Investors seeking additional value beyond potential market gains can access various freebies and promotional rewards tied to stock ownership. These offers range from annual discounts on insurance premiums to free shares of stock provided by brokerage platforms for opening and funding new accounts. The availability and value of these perks vary significantly, with some requiring ownership of a single share while others depend on the number of shares held or specific account activities. Understanding the eligibility requirements and redemption processes is essential for consumers looking to maximize these opportunities.
Shareholder Discounts and Perks
Certain public companies offer tangible benefits to their shareholders as a courtesy of partnership. These perks can include discounts, free products, or exclusive access to services. However, the value and accessibility of these benefits differ widely. Some offers are available to owners of a single share, while others require substantial share ownership to be worthwhile.
GEICO Insurance Discount
GEICO, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is noted for offering one of the most valuable shareholder discounts available. Berkshire Hathaway shareholders can receive an annual discount on their GEICO car insurance premiums. According to a 2017 report, a shareholder received a $160 annual discount upon providing proof of ownership of just one share of Berkshire Hathaway stock. At the time, Berkshire Hathaway’s B-level shares were trading at approximately $200, making the $160 annual savings a significant return on the investment in the stock.
Other Company Shareholder Perks
Several other companies provide freebies or discounts to shareholders, though the requirements and value vary.
- Starbucks: Starbucks has been known to mail coupons for a free beverage to shareholders. However, this is described as having minimal value.
- Radisson Hotels: Radisson offers shareholders discounts and guaranteed upgrades. This benefit is only available to those who own at least 200 shares, which represents a significant investment of over $6,000.
- Bloomsbury Publishing: This U.K.-based book publisher offers shareholders a 35% discount on its print titles. The discount is available to owners of one or more shares. Shareholders must sign up through the company's investor site to receive a discount code. The offer includes books by popular authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Susanna Clarke, and J.K. Rowling.
- Lindt & Sprüngli: The chocolatier rewards investors with gift boxes of chocolates. To receive a gift box in 2025, investors must exercise their voting rights. The offer requires attendance at the annual shareholders meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, or the appointment of a power of attorney with a Swiss mailing address to receive the box via mail.
Free Stock Promotions from Brokerage Platforms
Brokerage platforms frequently use free stock offers as a primary marketing strategy to attract new users. These promotions typically provide a risk-free way for new investors to enter the market. The rewards can include free shares upon account opening and additional stock for referring friends.
Robinhood
Robinhood utilizes a free stock offer as its main marketing tool, avoiding traditional TV or print advertising in favor of these promotions. The platform offers commission-free trading of U.S. stocks, ETFs, options, and 28 cryptocurrencies.
New Account Rewards: * Users who open a Robinhood account and fund their bank account with at least $10 receive free cash ranging from $5 to $200. * The platform also offers retirement accounts (IRAs). Users opening and contributing to an IRA receive a 1% match on contributions. Users transferring existing IRA accounts to Robinhood receive a 3% match.
Referral Program: * Users can earn more free stocks (up to $1,500 per year) by referring friends using a personalized promotional link. Both the referrer and the referred friend receive free stock. * Combined with the new account reward, users can potentially earn up to $1,700 in free stock during their first year, and up to $1,500 annually thereafter through continued referrals.
Eligibility and Security: * This offer is strictly limited to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those with a U.S. visa. * Accounts are insured by the U.S. government for up to $500,000. * To sign up, users must provide their name, email address, and Social Security Number. The account must be completed and funded within a specified timeframe.
Usage of Free Stock: * Investors can sell the free stock they receive and reinvest the proceeds in other stocks of their choosing. This allows for flexibility even if the initial free stock does not align with the user's investment preferences.
Moomoo
Moomoo is another brokerage platform that offers substantial free stock rewards to new users. The platform is noted for providing valuable tools and resources, including low minimum deposits and great charting features.
Deposit Bonus: * Users can receive up to 60 free stocks by making a qualifying net deposit and maintaining sufficient funds. There is no ongoing commitment required after the initial period. * Individual shares received as rewards can range in value from $2 to $2,000. The total reward amount depends on the net deposit and account balance.
Eligibility Requirements: * The offer is available to U.S. residents aged 18 or older who have a valid Social Security Number. * Users must not have made a deposit or ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) transfer before April 1, 2025, at 4:00 a.m. ET.
Qualifying Deposits: * A deposit of at least $100 via ACH or wire transfer qualifies a user for 5 free stocks. * ACAT transfers do not qualify for the free stock deposit bonus, though they may be eligible for a separate 3% cash coupon match promotion.
Selling Rewards: * After maintaining the required balance for 60 days and unlocking the shares, users can sell the free stocks just like any other asset.
Stockpile
Stockpile is a platform that allows investors to purchase fractional shares of stock, making it accessible for those looking to invest smaller amounts. The platform also offers a gift card feature, allowing users to redeem gift cards for stock.
Gift Card Redemption: * Users can redeem a Stockpile gift card by visiting the Stockpile website, signing up for an account, and entering the code found on the back of the gift card. * After reviewing the stock selection and current trading price, the user can click redeem to complete the purchase.
Referral Incentive: * Stockpile has offered a promotion where users who sign up using a specific referral link receive $5 of stock in their account to get started. * The referrer also receives $5 in their account. This offer was noted to expire on July 30, 2017. * The platform allows guardians to set up accounts for children, facilitating investing for minors.
Conclusion
Stockholders and investors have access to a variety of freebies and promotional rewards. GEICO offers a notable annual insurance discount to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, while other companies provide perks such as book discounts or chocolates, often with specific ownership or attendance requirements. Brokerage platforms like Robinhood and Moomoo aggressively market their services through free stock promotions, offering immediate value to new users who open and fund accounts. These platforms also provide opportunities to earn additional stock through referrals. Consumers interested in these offers should carefully review eligibility requirements, such as residency status and minimum deposit amounts, to ensure they qualify for the advertised rewards.