Investing in US stocks allows Indian investors to diversify beyond domestic markets and gain exposure to businesses, industries and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) listed overseas. With digital investing platforms, investors can explore international markets, purchase fractional shares and manage overseas investments online.
However, choosing the right app involves more than comparing the number of available stocks. Brokerage, account maintenance, currency conversion, withdrawal charges, research tools and portfolio tracking can all influence the overall investing experience.
For investors looking to manage Indian and US stocks through a single app, Groww is a notable option. Other platforms, including INDmoney, Vested, Dhan and Interactive Brokers, offer different combinations of international market access, research tools and pricing structures.
1. Groww
Groww is India’s largest stockbroker by active clients and provides access to a range of investment products, including Indian stocks, US stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs and derivatives.
Groww began rolling out US stock investing in late September, with access expanding to all users in a phased manner throughout October. The platform has now made US stocks and ETFs available to all its customers.
Its US stocks offering enables investors to explore international markets while managing their domestic and overseas investments through the same app.
Investors can explore more than 10,000 US stocks and ETFs, discover securities through featured and trending categories, and purchase eligible fractional shares instead of buying an entire share. The platform also offers transaction reporting, dividend tracking and portfolio monitoring tools.
Groww’s combination of domestic and international investments, fractional investing and zero account-level charges makes it worth considering for investors who want a convenient way to access US markets.
Key features of investing in US stocks on Groww
- Indian and US stocks in one app: Access domestic and international stock investments through a single platform, making it easier to monitor holdings across markets.
- Access to 10,000+ US stocks and ETFs: Explore securities across industries, including technology, healthcare, financial services and consumer businesses. Eligible ETFs can provide exposure to indices, sectors and other market segments.
- Fractional investing starting from $1: Invest in eligible US stocks with smaller amounts instead of purchasing whole shares. This provides greater flexibility when allocating money across multiple securities.
- Zero account-opening charges: Open a US stock investing account without paying an account-opening fee.
- Zero account-maintenance charges: Maintain the account without recurring account-maintenance fees.
- Zero separate forex-conversion fees: Groww does not charge a separate forex-conversion fee on deposits and withdrawals. However, bank exchange rates, conversion markups, remittance charges and applicable taxes may still apply.
- Transparent brokerage pricing: Brokerage is 0.1% of trade value or $1 per executed order, whichever is higher. GST at 18% applies to brokerage, and applicable US regulatory fees may also apply.
- Stock discovery tools: Explore featured and trending stocks, review market information and browse securities by category.
- Daily trading-activity summaries: Review trading activity alongside applicable charges and fees to understand transaction costs.
- USD dividend tracking: Monitor eligible dividend credits in Groww Balance, helping distinguish dividend income from capital gains.
- Daily trade statements by email: Access transaction statements and associated charges for record-keeping and reconciliation.
- Integrated portfolio tracking: Monitor US holdings alongside other investments on Groww for a consolidated view of your portfolio.
- Digital onboarding and account management: Complete the required online onboarding and verification process and manage overseas investments through the platform.
Groww is particularly relevant to investors who value a unified investing experience, smaller entry amounts and clear transaction reporting. Its zero account-opening and maintenance charges can help reduce fixed costs, while fractional investing provides flexibility for investors who do not want to purchase whole shares.
2. INDmoney
INDmoney provides access to US stocks and ETFs through its international-investing platform. It combines overseas investing with portfolio analytics, dividend tracking and tax-related tools, making it an option for investors who want additional information to monitor their investments.
Key features
- Broad investment selection: Explore US stocks and ETFs across industries and investment themes.
- Fractional investing: Purchase eligible fractional shares without buying a complete share.
- Zero account-opening and maintenance charges: Get started without account-opening or annual account-maintenance fees.
- Portfolio analytics: Monitor investment performance, profits and losses, and dividend income in USD and INR.
- Recurring investments: Set up investment plans for supported securities.
- Tax-related tools: Access reports and features to help organise investment information for tax filing.
3. Vested
Vested focuses on international investing, providing access to US stocks and ETFs alongside curated portfolios and research tools. Its investment plans offer different pricing and feature access, which may appeal to investors looking for additional research and portfolio-building capabilities.
Key features
- US stocks and ETFs: Explore securities listed in US markets.
- Fractional investing: Buy eligible fractional shares rather than whole shares.
- Curated portfolios: Explore themed investment portfolios, known as Vests, subject to the applicable offering.
- Recurring investments: Set up weekly or monthly investment plans for supported securities.
- Extended-hours trading: Access additional trading sessions, subject to the platform’s rules.
- Research tools: Use company information, valuation charts and other available analytical tools.
- Tax-related features: Access tools to organise investment documents and relevant tax information.
4. Dhan
Dhan offers US stock investing alongside its domestic trading and investment services. Its international-investing offering supports fractional shares and recurring investment plans, allowing investors to explore overseas securities through its digital platform.
Key features
- Access to US stocks and ETFs: Explore a range of securities listed in US markets.
- Fractional investing: Invest smaller amounts without purchasing an entire share.
- Automated investment plans: Set up daily, weekly or monthly investment plans for supported securities.
- Market insights: Access company information and market news to help evaluate investments.
- Supported order types: Use available order-placement facilities, subject to applicable trading rules.
- Digital account setup: Complete the supported onboarding and funding process online.
5. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is an international brokerage firm offering access to US stocks and multiple global markets. Its advanced trading platforms, research capabilities and range of order types may appeal to investors seeking greater control over their overseas investments.
Key features
- Global market access: Trade eligible securities across multiple international markets.
- Fractional shares: Purchase eligible stocks in fractional quantities.
- Advanced trading platforms: Access detailed charts, research tools and a range of order types.
- Flexible commission structures: Choose between applicable fixed and tiered pricing schedules.
- Currency trading facilities: Access supported foreign-exchange services subject to applicable charges.
- Portfolio monitoring: Track holdings and transactions across supported markets.
For US stocks, Interactive Brokers offers tiered and fixed commission structures. Under its tiered pricing, commissions start at $0.0035 per share for monthly volumes of up to 300,000 shares, with a minimum of $0.35 per order. Fixed pricing is $0.005 per share, with a $1 minimum per order. Additional fees may apply depending on the selected pricing structure.
IBKR may be suitable for experienced investors who value advanced trading capabilities and access to international markets. Beginners should consider whether they need its more extensive tools before choosing it over a simpler investing interface.
How to Choose the Best App to Invest in US Stocks from India
The right platform depends on your investment amount, trading frequency, preferred features and tolerance for transaction costs. Compare the following factors before opening an account.
| Factor | What to consider |
| Account charges | Account-opening fees, maintenance charges and subscription costs |
| Brokerage | Percentage-based fees, per-share commissions and minimum order charges |
| Currency conversion | Exchange rates, conversion markups, remittance fees and applicable taxes |
| Minimum investment | Availability of fractional shares and the minimum order amount |
| Investment selection | Availability of individual stocks, ETFs and other eligible securities |
| Portfolio tracking | Visibility into holdings, dividends, profits and losses |
| Research tools | Company information, stock discovery, market data and valuation tools |
| Withdrawals | Payout charges, currency conversion costs and transfer timelines |
| Tax reporting | Availability of statements and documents needed for compliance |
Conclusion
The best app to invest in US stocks from India depends on your investment goals, preferred features and overall costs. Groww is a strong option for investors who want to manage Indian and US stocks in one app, explore more than 10,000 US stocks and ETFs, invest in eligible fractional shares and monitor their holdings alongside other investments. Its zero account-opening charges, zero account-maintenance charges and zero separate forex-conversion fees charged by the platform are useful advantages, although brokerage, GST, applicable regulatory fees and bank charges still need to be considered.
INDmoney offers portfolio analytics and tax-related tools, Vested provides curated portfolios and research features, Dhan supports recurring investments, and Interactive Brokers offers advanced trading capabilities and broader international market access. Comparing the complete cost structure and available features against your own investing needs can help you choose the platform best suited to your approach to international investing.
