Online stock brokerage firm TradeKing has a new $50 sign-up bonus for new accounts. To qualify, you must open with at least $2,500, not take it out for 6 months, as also make one trade.

There is no referral required, just be sure you see the $50 offer from the link. Expires 10/31/08. Selected fine print:

1) To qualify for this offer, new accounts must be opened and funded with $2,500 or more. Account opening and funding must occur within 30 days from the date this email was sent, and one trade must be executed within 180 days of account opening. […] A minimum balance of $2,500 is required in the account (minus any trading losses) for the first six months or the credit may be surrendered. Offer applies to new non retirement accounts funding for the first time.

Background - Why pay more?
TradeKing is a discount brokerage with $4.95 trades and $0.65 option contracts. They have good customer service, with both Live Chat and phone reps with short hold times available. Won SmartMoney Magazine’s Best Discount Broker award in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

They are one of my three favorite discount brokers. To sum things up very briefly, they are between Zecco (cheaper, less refined) and Scottrade (more expensive, but has local physical branches). I don’t see any reason to be paying $10+ for a trade, given these three options.

For more information and tips on TradeKing, please check out my TradeKing Review. I have an account with them, so you can also ask questions in the comments.

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