When I tried asking my local rep (over email), he claimed to not know of anything like this.

It was the Costa Mesa branch. Not sure of the promo code they used. Sorry.

[the way]

Slightly better offer available if you call them. They transfer you to their local office who can plug in the offer once you open the account. Just transferred assets a week ago. They reimbursed close out fees from 2 separate brokerages too.

What city or branch was this? Any idea what promo code they used? When I tried asking my local rep (over email), he claimed to not know of anything like this.

It was the Costa Mesa branch. Not sure of the promo code they used. Sorry.

ok. btw I'm guessing etrade and td will merge next year. we'll see

[yougotitdude]

For the td offer, if you elect gift cards, items or cash, are the taxes the same?

Like if you get $1,000 in items or gift cards, I'm assuming it's the same as the $1,000 cash reward?

It is the same

Thought so. Thanks!

[tj]

Slightly better offer available if you call them. They transfer you to their local office who can plug in the offer once you open the account. Just transferred assets a week ago. They reimbursed close out fees from 2 separate brokerages too.

What city or branch was this? Any idea what promo code they used? When I tried asking my local rep (over email), he claimed to not know of anything like this.

It was the Costa Mesa branch. Not sure of the promo code they used. Sorry.

ok. btw I'm guessing etrade and td will merge next year. we'll see

Can they afford it? Scottrade wasn't cheap!

[deltaneutral83]

On Schwab's referral program, can I transfer in in kind from another brokerage or does it have to be cash? Terms were a little murky.

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... lient.html

[SlowMovingInvestor]

On Schwab's referral program, can I transfer in in kind from another brokerage or does it have to be cash? Terms were a little murky.

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... lient.html

In kind definitely allowed.

[Admiral Fun]

Any hot tips for the best transfer bonus for a 100K Roth IRA?

Schwab looks pretty good at $500 if I can find a referral (not asking for one here).
https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... spect.html

Merrill has one for $375, which is lower than a few weeks ago, but still decent I suppose. Lower hold time than Schwab too.
https://www.merrilledge.com/offers/900offer

Other ideas?

[pre]

Have any folks had experience with Chase Private Client and JP Morgan Securities? They have a $1250 cash promotion going for $250k in assets for only 90 days, so I've been highly considering it.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-12 ... ate-client

I was initially looking to transfer in $75k assets in their new self directed You Invest brokerage for $750 or 60k Ultimate Rewards, but the $1250 caught my eye.

This Chase Private Client offer excludes You Invest accounts, so one would have to transfer assets into JPM Securities' full service brokerage. Calling around, they charge $25-50 trading commissions and a $75 outgoing fee, with no annual management fees. I'd just be transferring some ETFs in kind and not conducting any trades.

Chase has bumped their $1250 bonus to an outstanding $2000 for $250k:

https://accounts.chase.com/consumer/ban ... ntchecking
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-12 ... te-client/

[indexfundfan]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

Apparently this offer has now been extended. You now have until 11/22/19 to make a deposit.

I took advantage of this offer. My timeline was as follows

T+0 : Submitted ACAT transfer request
T+1 : ACAT request sent to other brokerage
T+4 : Assets posted.
T+6 : Bonus posted.

Unlike some other offers, the bonus from TDA posted very quickly. At Merrill, you have to wait until the holding period (could be as long as one year) is over before getting the bonus.

[GeraniumLover]

For TDAM, actual transfer needs to be completed by Oct 8th. Not just initiating transfer.

Not much time -- it takes a few days for ACATs. Disappointing that the board missed this earlier

ADDED: *Offer valid for preselected clients who respond to the offer.

So not clear they would honor it if you're not preselected.

Offer has been extended to allow for funding by 11/22/19:

https://www.tdameritrade.com/landing-pa ... index.html

[Admiral Fun]

For TDAM, actual transfer needs to be completed by Oct 8th. Not just initiating transfer.

Not much time -- it takes a few days for ACATs. Disappointing that the board missed this earlier

ADDED: *Offer valid for preselected clients who respond to the offer.

So not clear they would honor it if you're not preselected.

Offer has been extended to allow for funding by 11/22/19:

https://www.tdameritrade.com/landing-pa ... index.html

A good offer, though IRAs are not eligible for this one.

[GeraniumLover]

Schwab actually has it's first bonus in a while for existing customers

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... eward.html

Not that great, the Schwab referral bonus I linked to earlier is better in some ways, but that may only hold for new to Schwab customers.

This offer seems to be no longer available, at least at the original link. Does anyone know its status?

[SlowMovingInvestor]

Schwab actually has it's first bonus in a while for existing customers

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... eward.html

Not that great, the Schwab referral bonus I linked to earlier is better in some ways, but that may only hold for new to Schwab customers.

This offer seems to be no longer available, at least at the original link. Does anyone know its status?

I think it was originally only until end Oct. You can call and ask Schwab about bonuses.

[sperry8]

On Schwab's referral program, can I transfer in in kind from another brokerage or does it have to be cash? Terms were a little murky.

https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/nn ... lient.html

In-kind should work. It did for their cash promo to move new funds in. Hard to believe it wouldn't for their referral promo. Call their CS to be sure

[GeraniumLover]

For TDAM, actual transfer needs to be completed by Oct 8th. Not just initiating transfer.

Not much time -- it takes a few days for ACATs. Disappointing that the board missed this earlier

ADDED: *Offer valid for preselected clients who respond to the offer.

So not clear they would honor it if you're not preselected.

Offer has been extended to allow for funding by 11/22/19:

https://www.tdameritrade.com/landing-pa ... index.html

Offer has been further extended to allow for funding by 12/6/19:
https://www.tdameritrade.com/landing-pa ... nt/gameon/

Still not available for IRAs though

[seymore92]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

Apparently this offer has now been extended. You now have until 11/22/19 to make a deposit.

I took advantage of this offer. My timeline was as follows

T+0 : Submitted ACAT transfer request
T+1 : ACAT request sent to other brokerage
T+4 : Assets posted.
T+6 : Bonus posted.

Unlike some other offers, the bonus from TDA posted very quickly. At Merrill, you have to wait until the holding period (could be as long as one year) is over before getting the bonus.

Did you have to call up for any reason or the promo applied just fine doing everything online?

[seymore92]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

I haven't been following brokerage bonuses much, so are these TDA bonuses (especially in the $2m & $5m levels of $6600 and $12700 respectively) some of the largest bonuses ever seen? It sounds almost too good to pass up.

[snowman]

What happened to Earl? Anybody knows?

[indexfundfan]

TDA has some pretty good transfer incentives for the taxable account, but expiring soon.

$50k transfer : bonus $300
$100k transfer : bonus $700
$250k transfer : bonus $1,300
$500k transfer : bonus $1,900

$1m transfer : bonus $3,500
$2m transfer : bonus $6,600
$5m transfer : bonus $12,700

https://www.tdameritrade.com/gametime

You probably need to talk to a rep to have the promo coded to your account.

I haven't been following brokerage bonuses much, so are these TDA bonuses (especially in the $2m & $5m levels of $6600 and $12700 respectively) some of the largest bonuses ever seen? It sounds almost too good to pass up.

Yes, this is one of the higher bonus offer. The most common bonus for $1m transfer was $2500.

I had some questions about the money market funds and was talking to a rep from the local office when he mentioned this offer. I have no idea if a rep is needed to code the offer into your account.

[LadyGeek]

I removed a post and reply inquiring about a forum member. The discussion was getting derailed.

If anyone has a question regarding a member, please PM me.

[SlowMovingInvestor]

I was talking to a rep at Schwab about one of their bonuses, and the rep said that to get a bonus for say transferring in $250K, you need to transfer 250K in, then make sure that the 250K balance is maintained for 45 days until the bonus is paid.

This doesn't make sense to me -- market values can fluctuate. I am assuming the rep was wrong. You should need to net transfer in the amount ($250k or whatever) in 45 days.

[placeholder]

What happened to Earl? Anybody knows?

You can also PM me.

Edit: To clarify he's just fine and filling up former boglehead time with the new game he's playing called endless sky.

[557880yvi]

Just got an offer from Schwab for $2500 per IRA greater than $1M transferred. Has to be transferred by 12/31 and stay for a year. But surprisingly, on taxable brokerage account (which has 90% equities and Vanguard MF's) nothing. But perhaps this is because Schwab is looking for cash in the brokerage accounts?

[GeraniumLover]

Just got an offer from Schwab for $2500 per IRA greater than $1M transferred. Has to be transferred by 12/31 and stay for a year. But surprisingly, on taxable brokerage account (which has 90% equities and Vanguard MF's) nothing. But perhaps this is because Schwab is looking for cash in the brokerage accounts?

Did you get this offer via email? Is there a link you can share?