All You Need To Know About Investing In US Stocks From India
Be it the iPhone in your hand or the OTT show you binge watched on Netflix last weekend, the lives of millions of us are in some way or the other being touched by the products and services of Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Mastercard, Nike and other American giants.
But did you know you can also invest in these companies from the comfort of your home in India? While these powerhouse stocks aren’t listed on NSE or BSE, Indian investors can still access the stocks of these billion, or even trillion dollar US companies.
Wondering how? Well, while there are a lot of platforms, some of the popular ones are INDmoney, Vested Finance and Fi Money.
But before we deep dive into the comparison of these platforms, let us first help you understand how investing in US stocks from India works, the risks, benefits, etc.
How You Can Tap Into The US Stock Market From India
While there are multiple ways to invest in the US stock market from India, we have explained the key ones in brief for your understanding:
1. Direct Investing through US stock investment platforms
You can start investing through platforms like Fi Money, INDmoney, Vested Finance as they enable direct investment in US stocks, mutual funds and ETFs (we’ll dig deeper into these platforms later in this article). From currency conversion to tax documentation and regulatory compliance- these platforms handle most tasks on their end only.
2. International brokerage accounts
Another way to invest in US stocks from India is by opening an account directly with global or US-based brokers like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and others. These brokers give India’s investors direct access to US stock exchanges and other global markets, wherein you can trade US stocks, ETFs, options, futures, etc.
However, higher degree of paperwork, regulatory compliance, and tax reporting responsibilities can make this a complex way of investment for some investors. Even the fees/charges and minimum investment amount can be higher than domestic platforms. All this makes this mode of investment more suitable for experienced and active investors as well as HNIs with bulk of capital to invest in.
3. Mutual Funds & ETFs
One more way to tap into the US stock market is by simply investing in Indian mutual funds or ETFs that invest in US equities. This way you can diversify your portfolio without dealing with foreign exchange or direct stock picking tasks. This method is suitable for passive investors wanting US equity exposure indirectly without investing into the stocks directly.
4. GIFT City
Located in Gujarat, GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is becoming India’s offshore financial hub along the lines of international offshore destinations like Singapore, Dubai, etc. Currently there are two ways to invest in US stocks via GIFT City, one is India INX’s Global Access and the second is NSE-IX US stocks UDRs.
India INX Global Access is BSE's subsidiary platform that functions like a stock exchange that partners with US brokers. So basically it acts as a connection point and not a director broker who helps you buy from a US stock market.
Once you open an account with India INX, they go on to open a corresponding account for you with a partnered US broker. The platform (India INX) handles all foreign paperwork and account setup.
The other route is NSE-IX UDRs, which is a subsidiary of NSE. NSE International Exchange creates UDRs (Unsponsored Depository Receipts). An Unsponsored Depository Receipt is a negotiable certificate issued by a depositary bank that represents shares in a foreign company, without the involvement or consent of the company itself. These securities typically trade over-the-counter and do not grant investors shareholder rights such as voting or direct company benefits
Simply put, when you buy a UDR on NSE-IX, a custodian (such as HDFC Bank’s branch at GIFT City) holds the real US shares via their partner, such as Deutsche Bank in the US. You get UDRs credited to your demat account in India, representing your indirect ownership of those US shares.
Taxation Of Capital Gains Earned From US Stocks
-Capital gains taxation
Taxation for the capital gains you earn from investment in US stocks is no rocket science. For long term capital gains (holding period of more than 2 years), the tax rate is 12.5% (without indexation). Note that the exemption for gains of up to Rs 1.25 lakh in a financial year is not available for US stocks, as Section 112A of the Income Tax Act applies this exemption only to stocks listed on a recognised stock exchange in India.
As far as short term capital gains are concerned (holding period of up to 2 years), the tax is as per your applicable income tax slab.
-Dividend income taxation
Coming to the dividend income from a US stock, it is subject to withholding tax of 25% which the American company deducts on one's dividend payout. And in India, that dividend is included as ‘income from other sources’ and then taxed as per your applicable tax slab.
However, to prevent this double taxation for the investor, the ‘Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement’ (DTAA) was signed between the US and India, as per which you, as an investor in India, can claim an FTC (Foreign Tax Credit) for the tax already paid in the US. FTC shall be lower of the tax payable on such income under the Indian tax laws and the foreign tax paid.
All you need to do is fill the ‘Form 67’ with the Indian tax department before the due date of filing the ITR.
Why You Should Consider Investing In US Stocks?
Investing in US stocks gives your portfolio an added layer of geographical and sectoral diversification.
Investing in the US stock market allows you to do fractional investing, which at present is not available in India. Through fractional shares, you can invest in a portion of a stock that is less than one full share, thus making expensive stocks more accessible through smaller investments.
As per a report by TheHinduBusinessLine, quoting Bloomberg, US and Indian markets have tended to show low correlation in recent years. So, when Indian markets face downturns, US investments may perform differently, which can provide a much needed stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk.
US stocks also give you access to world's leading tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Amazon, thus offering a sectoral diversification to your portfolio, especially if that sector is not available or growing in India.
The mature nature of the US economy vs India's emerging market dynamics opens the gate to access different economic cycles for Indian investors.
Two Key Risks You Must Know Before Jumping Into The US Stock Market
Currency Risk
The fluctuations in INR-USD can significantly impact your returns, even if US stocks are performing well.
For example, you invested Rs 4 lakh when \(1 = Rs 75, thus buying \)5,333 worth of stocks. Now, if the stock gains 10% in USD, your holding becomes $5,866. But if Indian Rupee strengthens to say, Rs 65 per USD, your Rs 4 lakh investment becomes Rs 3,81,290 (turning your investment into a loss despite stock gaining 10%)
On the other hand, if INR weakens to say, Rs 85 per USD, your investment gains get amplified to Rs 4,98,610.
Speaking of Rupee, the Indian currency is expected to strengthen in this last quarter of 2025, with Bank of America and Nomura predicting the Rupee to climb up to Rs 84 per dollar, vs the current rate hovering around the Rs 88 per dollar mark. So, if this does come out to be true and the Indian currency strengthens in coming months this year, investors in India may see a lower return on the money invested in US stocks.
Regulatory and Political Risks
Any form of tax law changes, trade restrictions or financial regulatory changes by the US government can affect a company’s profitability, stock prices, etc. Moreover, if there is election uncertainty, govt shutdowns, trade wars, or policy shifts, your exposure to the US stock market can make your portfolio see volatility in such scenarios.
Take the example of what has been happening in recent months. Under President Trump, US tariffs have had a significant and multifaceted impact on the US economy as well as its stock market.
Trump’s announcement of sweeping ‘reciprocal tariffs’ was aimed at reducing the trade deficit, reviving US industries, and generating revenue. But some research reports have indicated that tariffs have actually slowed US GDP growth in 2025 and further slowdown is expected in 2026.
As far as the American stock market is concerned, the major tariff announcement in early April had triggered a rapid market crash, with major US indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and NASDAQ experiencing their worst single-day decline since the COVID-19 pandemic crash of 2020.
(Source: US Bank report)
While the stock market has been able to rebound in following months and even reached record highs recently, volatility has still remained elevated.
## **Comparison Of Three Popular Platforms To Invest In US Stocks From India**If you are interested in exploring investment in US stocks from India, here’s an in-depth comparison of three of the popular platforms to help you decide in a wiser manner.
1. INDmoney
After previously laying the foundation of redBus and Goibibo, Ashish Kashyap had founded INDmoney in 2019. From investment in NPS, IPOs, mutual funds, F&Os, Indian and US stocks to UPI and credit card payments, INDmoney acts as a super app for its users.
Key Features
An ‘all in one’ app with comprehensive view of all financial assets
Investment options include US stocks, mutual funds, FDs, and bonds
Fractional investing in shares available with minimum investment of $1
Offers direct access through NSE-IX GIFT City accounts (IFSCA regulated), and global access through US broker accounts (SEC/FINRA regulated).
US broker partners include DriveWealth LLC and Alpaca Securities LLC
Follows regulatory compliance through IFSCA-regulated for GIFT City operations, SEC oversight for US operations
Fees & Charges for investing in US stocks
Account Opening: No charges
Account Maintenance: No charges
Brokerage: 0.25% per transaction (Maximum $25, in case of global access and not direct access)
2. Fi Money
Founded in 2019 by two ex-Google employees Sujith Narayanan and Sumit Gwalani, Fi Money was created as a digital banking platform for professionals, and it operates under epiFi Wealth Private Limited. Sujith had previously worked at Standard Chartered Bank and Religare Macquarie Private Wealth as well. Fi has evolved to become a money management app that offers services such as credit card, FDs, EPF tracking, US stocks, mutual funds, etc.
Key Features
Start investing at as low as ₹100
Curated collections of pre-built portfolios like ‘Warren Buffett's portfolio’
Seamless account integration with Fi savings account
Uses US-broker (Alpaca) which is regulated in the US.
Fees & Charges for investing in US stocks
Account Opening: Free
Brokerage: Zero commission on US stocks and ETFs
Account Maintenance: Zero charges
Note that Fi Money had begun winding down its operations as per the communication (emails) received by its customers around 11th March 2026.
3. Vested Finance
Vested Finance was founded in 2018 by Viram Shah and Darwin Arifin, though the latter had left the company in October 2023. Unlike INDmoney and Fi money which are more of ‘all in one’ super apps, Vested is more focused on helping you diversify your portfolio through US stocks, ETFs and global mutual funds (available on both website and app).
Key Features
Offers theme-based portfolios (‘Vests’), which are curated baskets of stocks, such as AI vest, SpaceTech vest, EV vest, etc.
Also offers some private markets access to get early access to high-growth companies before they go public.
Can start investing at as low as $1
The US broker partner is VF Securities, Inc. (member FINRA/SIPC), and investments custodised with DriveWealth
Follows regulatory compliance as a registered investment adviser with US SEC, regulated for remittances in India under RBI's LRS scheme.
Fees & Charges for investing in US stocks
Account Opening: Free
Account Maintenance: No annual/maintenance charges
Brokerage: Zero commission on US stocks and ETFs; some ETFs may have a small transaction fee
A Quick Comparison Of Vested Finance vs Fi Money vs INDmoney
Feature | INDmoney | Vested Finance | Fi Money |
What it is | Super finance app offering US stocks, mutual funds, global investing via partners. | Investment platform offering US stocks, ETFs, and global mutual funds through VF Securities. | Money management platform offering US stocks via Alpaca Securities. |
Number of securities offered | 9,000+ US Stocks & ETFs | 10,000+ US Stocks & ETFs | 6,000+ US Stocks & ETFs |
Account opening/ KYC | Free account opening via DriveWealth / similar US brokers or through IFSC/global access. | Free account opening for the basic plan; optional premium plan | Digital KYC; no foreign bank account required; no maintenance charges |
Brokerage/Trading fees | 0.25% per transaction (Maximum \(25, in case of global access and not direct) | 0.15%- 0.25% of trade amount (capped at \)35) | No brokerage or trading fees |
Subscription fees | Free. No premium plan | Free basic plan; premium plan is \(4.99 per month | Free. No premium plan |
Minimum Investment | Starts at \)1 | Starts at $1 | Starts at ₹100 |
Regulations | Partners with US brokers like DriveWealth (US regulated), also uses IFSC, IFSCA. Custody via US brokers. | Uses third-party custodian (DriveWealth etc), securities held in your name. | Uses US-broker (Alpaca) which is regulated in the US. |
USPs | Industry-first data-driven trading assistant tool, net worth calculator, all-in-one app for insurance, investment and borrowing. | Curated theme-based portfolios (vests) and highest collection of 10,000+ stocks and ETFs. | SIPs and zero brokerage fees. |
Conclusion
Investing in US stocks from India has become increasingly accessible through platforms like INDmoney, Vested Finance, and Fi Money. And the continuously evolving GIFT City is becoming a big financial hub of its own, thus opening more and more doors for our stock market to go global.
Each of the 3 platforms offers unique features and benefits aimed to cater to different investor needs. You should consider factors such as fees, investment options, and user experience to find the best fit for your investment goals.
As per us, INDmoney seems suitable for investors who want an all-in-one app to manage both Indian and US investments, track financial assets, and access a broad set of financial products. So it’s ideal for those seeking convenience and holistic money management.
On the other hand, Vested Finance seems most suitable for investors focused on US markets who value curated, theme-based portfolios, global ETFs, and a platform built solely for international diversification. So it’s great for those who want to actively build a US/global portfolio.
As far as Fi Money is concerned, it can suit cost-conscious beginners or professionals looking for seamless, no-brokerage US stock investing with easy integration to banking and money management. So it can work well for those starting small or preferring a simplified experience. Note that Fi Money had begun winding down its operations as per the communication (emails) received by its customers around 11th March 2026.
Last but not the least, remember that although US stocks enable you to tap into a unique opportunity to diversify your portfolio geographically and sectorally, and provide exposure to some of the world's leading companies and economic cycles, do not forget to consider factors such as currency risk, regulatory changes, and political risks that can impact your investments.
Please note that this is an opinion blog and not official research advice. This blog aims to promote informed decision-making and neither encourages nor discourages you from investing in any asset class, deal or platform.
