Kabuken means "stock certificate" in Japanese
Home Ways to Buy Certificate
Ways to Buy a Stock Certificate

There are number of ways to buy stock and receive a stock certificate, all with different benefits and limitations. This page highlights the major differences and some similarities of three purchasing methods: transfer agent, stock broker, and one share store. Since every store, broker and trasfer agent have somewhat different systems and processes, please treat this information as a general guideline, and contact each company for more detail.

If you are looking for a store to buy antique stock certificate for scripophily, please go to Shop for Stock Certificates page for a list of stores.
One Share Store
Online store that sells one share of stock certificate that will be registered to a recipient of your choice.
Stock Broker
Buy stocks as it is done in the typical stock trading, then request shares to be transferred to Transfer Agent or issue a stock certificate.

Transfer Agent
Buy stocks through Direct Purchase Plan, then request a stock certificate to be issued.
Process of buying a stock certificate
One Share Store
Stock Broker
Transfer Agent
(1) Open brokerage account and transfer fund
(1) Go to online store and place an order
(2) Buy stock of your choice through broker's system
(1) Go to transfer agent's DPP page and purchase
(3) Request shares to be transferred to transfer agent
(4) Access transfer agent's account and request certificate
(2) Access account and request stock certificate
(2) Receive stock certificate in a mail
(5) Receive stock certificate in a mail
(3) Receive stock certificate in a mail
 
One Share Store
Stock Broker
Transfer Agent
Account account with transfer agent will be created brokerage account is needed, then an account with transfer agent will be created when shares are trasferred for stock certificate account will be created
Selection limited to what each store offers most of the companies in US stock exchange only the companies offering DPP
Payment method credit card check (either mail or transfer from bank) check (either mail or transfer from bank)
Minimum purchase requirement one share one share (some broker require minimum account balance) depends on a company (typically $250+)
Maximum available for purchase one share depends on the company and SEC regulation depends on a company (typically >$100,000 per year)
Fee fixed fee + shipping brokerage fee applies lower than other two methods, if any
Information needed name and mailing address (social security number may not be needed) name, mailing address and social security number name, mailing address and social security number
Gift or for yourself both possible as a gift, but easier for yourself possible as a gift, but easier for yourself
Process single step (just like making a purchase at any online store) three steps (purchase through the broker, transfer shares to transfer agent, then request stock certificate) two steps (purchase through transfer agent, then request stock certificate)
Time it takes for a delivery of stock certificate typically 4 ~ 6 weeks typically 4 ~ 6 weeks typically 3 ~ 4 weeks
Decoration frame, matte and engraving options are available none none, some transfer agent may fold the certificate to mail
Other benefits be able to see the stock certificate design prior to a purchase Stock certificate of a few company can only be requested through a broker Once an account is created, purchasing additional shares and requesting stock certificate is simple and fast
Other limitations If social security number was not supplied at the purchase, the recipient will need to submit W-9 after receiving a stock certificate for tax identification most broker have signiture requirement (Notarize or Medallion Signiture Guaranteed), so getting a certificate as a surprise gift is difficult most transfer agents have signiture requirement (Notarize or Medallion Signiture Guaranteed), so getting a certificate as a surprise gift is difficult
 
Copyright © 2010 OMISE All rights reserved.