Key Takeaways
- You can buy US stocks from most countries through internationally licensed online brokers
- Many brokers offer $0 commissions on US stocks — look for hidden FX fees instead
- Most platforms let you start with no minimum deposit and buy fractional shares
- The entire process typically takes 1–3 business days to get started
- Always use a regulated broker licensed in your country of residence
- This is educational content only — not investment advice
Buying US stocks from outside the United States has never been easier. Whether you are in Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, or elsewhere, modern online brokers let you invest in companies like Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, and Amazon with low fees and minimal paperwork. This guide walks you through the complete process — from selecting a broker to placing your first trade.
01. Choose a Regulated Broker
- Pick a broker that is regulated in your country — CIRO in Canada, MAS in Singapore, SC in Malaysia, ASIC in Australia
- Confirm they offer US stock trading (NYSE and NASDAQ)
- Check trading commissions — many modern apps offer $0
- Check FX fees if you're funding in a non-USD currency (very important for international investors)
- Review app ratings and Chinese language support if needed
Top brokers for international US stock investors
Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, Webull, and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) are among the most popular platforms for international investors buying US stocks. Moomoo is available in Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia. IBKR operates in 150+ countries. Always check which broker is licensed in your specific country.
02. Open Your Brokerage Account
- 1Visit the broker's official website or download the official app from the App Store / Google Play
- 2Click 'Create Account' or 'Sign Up' and enter your email and password
- 3Complete personal information: full legal name, date of birth, residential address, nationality
- 4Upload identity verification documents: passport or national ID card (front and back)
- 5Upload proof of address: bank statement or utility bill dated within 3 months
- 6Answer suitability questions: investment experience, risk tolerance, annual income
- 7Submit your application and wait for approval (typically 1–3 business days)
03. Fund Your Account
Once your account is approved, you need to deposit funds before trading. Most brokers accept bank wire transfer (most common), local bank transfer (FPX in Malaysia, PayNow in Singapore, Interac in Canada), and sometimes debit card.
Important: If you fund in a non-USD currency (CAD, SGD, MYR, AUD, JPY), the broker will convert your deposit to USD before you can buy US stocks. This FX conversion costs you money — typically 0.2% to 1.5% depending on the broker. IBKR has the lowest FX fees (0.2 bps). Moomoo Canada charges around 1.5% CAD→USD.
Minimum deposit: Most modern brokers have no minimum deposit. Some promotions require a minimum deposit to qualify for welcome offers.
04. Find the Stock You Want to Buy
Open the broker's app or web platform and use the search bar to find the stock by name or ticker symbol. For example: Apple = AAPL, Tesla = TSLA, Nvidia = NVDA, Amazon = AMZN, S&P 500 ETF = VOO or SPY.
Review the stock's information: current price, 52-week range, earnings history, analyst ratings, and recent news. Most platforms provide basic research tools for free. IBKR and Moomoo offer more advanced research data.
05. Place Your Buy Order
Click 'Buy' on the stock's page. You'll see two main order types:
Market Order: Buys immediately at the current market price. Simple and fast, but you may get a slightly different price than the last quote (especially for volatile stocks or large orders).
Limit Order: You set the maximum price you're willing to pay. The order only executes at your price or lower. Gives you more control but may not fill if the price doesn't reach your level.
Enter the quantity: You can specify by number of shares or by dollar amount. Fractional shares let you invest specific dollar amounts (e.g., buy $200 worth of Amazon regardless of the share price).
Review the order summary and confirm. Your broker will show you the estimated cost including any commissions.
06. Monitor Your Portfolio
After your order is filled, the stock appears in your portfolio. You can track your position's current value, profit/loss, and percentage return.
US stock markets are open Monday to Friday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time (New York). This corresponds to evening or night trading hours in Asia and Canada's Pacific Time.
Pre-market (4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET) and after-hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET) trading is available on many platforms, including Moomoo, Webull, and IBKR.
Tip: Do not check your portfolio too frequently. Short-term price fluctuations are normal. Long-term investors typically check monthly or quarterly.
07. How to Sell a US Stock
To sell a stock, navigate to your portfolio, tap the stock you want to sell, and select 'Sell'. Choose market order (sell immediately at market price) or limit order (sell only at your target price or higher).
Tax note: When you sell a stock at a profit, you may be liable for capital gains tax depending on your country of residence. Consult a local tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
08. Understanding All the Fees
| Fee Type | What It Is | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Commission | Fee per trade for buying or selling stocks | $0 (most modern brokers) to $9.99/trade |
| FX Conversion Fee | Cost to convert your local currency to USD | 0.2 bps (IBKR) to 1.5% (some brokers) |
| Platform Fee | Monthly fee for premium features | $0 to $19.99/month |
| Inactivity Fee | Charged if account is inactive | Varies — check broker terms |
| Withdrawal Fee | Fee to move money out | $0 to $25 per withdrawal |
| ECN/Regulatory Fee | Small SEC and FINRA fees on sells | Very small — fractions of a cent per share |
Recommended Brokers
Frequently Asked Questions
Educational purposes only. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or financial product. Trading and investing involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always verify information with the official broker website and consult applicable local regulations before opening an account.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when users click on links to broker partners or open an account through our website. This does not affect our editorial independence or review methodology.