Choosing the best broker to invest in US stocks from India depends on whether you prefer a GIFT City app or a direct international account. Compare brokerage, currency conversion, fractional shares, available investments, custody and withdrawals.
We compare eight leading US stock brokers and investing platforms available to Indian residents in 2026.
Quick Comparison of US Stock Brokers in India
Prices and features were checked in August 2026 but may change.*
Top Indian Brokers to Invest in US Stocks in 2026
1. Kotak Neo
Kotak Neo Global Investment connects customers to Interactive Brokers, where the brokerage and custody account is opened.
Key features:
Online account opening through the partner portal.
Funding through bank wire or Kotak Remit.
Account approval may take one to two business days when documents are complete.
Bank remittance and currency-conversion charges may apply.
2. INDmoney
INDmoney US Stocks offers US investing through its IFSCA-registered GIFT City framework.
Key features:
More than 10,000 US stocks and global ETFs.
Fractional shares starting from $1.
Brokerage of 0.25% per trade.
No published account-opening, annual maintenance or platform fee.
Automated weekly or monthly SIPs where supported.
3. HDFC Securities
HDFC Securities Global Investing is powered by Vested Finance, which handles account opening and KYC.
Key features:
US stocks, ETFs and fractional investing from $0.01.
Curated portfolios and research tools based on your plan.
Basic pricing of $2.99 per trade for up to 299 shares.
Silver pricing of $0.99 per trade for up to 99 shares after the plan fee.
4. Dhan
Dhan US Stocks provides access through an IFSCA-regulated GIFT City setup.
Key features:
More than 10,000 US stocks and ETFs.
Fractional shares starting from $1.
Daily, weekly and monthly investment plans.
Brokerage of 0.25% with a $0.01 minimum.
After-market orders and Super Orders.
If you also use Dhan for Indian options trading, read our Dhan vs AlgoTest Option Strategy Builder comparison to compare strategy analysis, backtesting and execution workflows.
5. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers India provides direct global market access and is one of the strongest international trading brokers available to Indian residents.
Key features:
More than 10,500 eligible US stocks and ETFs, with fractional investing from $1.
Access to stocks on more than 90 global market centres.
Advanced desktop, mobile, research and order tools.
Fixed US stock pricing of $0.005 per share with a $1 minimum order charge; tiered pricing may be lower.
6. Vested
Vested specialises in global investing for Indian residents and provides securities through VF Securities.
Key features:
Access to more than 10,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs.
Fractional investing starting from $1.
INR-to-USD transfer options through supported banking routes.
Brokerage and withdrawal charges based on the selected plan and transfer method.
Curated portfolios and other global investment products.
7. ICICI Direct
ICICI Direct Global Investment offers global market access and curated portfolios.
Key features:
Classic pricing of $0.02 per share with a $2.75 minimum.
Advantage pricing of $0.01 per share with a $1.50 minimum after the plan fee.
Curated portfolios and research for global investing.
8. Axis Direct
Axis Direct Global Investing offers US investing through Vested.
Key features:
Fractional shares starting from $1.
Digital account opening.
After-market orders and supported bank transfers.
GIFT City App vs Direct International Broker
A GIFT City platform such as Dhan or INDmoney provides US stock access through an entity regulated by the IFSCA in India’s International Financial Services Centre. These platforms usually offer India-focused onboarding, INR-to-USD transfers, local customer support and investment reports designed for Indian users.
With a direct international broker such as Interactive Brokers, you open an account directly with the global broker. This route may offer access to more markets, investment products, research tools and advanced order types. However, funding the account, converting currency, withdrawing money and managing reports may require more effort.
Before choosing either route, compare:
The legal entity opening your account
Where your securities and cash are held
INR-to-USD conversion and remittance charges
Brokerage and withdrawal fees
Available stocks, ETFs and markets
Customer support and tax reports
A GIFT City platform is not automatically cheaper or safer, and a direct broker is not always more complicated. The better route depends on your costs, investing needs and preferred account structure.
Your choice may be different if you also plan to automate Indian F&O strategies. Compare API access, costs and execution in our guide to the best brokers for algo trading in India.
How to Choose the Best US Stock Broker in India
Compare these points before opening an account:
Regulation and custody: Identify the regulated entity holding your securities and cash.
Total cost: Add brokerage, subscription fees, forex markup, remittance charges and withdrawal fees.
Investment style: Choose fractional shares and SIPs for regular investing or advanced order tools for greater control.
Funding and reports: Check bank support, transfer times, withdrawals and tax statements.
The broker with the lowest published brokerage may not have the lowest total cost. Before transferring funds, review LRS, TCS and Indian tax rules. Our guide on how to invest in US stocks from India explains the routes, costs and key rules.
Conclusion
No single broker is best for everyone. Compare each platform’s total cost, access route, custody and withdrawal process before deciding.
US stock algo trading is coming soon to AlgoTest. Until then, sign up for free and practise backtesting your trading strategies before risking real capital.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not investment, tax or legal advice. Features, fees and availability can change.