Discount brokerage Zerodha has launched US stock investing in beta on its Kite platform, allowing Indian investors to buy shares of up to 2,000 US-listed companies and around 1,000 ETFs. The service supports fractional investing with minimum investments starting at $1. Users can activate the international investing segment through their existing Kite accounts and fund a dollar-denominated wallet via netbanking from linked Indian bank accounts, according to inc42.com.
Zerodha’s offering enables delivery-based investing, fractional ownership, and systematic investment plans (SIPs) in eligible US stocks. Brokerage is charged at 0.1% of the trade value, with a minimum of $0.01 and a maximum of $10 per order, plus 18% GST. Additional fees include an IFSCA turnover fee of 0.005% and US regulatory transaction fees on sell orders. Currency conversion involves a bank markup of 0.5%-1.2% over the RBI reference rate. However, intraday and margin trading are not available, nor is access to US IPOs through the platform.
This launch positions Zerodha alongside other Indian brokerages expanding international investing options amid growing demand for US equities among Indian retail investors. Zerodha’s fractional investing and SIP features cater to smaller investors seeking diversified global portfolios. The brokerage’s low-cost fee structure and integration with existing accounts aim to simplify cross-border investing. The move follows similar offerings by platforms like Groww and Upstox, reflecting a broader trend in India’s retail investment landscape.
Zerodha’s US stock investing feature remains in beta, with users able to activate it directly from their Kite accounts. The platform currently supports funding via netbanking from select Indian banks, excluding UPI, debit, and credit cards. Zerodha’s next update is expected to expand payment options and enhance user experience, as the company gathers feedback from early adopters.