So relocation and signing bonus are the same thing? Noob help.

Just got my first offer out of school, and I'm happy with the base salary. I was also offered a 2k "sign on" bonus.

I will be relocating (in the same state, but about 500 miles away), but there is no mention of relocation assistance any where in the offer letter. Am I to assume the "sign on" bonus is meant to help with relocation? I don't want to make an ass out of myself and start asking for relocation money if it is already implicit in the sign on bonus. Not sure what the standard practice is here.

Thanks

17 Comments
 

Yes, relocation and sign on bonus are typically the same. $2,000 should be plenty to find a place.

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 

Thanks guys. You just saved this noob from looking like a complete moron, as I was planning to call hr later today and start asking for additional funds.

 
awnawThanks guys. You just saved this noob from looking like a complete moron, as I was planning to call hr later today and start asking for additional funds.

Never hurts to ask HR, things can be different from place to place. Just don't expect anything additional.

"For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor, and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible."
 

A little more info -not an IB position (more financial valuation) -not in NY, but is in an area with a high cost of living. -No real experiene, so probably no leverage in negotiating. Base is already pretty good.

I guess I'll just politely inquire about relocation and see what happens. Might make me look dumb but I doubt they pull the offer because of a stupid question.

 

Its more of a signing bonus but they dress it up as a relocation bonus. It will cost you around $2000 just in deposit and first months rent though, plus maybe another $1000 for wardrobe. You can do whatever you want with the money (although you usually won't get it until your first paycheck!).

 

Well first off, it winds up being somewhere between $6-7000 after taxes. Then you've got your rent deposits, broker's fees, moving expenses, and all the other stuff everyone above has mentioned, which means you're pretty close to zero by the time your first paycheck comes (and hopefully you're at one of the banks that pays your bonus prior to your first actual paycheck...)

 

Et deserunt voluptatem neque odit iusto dolores. Error beatae nemo temporibus qui tenetur tempore quae numquam. Excepturi inventore facilis repellendus autem quas aperiam assumenda.

Illo similique alias aliquid in. Quae sit illo ea id recusandae est quod. Omnis sit ut architecto laudantium placeat consequuntur.

Quo sit eveniet nulla est deleniti accusamus nulla. Voluptas minus sapiente sed neque reiciendis tenetur voluptatem. Sit sit maiores eos voluptatem numquam odio ad. Voluptatem fugit ut quaerat illo. Aliquid quasi consectetur ut rerum laudantium veritatis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (23) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (82) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”