This is just a quick note to point out that optionsXpress is currently offering a $100 bonus for opening a new brokerage account with them. All you have to do is open an account and fund it with at least $500 in cash or securities (transferred in from another brokerage) before the end of the year, and then make three trades within the next twelve months.

Here’s the scoop:

Offer is valid for one new Individual or Joint optionsXpress account opened and funded with at least $500 by US residents on or before December 31, 2011 at 11:59 CST, and having executed 3 trades within twelve months of account opening. To receive $100 bonus, account must be funded with at least $500 cash or securities transferred from a brokerage firm other than optionsXpress. The $100 bonus will be deposited into the new optionsXpress account within one month after meeting the terms and conditions of this offer. optionsXpress may charge the account for the cost of the $100 bonus should account fail to remain open with minimum funding (excluding trading losses) 6 months from the account open date.

The only potential gotcha is that you have to leave the account open and maintain the minimum funding for at least six months from the account open date. If you don’t they reserve the right to take back the bonus.