Zerodha has introduced beta access to US stock investing through its Kite platform, giving eligible Indian residents an opportunity to invest in American stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The service offers access to thousands of US-listed securities, with fractional investing starting at $1.
The new facility allows investors to explore global investment opportunities through their existing Zerodha accounts. However, the platform currently supports delivery-based orders only, and brokerage charges apply to every eligible transaction.
Key Highlights of Zerodha’s US Stock Investing Facility
- Platform: Zerodha Kite
- Availability: Beta access
- Investment options: Up to 2,000 US-listed companies and around 1,000 ETFs
- Minimum fractional investment: Starting at $1
- Brokerage: 0.1% of trade value, subject to minimum and maximum limits
- Order type: Delivery-based orders only
- Investment route: India INX Global Access at GIFT City
Zerodha Launches US Stock Investment Facility Through Kite
Discount brokerage Zerodha has launched a US stock investing facility in beta mode on its Kite platform. The service is designed to help Indian investors diversify their portfolios by accessing companies listed on US stock exchanges.
Through this facility, eligible investors can explore well-known international businesses, including Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft, Nvidia and AMD, along with a wide range of exchange-traded funds.
According to the reported details, the platform provides access to approximately 2,000 US-listed companies and around 1,000 ETFs.
The service operates through BSE-owned India INX Global Access at GIFT City, Gujarat. Investors should review the platform’s eligibility requirements, account activation process and applicable regulatory conditions before investing.
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How to Invest in US Stocks Through Zerodha
Eligible resident Indian investors with individual Zerodha accounts can activate the US stocks segment, subject to the platform’s terms and requirements.
Here is how the process works:
- Log in to Zerodha: Access your existing Zerodha account.
- Activate the US stocks segment: Follow the instructions available through the account activation process.
- Open Kite: Once activation is complete, access the international investing section.
- Search for stocks or ETFs: Find the US-listed securities you want to research.
- Review the costs: Check brokerage, currency conversion charges, applicable taxes and other fees.
- Place a delivery order: Submit an order after reviewing the investment details and available balance.
- Track your holdings: Monitor your investments and their performance through the platform.
The exact steps and available features may change as the service progresses beyond beta access.
Zerodha US Stocks Brokerage Charges
Zerodha’s reported pricing structure charges brokerage at 0.1% of the trade value on both buy and sell orders, subject to a minimum charge of $0.01 and a maximum of $10 per order. An additional charge of 18% also applies as reported.
Investors should verify the latest fee schedule to understand which charges attract the additional amount and whether other costs apply.
| Particulars | Reported Details |
|---|---|
| Brokerage rate | 0.1% of trade value |
| Minimum brokerage | $0.01 per order |
| Maximum brokerage | $10 per order |
| Additional charge | 18%, as applicable |
| Order type | Delivery-based only |
| Intraday trading | Not available |
| Margin Trading Facility (MTF) | Not available |
| Futures and options | Not available |
Apart from brokerage, investors should account for currency conversion costs, applicable taxes, remittance-related charges and any other fees disclosed by the service provider.
Can You Buy Fractional US Stocks Through Zerodha?
Yes, the reported facility supports fractional investing starting at $1, subject to the platform’s terms.
Fractional investing allows an investor to purchase a portion of a share instead of buying one complete share. This can make expensive stocks more accessible to people who want to begin with a smaller investment amount.
For example, if a stock trades at $500, an eligible $10 fractional investment would represent approximately 2% of a share before applicable costs and price movements.
However, fractional investing does not eliminate market risk. The value of an investment can rise or fall, and currency movements can also affect returns for Indian investors.
How Are US Stock Investments Taxed in India?
Indian residents investing in US stocks should understand the tax implications before making an investment.
The tax treatment depends on the investor’s residential status, the type of income, the holding period, applicable tax laws and the provisions of the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Capital Gains Tax
For eligible resident Indian investors, gains from US shares are generally taxable in India under the applicable rules.
Under the tax framework described in the source report:
- Long-term capital gains: Gains on qualifying holdings held for more than 24 months are generally taxed at 12.5%, subject to applicable rules.
- Short-term capital gains: Gains on holdings that do not qualify as long-term are generally taxed at the investor’s applicable income-tax slab rates.
Investors should verify the current tax provisions and their applicability to foreign shares before filing their returns.
Tax on US Stock Dividends
Dividends paid by US companies to eligible Indian residents may be subject to US withholding tax. The applicable India-US treaty can reduce the rate to 25% where its conditions are satisfied.
Eligible investors may be able to claim a foreign tax credit in India for qualifying foreign taxes paid, subject to documentation and applicable tax rules.
Since cross-border taxation can be complex, investors should consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to their circumstances.
Why Should Indian Investors Consider US Stocks?
Investing in US stocks can provide exposure to businesses and industries that may be less represented in an investor’s domestic portfolio.
1. Access to Global Companies
The US market includes major businesses in technology, healthcare, consumer products, finance and other industries. Investors can research companies such as Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Meta, Alphabet and Microsoft.
2. Portfolio Diversification
Holding investments across different markets may help diversify a portfolio. However, international stocks can still experience substantial losses, and diversification does not guarantee profits.
3. Fractional Investing
The ability to purchase fractional shares can make it easier to start investing in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of money.
4. Exposure to Different Industries
US-listed stocks and ETFs provide opportunities to explore sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cloud computing and other areas of the global economy.
What Should Investors Check Before Investing in US Stocks?
Before using Zerodha’s US investing facility, investors should consider the following:
- Currency risk: Changes in the US dollar-Indian rupee exchange rate can affect returns.
- Brokerage and fees: Transaction charges and currency conversion costs can reduce profits.
- Tax obligations: Foreign investments may create additional reporting and compliance requirements.
- Market volatility: US stocks can experience significant price fluctuations.
- Investment objectives: Choose securities based on your financial goals, risk tolerance and investment horizon.
- Regulatory requirements: Understand the applicable overseas investment and remittance rules.
Investors should avoid buying a stock solely because it is popular or has recently delivered strong returns.
Conclusion
Zerodha’s reported launch of US stock investing through Kite offers eligible Indian investors another way to access international stocks and ETFs. With fractional investing reportedly starting at $1, the facility may make global investing more accessible to individuals with smaller budgets.
However, investors should carefully evaluate brokerage charges, currency risk, taxes and the limitations of delivery-only trading before getting started.
As the service is in beta mode, users should confirm its current availability, eligibility requirements and latest terms directly through Zerodha’s official channels before investing.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investments in domestic and international securities involve market and currency risks. Please conduct independent research and consult a qualified financial or tax adviser where necessary.
