Moomoo's Double Play: Score NVDA Stock and Earn 8.1% on Your Cash

If you've been thinking about trying a new brokerage, Moomoo has rolled out a pretty compelling welcome mat. They're combining two things investors love right now: a chance to get shares of a hot stock like NVIDIA, and an eye-popping interest rate on your idle cash. It's a limited-time combo that could be worth a look, especially if you have some funds ready to move. Let's break down what's actually on the table and what you need to know before jumping in.

How the Bonus Actually Works

This isn't a simple 'deposit and get cash' deal. The reward comes in the form of NVIDIA stock, which is a specific choice by Moomoo. You'll need to open a new account through the promotional link, make an initial deposit, and then maintain a qualifying average asset balance for a period (typically 60 days from when you receive your initial 'free stock' from opening the account).

The key term here is 'average daily assets.' Moomoo doesn't just look at your opening deposit. They calculate the average of your account balance each day over that evaluation period. So, if you deposit $10,000 but then trade or withdraw half of it, your average will be lower, potentially moving you down a bonus tier. The bank page clarifies you don't need a single lump sum; you can build up to your target balance over time, as long as your average hits the mark.

That 8.1% APY on Uninvested Cash

This is the other headliner. The 8.1% is a combination of a 5.1% base rate through their Cash Sweep Program and a 3% temporary bonus for new accounts. It applies to cash you haven't put into stocks or other securities.

It's crucial to understand the sweep program. Your uninvested cash is automatically moved to partner banks to earn that FDIC-insured interest. According to Moomoo's details, this can provide FDIC insurance up to $2 million in total across the program banks (up to $250,000 per bank), which exceeds the standard SIPC coverage on a brokerage account. However, once cash is swept to the bank, it's no longer protected by SIPC—it's under the FDIC umbrella instead.

• The rate is promotional and will likely change after the bonus period.
• Interest is earned on 'uninvested cash'—money sitting in your settlement fund, not cash used to buy stocks.
• Always check the official program details for the latest rates and terms.

Practical Considerations Before You Sign Up

Moomoo is a legit platform, regulated by the SEC and FINRA. They offer commission-free trading on U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options, with no account minimums. A standout feature for active traders is extended hours trading, from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

But let's talk about the bonus stock itself. Receiving a bonus in a single stock like NVDA carries more concentration risk than getting cash. NVIDIA's price can be volatile. If you're a long-term believer in the company, great. If you'd rather have the flexibility of cash, this structure is something to weigh. You can always sell the stock once it's awarded, but remember there may be tax implications on the value when it's granted.

• The bonus is considered taxable income. You'll owe taxes on the fair market value of the NVDA stock when it's deposited into your account.
• Read the full promotion terms carefully. There will be specific deadlines for completing the deposit and requirements for maintaining the balance.
• Consider if Moomoo's platform and tools fit your investing style, beyond just the bonus.

Bottom Line

• This is a strong offer for new investors or those with cash to transfer, combining immediate high-yield interest with a potential stock bonus.
• Focus on the 'average daily assets' requirement—it's the metric that determines your final bonus tier, not your initial deposit.
• Understand that the bonus is paid in a specific volatile stock, not cash, which adds an element of investment risk to the reward.

Common Questions