How to open a US brokerage account from India: Step-by-Step guide
Indian investors no longer need a U.S. address or a flight ticket to buy American stocks. You can open a U.S. brokerage account from India entirely online in under a week. The process covers choosing a platform, completing KYC, signing a tax form, and funding your account through the RBI's remittance scheme.
This guide walks you through every step so you can start investing in U.S. markets with confidence.
Which brokers accept Indian residents
Several platforms now let you open a U.S. brokerage account from India without visiting a branch or embassy. Three stand out for Indian investors in 2026.
Winvesta operates under UK FCA regulation and offers access to over 3,500 US stocks and ETFs. Winvesta account opening takes one to three business days through its in-house KYC process. You can start investing with as little as $1 through fractional shares. The platform charges zero trading commissions and only a $10 withdrawal fee. Your investments receive dual protection through SIPC coverage up to $250,000 and UK FSCS protection up to £85,000. Winvesta also provides a multi-currency account for holding U.S. dollars before you invest.
Vested Finance partners with DriveWealth, a US-registered broker-dealer regulated by the SEC and FINRA. Vested account setup is quick and typically completes within one to two business days. The platform offers commission-free trades on its standard plan along with curated thematic portfolios called "Vests." These bundles group stocks around themes like electric vehicles or cloud computing. Vested provides access to over 1,500 US stocks and ETFs with fractional share support.
INDmoney takes a super-app approach, combining U.S. stock investing with Indian mutual funds, fixed deposits, and tax filing. Its U.S. investing arm also runs through a DriveWealth partnership. The integrated fund transfer feature simplifies the remittance process compared to standalone platforms.
Interactive Brokers remains a strong choice for experienced traders who want access to global markets beyond the U.S. It offers the broadest range of instruments but comes with a steeper learning curve. Groww discontinued its U.S. stock-investing feature in 2023 and now focuses exclusively on domestic products.
Documents required to open your account
Gathering the right documents before you begin saves time and prevents rejections. Here is what you need for KYC for U.S. stocks and India compliance.
Your PAN card is required on all platforms. It serves as your Foreign Tax Identifying Number for IRS filings and enables LRS compliance verification. Without a valid PAN, no platform can process your application.
Your Aadhaar card powers the eKYC process on most Indian platforms. An OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number verifies your identity against the UIDAI database within seconds. This digital verification has largely replaceda physical document submission.
A valid passport is required by internationally regulated platforms like Winvesta and Interactive Brokers. Even platforms that accept Aadhaar for initial verification may request passport details for cross-border regulatory compliance.
Bank statements from the past three to six months prove your source of funds and financial capacity. These must be official bank-generated PDF statements, not screenshots—some platforms also require a cancelled cheque or a bank verification letter for account linking.
Keep the name spelling consistent across all your documents. Name mismatches between PAN, Aadhaar, and passport are the most common reason for application delays.
Account opening process walkthrough
The entire process follows five clear stages from download to first trade.
Stage 1: Register and verify your identity. Download the app for your chosen platform and sign up using your mobile number or email. The app sends an OTP for initial verification. Enter your basic details, including full name, date of birth, and address.
Stage 2: Upload your documents. Submit clear photos or scans of your PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport. Some platforms automatically pull your details via PAN and Aadhaar verification APIs. Upload your bank statements when prompted.
Stage 3: Complete video or selfie verification. Most platforms require a live selfie with AI-powered liveness detection to confirm you match your documents. A few platforms conduct a short video KYC call lasting three to ten minutes with a trained officer who checks your original documents on camera.
Stage 4: Provide financial information. Declare your annual income, net worth, occupation, and source of funds. This is a standard regulatory requirement for all investment accounts worldwide. Answer these questions honestly as they affect your account's risk profile.
Stage 5: Sign the W-8BEN form digitally. This critical tax form establishes your status as a foreign investor with the USUSnternal Revenue Service. Most modern platforms auto-fill this form using information from your application. You simply review the details and sign electronically.
KYC verification steps explained
The KYC for USUStocks in India process combines Indian identity verification with international regulatory requirements.
Your PAN number gets verified against NSDL records in real time. This confirms your identity and tax registration status instantly. Your Aadhaar-based eKYC runs through the UIDAI database after you enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. This step verifies both your identity and residential address simultaneously.
Platforms regulated outside India add an extra layer of document verification. Winvesta and Interactive Brokers run your passport through international identity verification databases. This additional check typically adds one business day to the approval timeline.
The W-8BEN form deserves special attention because it directly affects your tax liability. You must enter your PAN as your Foreign Tax Identifying Number on Line 6. Declare India as your treaty country on Line 9. Reference Article 12 of the India-US Double Tax Avoidance Agreement on Line 10. This treaty reduces U.S. withholding tax on dividends from 30% to 25%. Without a valid W-8BEN, you pay the full 30% rate on every dividend.
The form stays valid until December 31 of the third year after signing. A form signed in 2026 expires on December 31, 2029. Your platform will notify you when renewal is due.
Common reasons for rejection include blurry document uploads, expired identification, a PAN not linked to Aadhaar, and discrepancies in address across documents. Fix these issues before you apply to avoid unnecessary delays.
Funding your account via LRS
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme is the only legal channel for Indian residents to send money to overseas brokerage accounts. The LRS remittance process allows you to transfer up to $250,000 per financial year for investment purposes.
Here is how the funding process works step by step. First, obtain the wire transfer details from your brokerage platform. These include the receiving bank name, account number, SWIFT code, and routing number. Next, visit your Indian bank's branch or use its online banking portal to initiate an LRS remittance.
You must fill out Form A2, the RBI-mandated application for foreign remittance. This form requires your PAN details, a self-declaration of your total LRS usage for the current financial year, and the purpose of the remittance. Attach your brokerage account confirmation as supporting documentation.
Your bank converts your Indian rupees to USUSollars at the prevailing exchange rate plus a 0.5% to 1.5% forex markup. The bank then initiates a SWIFT wire transfer to your brokerage's custodian bank.
Budget 2025 brought welcome relief on TCS. The tax collected at source threshold rose from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh per financial year. Your first ₹10 lakh in LRS remittances now attracts zero TCS. Beyond this threshold, a 20% TCS applies to overseas investment remittances.
The TCS is not an extra tax. It functions as an advanced tax collection system that appears on your Form 26AS. You can adjust this amount fully against your total income tax liability when filing your return. If the TCS exceeds your tax obligation, you receive a refund.
Learn more about the tax implications for Indian residents investing in U.S. stocks before you make your first remittance.
Salaried individuals can also request that their employer reduce TDS to account for TCS already paid.
Major banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, support LRS transfers. Funds typically reach your U.S. brokerage account within two to five business days after the bank processes the remittance.
Account activation timeline
The total time from app download to first trade ranges from three to seven business days. The LRS fund transfer usually creates the longest wait, not the account approval itself.
Winvesta approves accounts in one to three business days through its in-house KYC processing. Vested can approve accounts within one to two business days, sometimes on the same day, for Aadhaar-verified applicants. INDmoney takes one to three business days, depending on whether video KYC is required. Interactive Brokers processes applications in one to three days,s but may take up to a week for comprehensive documentation reviews.
The typical end-to-end breakdown looks like this. App registration and document upload take 15 to 30 minutes. KYC verification and account approval take one to three business days. Bank LRS remittance processing adds another one to three business days. Fund crediting to your brokerage takes one to two more business days.
Best case, you execute your first U.S. stock trade within two to three business days. First-time LRS remittances often take longer because banks verify compliance more carefully for new international transfers.
Review these points to keep in mind before investing in the U.S. stock markets to prepare yourself thoroughly.
Tax rules every Indian investor should know
Capital gains on U.S. stocks are subject to India's updated tax framework, effective from July 2024. Long-term gains on holdings held for more than 24 months attract a flat 12.5% tax without indexation benefits. Short-term gains on holdings under 24 months areheld for less than taxed at your income tax slab rate.
You must compute all gains in Indian rupees by converting both purchase and sale amounts at the exchange rates on the respective dates. Rupee depreciation against the dollar can increase your taxable gains even when the stock price stays flat in USD terms.
Reporting is mandatory and carries severe penalties for non-compliance. Declare all foreign assets in Schedule FA of your income tax return every year. Use Schedule FSI for foreign-source income and file Form 67 to claim DTAA tax credits. The Black Money Act, 2015, imposes penalties up to ₹10 lakh per year for failing to disclose foreign assets.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Ready to earn on every trade?
Invest in 11,000+ US stocks & ETFs
Indian investors no longer need a U.S. address or a flight ticket to buy American stocks. You can open a U.S. brokerage account from India entirely online in under a week. The process covers choosing a platform, completing KYC, signing a tax form, and funding your account through the RBI's remittance scheme.
This guide walks you through every step so you can start investing in U.S. markets with confidence.
Which brokers accept Indian residents
Several platforms now let you open a U.S. brokerage account from India without visiting a branch or embassy. Three stand out for Indian investors in 2026.
Winvesta operates under UK FCA regulation and offers access to over 3,500 US stocks and ETFs. Winvesta account opening takes one to three business days through its in-house KYC process. You can start investing with as little as $1 through fractional shares. The platform charges zero trading commissions and only a $10 withdrawal fee. Your investments receive dual protection through SIPC coverage up to $250,000 and UK FSCS protection up to £85,000. Winvesta also provides a multi-currency account for holding U.S. dollars before you invest.
Vested Finance partners with DriveWealth, a US-registered broker-dealer regulated by the SEC and FINRA. Vested account setup is quick and typically completes within one to two business days. The platform offers commission-free trades on its standard plan along with curated thematic portfolios called "Vests." These bundles group stocks around themes like electric vehicles or cloud computing. Vested provides access to over 1,500 US stocks and ETFs with fractional share support.
INDmoney takes a super-app approach, combining U.S. stock investing with Indian mutual funds, fixed deposits, and tax filing. Its U.S. investing arm also runs through a DriveWealth partnership. The integrated fund transfer feature simplifies the remittance process compared to standalone platforms.
Interactive Brokers remains a strong choice for experienced traders who want access to global markets beyond the U.S. It offers the broadest range of instruments but comes with a steeper learning curve. Groww discontinued its U.S. stock-investing feature in 2023 and now focuses exclusively on domestic products.
Documents required to open your account
Gathering the right documents before you begin saves time and prevents rejections. Here is what you need for KYC for U.S. stocks and India compliance.
Your PAN card is required on all platforms. It serves as your Foreign Tax Identifying Number for IRS filings and enables LRS compliance verification. Without a valid PAN, no platform can process your application.
Your Aadhaar card powers the eKYC process on most Indian platforms. An OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number verifies your identity against the UIDAI database within seconds. This digital verification has largely replaceda physical document submission.
A valid passport is required by internationally regulated platforms like Winvesta and Interactive Brokers. Even platforms that accept Aadhaar for initial verification may request passport details for cross-border regulatory compliance.
Bank statements from the past three to six months prove your source of funds and financial capacity. These must be official bank-generated PDF statements, not screenshots—some platforms also require a cancelled cheque or a bank verification letter for account linking.
Keep the name spelling consistent across all your documents. Name mismatches between PAN, Aadhaar, and passport are the most common reason for application delays.
Account opening process walkthrough
The entire process follows five clear stages from download to first trade.
Stage 1: Register and verify your identity. Download the app for your chosen platform and sign up using your mobile number or email. The app sends an OTP for initial verification. Enter your basic details, including full name, date of birth, and address.
Stage 2: Upload your documents. Submit clear photos or scans of your PAN card, Aadhaar card, and passport. Some platforms automatically pull your details via PAN and Aadhaar verification APIs. Upload your bank statements when prompted.
Stage 3: Complete video or selfie verification. Most platforms require a live selfie with AI-powered liveness detection to confirm you match your documents. A few platforms conduct a short video KYC call lasting three to ten minutes with a trained officer who checks your original documents on camera.
Stage 4: Provide financial information. Declare your annual income, net worth, occupation, and source of funds. This is a standard regulatory requirement for all investment accounts worldwide. Answer these questions honestly as they affect your account's risk profile.
Stage 5: Sign the W-8BEN form digitally. This critical tax form establishes your status as a foreign investor with the USUSnternal Revenue Service. Most modern platforms auto-fill this form using information from your application. You simply review the details and sign electronically.
KYC verification steps explained
The KYC for USUStocks in India process combines Indian identity verification with international regulatory requirements.
Your PAN number gets verified against NSDL records in real time. This confirms your identity and tax registration status instantly. Your Aadhaar-based eKYC runs through the UIDAI database after you enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. This step verifies both your identity and residential address simultaneously.
Platforms regulated outside India add an extra layer of document verification. Winvesta and Interactive Brokers run your passport through international identity verification databases. This additional check typically adds one business day to the approval timeline.
The W-8BEN form deserves special attention because it directly affects your tax liability. You must enter your PAN as your Foreign Tax Identifying Number on Line 6. Declare India as your treaty country on Line 9. Reference Article 12 of the India-US Double Tax Avoidance Agreement on Line 10. This treaty reduces U.S. withholding tax on dividends from 30% to 25%. Without a valid W-8BEN, you pay the full 30% rate on every dividend.
The form stays valid until December 31 of the third year after signing. A form signed in 2026 expires on December 31, 2029. Your platform will notify you when renewal is due.
Common reasons for rejection include blurry document uploads, expired identification, a PAN not linked to Aadhaar, and discrepancies in address across documents. Fix these issues before you apply to avoid unnecessary delays.
Funding your account via LRS
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme is the only legal channel for Indian residents to send money to overseas brokerage accounts. The LRS remittance process allows you to transfer up to $250,000 per financial year for investment purposes.
Here is how the funding process works step by step. First, obtain the wire transfer details from your brokerage platform. These include the receiving bank name, account number, SWIFT code, and routing number. Next, visit your Indian bank's branch or use its online banking portal to initiate an LRS remittance.
You must fill out Form A2, the RBI-mandated application for foreign remittance. This form requires your PAN details, a self-declaration of your total LRS usage for the current financial year, and the purpose of the remittance. Attach your brokerage account confirmation as supporting documentation.
Your bank converts your Indian rupees to USUSollars at the prevailing exchange rate plus a 0.5% to 1.5% forex markup. The bank then initiates a SWIFT wire transfer to your brokerage's custodian bank.
Budget 2025 brought welcome relief on TCS. The tax collected at source threshold rose from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh per financial year. Your first ₹10 lakh in LRS remittances now attracts zero TCS. Beyond this threshold, a 20% TCS applies to overseas investment remittances.
The TCS is not an extra tax. It functions as an advanced tax collection system that appears on your Form 26AS. You can adjust this amount fully against your total income tax liability when filing your return. If the TCS exceeds your tax obligation, you receive a refund.
Learn more about the tax implications for Indian residents investing in U.S. stocks before you make your first remittance.
Salaried individuals can also request that their employer reduce TDS to account for TCS already paid.
Major banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, support LRS transfers. Funds typically reach your U.S. brokerage account within two to five business days after the bank processes the remittance.
Account activation timeline
The total time from app download to first trade ranges from three to seven business days. The LRS fund transfer usually creates the longest wait, not the account approval itself.
Winvesta approves accounts in one to three business days through its in-house KYC processing. Vested can approve accounts within one to two business days, sometimes on the same day, for Aadhaar-verified applicants. INDmoney takes one to three business days, depending on whether video KYC is required. Interactive Brokers processes applications in one to three days,s but may take up to a week for comprehensive documentation reviews.
The typical end-to-end breakdown looks like this. App registration and document upload take 15 to 30 minutes. KYC verification and account approval take one to three business days. Bank LRS remittance processing adds another one to three business days. Fund crediting to your brokerage takes one to two more business days.
Best case, you execute your first U.S. stock trade within two to three business days. First-time LRS remittances often take longer because banks verify compliance more carefully for new international transfers.
Review these points to keep in mind before investing in the U.S. stock markets to prepare yourself thoroughly.
Tax rules every Indian investor should know
Capital gains on U.S. stocks are subject to India's updated tax framework, effective from July 2024. Long-term gains on holdings held for more than 24 months attract a flat 12.5% tax without indexation benefits. Short-term gains on holdings under 24 months areheld for less than taxed at your income tax slab rate.
You must compute all gains in Indian rupees by converting both purchase and sale amounts at the exchange rates on the respective dates. Rupee depreciation against the dollar can increase your taxable gains even when the stock price stays flat in USD terms.
Reporting is mandatory and carries severe penalties for non-compliance. Declare all foreign assets in Schedule FA of your income tax return every year. Use Schedule FSI for foreign-source income and file Form 67 to claim DTAA tax credits. The Black Money Act, 2015, imposes penalties up to ₹10 lakh per year for failing to disclose foreign assets.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Ready to earn on every trade?
Invest in 11,000+ US stocks & ETFs
