Finance experts say stocks are one of the best ways to invest your money. It offers the biggest chance of seeing your capital go up in the long run. You’ll have to stick with it for years to get the returns you envision. This doesn’t seem to be a problem for many Americans. One study showed that 58% reported owning stock.
In the old days, people had stock certificates as proof of their investment. These pieces of paper represent the individual’s ownership or share in a company. A stock share certificate will carry critical information about the investor. It includes details like the investor’s identification number and the number of shares. It also shows the date of sale, signatures, and the corporation’s seal.
Stock certificates are bigger than the standard paper size. They were often a feast for the eyes. They came with ornate designs and engravings. This was to discourage counterfeiting. The more intricate the design, the harder it is to copy. Some of these certificates were so beautiful they now fetch a pretty sum from collectors.
It’s unfortunate that a physical certificate of stock ownership is uncommon now. The advent of the internet introduced online brokerages and electronic records. Investors today no longer need a physical shareholder certificate. It’s because electronic communication networks can track shares faster and easier.
What if you prefer something you can keep and hold on to? Many investors still want to have something on paper. There are several reasons for this. A paper certificate helps augment your electronic documents. They also help prove your identity and the legitimacy of the shares. It’s also a great security measure. It doesn’t need batteries. It also won’t become affected by server crashes.
It’s a good thing that you can still get a certificate on paper. This post details how to get a physical stock certificate.
The first thing you need to do is check if the company you’re investing in still issues these certificates. Many companies have said goodbye to this practice and embraced the digital format. There are still companies that do issue a physical stock certificate. You can then get your copy via a broker or a transfer agent.
Bringing in the Broker
A broker is a kind of dealer or investment adviser. They can provide you with financial advice and investment management services. They can execute an investor’s order to buy or sell stocks. This means they have all the records needed to get you a share certificate.
Reach out to the broker you bought the stock from. Inquire about the steps to trade paper cert for a physical stock market certificate. They will walk you through the process. It doesn’t matter what type of broker you’re dealing with her. A full-service brokerage or an online firm can still secure a paper cert for you.
It’s not free though. You should be ready to pay for the opportunity to get a stock certificate. The amounts vary but you might have to pay at least $500 for a certificate. The fee is exorbitant but it’s a way to encourage people to go with digital shares.
Try a Transfer Agent
A stock transfer agent is another option to look into. They’re also the most direct way to get that certificate you want. The challenge is finding the right transfer agent for your needs.
You can check the company’s website and look for its investor relations page. It should have a list of transfer agents. You can also cut through the fluff and go straight to the investor relations department. Call them. Discuss their procedure for getting physical share certificates instead of digital copies.
What if you haven’t bought stock yet but are going to? You can buy stocks from the company’s sale program. But make your preference clear. Ask that they issue paper share certificates for the stocks you bought.
Making the Most Out of Your Investment
You can make your life so much easier with Legacy Stock Transfer, Inc. We’re among the premier stock transfer agents around. We’ve been in the business since 1996. Our high-quality services and the top-notch team have helped propel our company to the top. It also made it possible for us to help countless companies. Let us do the same for you now. Why not give us a call at 972-612-4120? We’ll be happy to answer your questions. You can also drop us a line at info@legacystocktransfer.com.