E*TRADE Is Sweetening the Pot for Existing Retirement Account Holders

If you've already got an E*TRADE retirement account, you might think the bonus train has left the station. Not so fast. E*TRADE is running a promotion specifically for existing customers with eligible retirement accounts. Transfer in new money or securities from outside the Morgan Stanley family, and they'll reward you with a cash credit. The more you bring, the bigger the bonus—up to a whopping $40,000 for those moving $20 million or more. But even if you're not swimming in that kind of cash, there are solid bonuses at lower tiers too.

Who Can Take Advantage?

This isn't for new customers—it's a loyalty play. If you already have an eligible E*TRADE retirement account (think IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, etc.), you can enroll. But there's a catch: the terms say you must be the "original recipient" of the offer. That usually means you need a promo code or a direct invitation. However, if the system lets you enroll, you're likely good to go. Just don't count on stacking it with another E*TRADE bonus—they explicitly say you can only be in one offer at a time.

What You Need to Do

First, enroll in the offer through the link above. Then, within 60 calendar days, transfer in new funds or securities from an external account—money already at E*TRADE or Morgan Stanley doesn't count. The bonus is based on the total value of deposits across all your eligible-linked retirement accounts (same SSN). After the 60-day window closes, E*TRADE will calculate your tier and credit the bonus within seven business days. But here's the kicker: you must keep those assets in the account for a full 12 months after the funding period ends. If you withdraw early, they can claw back the bonus.

A Few Things to Watch Out For

The hold period is longer than some other brokerage bonuses—12 months instead of the typical 6. That means your money is locked up for a year if you want to keep the cash. Also, the bonus is taxable as interest or other earnings, so you'll get a 1099-INT or similar form. And don't forget: if you transfer securities, their value is based on the closing price on the day they're received. Market fluctuations could affect your tier if you're close to a threshold. Finally, this offer is only for retirement accounts, so if you have a taxable brokerage, you'll need to look at a different promo.

Bottom Line

• Existing E*TRADE retirement account holders can earn $250 to $40,000 by transferring in new funds.
• Minimum deposit is $25,000; you have 60 days to fund and must hold for 12 months.
• Bonus is taxable and cannot be combined with other E*TRADE offers.

Common Questions