Want to invest in US stocks? 4 ways Indians can start today

Relief to brokers as exchanges and SEBI scrap penalty-first model, roll out ATR-based system for compliance

Investing directly in the US market has become easier over the past few years, thanks to relaxed remittance rules, growing fintech platforms and wider investor interest in global portfolios. For many Indians, though, the allure is straightforward: The world's largest listed companies, from Google and Tesla to Microsoft, Amazon and Nvidia, are headquartered in the US, and their long-term wealth creation in these stocks has been strong. If you're planning to start, these are the four most reliable ways to get access.

Use Indian brokerages that offer US stock access

A number of Indian brokerages have tie-ups with registered American brokers, through which you can buy US stocks. At the moment, platforms such as ICICI Direct, HDFC Securities, Axis Securities, Tata Capital, and a few discount brokers have in-built access to NASDAQ and NYSE. You open an international trading account, complete your KYC, add dollars through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, and start buying shares like any other stock. It's all so familiar because these apps mirror your normal brokerage process. On the flip side, though, brokerage and forex charges might be higher than domestic trades, but convenience is one of the major reasons first-time global investors choose this route.

Open an account using a global investment app

A second avenue is dedicated global investing platforms that specialise in overseas equities. Apps such as Vested, INDMoney and Rise have become popular because they make the mechanics of global investing easy: you sign up, verify your identity, transfer money and buy fractional or full shares. Fractional investing is a big attraction — instead of spending over a lakh to buy one Amazon share, you can invest as little as $1 in a fraction of it. These platforms also offer research sections, theme-based portfolios and curated lists, which are helping beginners wade into the US markets more easily. The cost is usually transparent, though you still have to factor in remittance charges and currency conversion spreads.

Invest in mutual funds and ETFs that track US indices

If you want a hands-off approach, US-focused mutual funds and exchange-traded funds available in India offer an easy avenue. These funds invest in global indices like the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, or specific themes like US technology or global consumer brands. You invest in rupees and the fund takes care of currency conversion and compliance. Many investors prefer this route as it avoids the paperwork of opening an overseas account and eliminates the need to remit money abroad. Sometimes, however, the availability of funds could be restricted due to overall overseas investment limits. Returns, of course, would depend not only on market performance but on the rupee–dollar exchange rate.

Use the route to GIFT City for lower costs

A relatively newer route is via IFSC platforms operating from GIFT City, Gujarat. A number of brokers have now started to provide Indian residents with the facility to purchase US-listed stocks through their IFSC entities at lower brokerage and lower conversion costs. Since trades are executed under a different regulatory environment, transaction fees can be cheaper, and remittances are easier. The availability of stocks is increasing fast, and this channel has begun to attract interest among investors looking for a combination of low cost and direct access to markets with minimal dependence on fintech intermediaries.

The choice of route depends on how comfortable you are and your goals

If you enjoy managing your own trades and want full control, go for the direct brokerage or global app route. If you want experts to handle selection and rebalancing for you, US-focused mutual funds are more suitable. If cost is a bigger factor, IFSC brokers are offering an increasingly efficient middle ground.

Whichever way you decide, keep an eye on currency charges, platform fees, and taxation. Returns from US stocks are taxed as capital gains in India, and dividends are taxed in the US before reaching you. Keeping these basics in mind helps in making informed decisions while tapping into some of the world's most powerful companies.