Start Investing with Acorns — and Get $20 for Trying It

If you've been meaning to get into investing but haven't taken the plunge yet, Acorns offers a super low-pressure way to get started — and right now, they're literally paying you to try it. Acorns is a micro-investing app that rounds up your spare change and automatically invests it into a diversified portfolio, which makes it one of the easiest ways for beginners to dip their toes into the market. And here's the kicker: new users can currently get a $20 sign-up bonus just for opening an account and investing $5. That's right — invest $5, and Acorns will give you $20. It doesn't get much easier than that.

What Is the Acorns $20 Sign-Up Bonus?

This isn't one of those complicated rebate schemes where you jump through hoops for months and hope a check shows up. Acorns makes the whole thing pretty straightforward. If you're a new user, all you need to do is sign up through a promotional link, create your account, and invest at least $5 into your new Acorns portfolio. Once that first investment goes through, you're eligible for a $20 bonus, which will be automatically deposited into your account — usually within 10 business days after the next full calendar month. So if you sign up in June and invest right away, you'll typically see your bonus in July. Just keep in mind: this offer is for a limited time and can be pulled or changed at any point, so it's better to act while it's available.

How to Claim Your $20 Acorns Bonus

Let's walk through it, step by step, so there are no surprises. First, you'll want to make sure you're using the right sign-up link. The bonus is only triggered when you register through a referral or promotional link — if you just download the app and register on your own, you won't qualify. Once you've got the link, you'll need to enter some personal information (name, email, phone number), and then go through a short identity verification process — nothing too invasive, just the usual info like your Social Security number and linked bank account. After that, set up a recurring investment — the minimum is just $5, and even that qualifies. Once that $5 investment hits your Acorns account, your job is done. The $20 bonus will follow automatically — again, usually after the next calendar month.

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Who's Eligible for the $20 Bonus?

There are a few boxes you need to tick in order to get the bonus. First, you must be a brand-new Acorns user — if you've ever had an Acorns account in the past, even if it was inactive or closed, you won't qualify. You also need to be at least 18 years old, live in the U.S., have a U.S.-based checking account, and a valid Social Security number. This is standard stuff for any investing platform, since you're technically opening a brokerage account. One nice touch: if you're active-duty military, you may qualify for a higher bonus — currently $30 through some referral programs. But in all cases, the regular offer is limited to brand-new users only.

Important Terms and Conditions to Know

As simple as the Acorns bonus is, there are still a few fine print items worth knowing about. First, your account has to remain in good standing until the bonus is paid out — in other words, don't cancel or withdraw your money the minute the $5 goes in. Second, the bonus isn't given to you as a cash payout — it's invested directly into your Acorns Invest portfolio, just like your own contributions. This means it'll grow (or shrink) along with the market like everything else in your account. Finally, Acorns isn't free. All users pay a monthly subscription fee, which starts at $3 per month. That's not bad, especially considering it includes automatic investing, Found Money cash-back offers, and a full-featured app — but it's something you'll want to factor in if you're only looking to park a few dollars.

Other Features That Make Acorns Worth Trying

The $20 bonus is nice, but it's really just a cherry on top of what Acorns already offers. One of the app's best-known features is its round-up tool, which automatically invests the spare change from your daily purchases. So if you buy a $3.75 coffee, Acorns rounds it up to $4 and invests the remaining $0.25. It might not sound like much, but over time, it adds up — and it does so quietly in the background. Acorns also has a "Found Money" feature, which gives you cash-back-style rewards when you shop through partnered brands like Nike, DoorDash, or Walmart. Those rewards are automatically invested into your account as well. On top of that, Acorns gives you access to educational resources and offers the option to open IRAs, custodial accounts, and even checking accounts if you want to go all-in. It's basically a beginner-friendly finance app with some nice automation baked in.

Is Acorns Worth It for the Bonus?

If you're hesitant about getting started with investing, this is probably one of the lowest-effort ways to test the waters. Acorns gives you a streamlined, mobile-first experience that helps build a portfolio without you needing to learn the stock market. And with this bonus, you're essentially getting a $20 head start for investing just $5. That's a 400% return right out of the gate — not bad. Just remember to read the terms, stay active long enough to receive the bonus, and see if Acorns' features actually suit your style. But for most people, especially beginners, it's a smart first move — and a pretty risk-free way to put your money to work.

• Claim Your $20 Free Bonus Now