Zero brokerage has become the standard for US stock investing from India. Almost every platform now advertises commission-free trading. But when you look beyond that headline, the real cost differences between apps become clear.
Forex conversion markups, withdrawal charges, account fees, and TCS rules all affect what you actually pay. If you send ₹5 lakh to buy US stocks and the platform applies a 1.5% forex markup, you have already paid ₹7,500 before buying a single share.
This guide breaks down the lowest brokerage apps to invest in US stocks from India in 2026, with a focus on total cost, not just the headline brokerage rate.
Why “Zero Brokerage” Is Not the Full Story
Brokerage vs Forex Markup: The Real Cost
Brokerage is the fee charged per trade. On most platforms today, this is zero for US stocks. But forex markup is where the actual cost difference lies.
When you remit Indian rupees to buy US dollars for investing, the platform or its banking partner applies a conversion rate. The difference between the interbank exchange rate and the rate you receive is the forex markup. A 1% markup on a ₹10 lakh investment costs you ₹10,000. A 2% markup costs ₹20,000. Over years of regular investing, this compounds into a meaningful sum.
Always check the effective exchange rate you receive, not just the advertised brokerage rate.
Other Fees That Add Up
Beyond forex, watch for these costs:
– Withdrawal fees: Charged each time you bring money back to India. These range from $0 to $11 per transaction depending on the platform.
– Account or subscription fees: Some platforms charge a one-time setup fee or an annual subscription for premium features.
– TCS (Tax Collected at Source): On remittances above ₹10 lakh per financial year, your bank collects 20% TCS. This is claimable when you file your income tax return but affects short-term cash flow.
– Deposit platform fee: Some platforms charge a percentage of the deposit amount in addition to zero brokerage.
With that context, here are the six lowest-brokerage apps for investing in US stocks from India in 2026.
Lowest Brokerage Apps to Invest in US Stocks from India
1. Vested Finance
Brokerage: Zero commission on all US stock and ETF trades
Vested Finance is a dedicated US investing platform built for Indian investors. Unlike banking super apps that treat US stocks as one feature among many, Vested’s entire platform is designed around international investing.
You get access to 10,000+ US stocks and ETFs, including fractional shares from as little as $1. The platform also offers Vests, which are curated thematic portfolios built around ideas like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and clean energy. These let you invest in a diversified basket of stocks aligned to a theme, without selecting individual names yourself.
For investors looking beyond stocks, Vested also provides access to INR bonds, P2P lending platforms, and solar energy investments from the same account.
Fee breakdown:
– Account setup: one-time fee under the Basic plan
– Brokerage: zero commission
– Withdrawals: free under the Premium plan; nominal fee under the Basic plan
– Premium plan: available for investors who want advanced research tools, unlimited free withdrawals, and priority support
– US broker: DriveWealth LLC (FINRA/SIPC registered)
– SIPC coverage: up to $500,000
Vested has 300,000+ accounts and over ₹3,700 crore invested through the platform, making it one of the most established dedicated US investing platforms for Indian investors.
Best for: Investors who want a focused global investing platform with thematic portfolios, the widest securities access, and alternative investment options alongside US stocks.
2. INDmoney
Brokerage: Zero commission on US stock trades
INDmoney is a personal finance super-app that covers US stocks, Indian mutual funds, fixed deposits, insurance tracking, and more. It is best thought of as a financial management hub where US investing is one of several tools available.
The platform partners with DriveWealth and Alpaca Securities for US stock execution and custody.
Fee breakdown:
– Account opening: free
– Brokerage: zero commission
– Deposit platform fee: 0.75% of the remittance amount, capped at ₹1,000 per deposit
– Withdrawal: $5 per request back to Indian bank
– Annual fee: none
– US SIPs: supported with automated recurring investments
The deposit platform fee is worth noting. On a ₹1 lakh remittance, you pay ₹750. On ₹1.34 lakh and above, the fee caps at ₹1,000. For very large deposits, the effective rate drops, but for smaller frequent remittances it adds up.
Best for: Investors who want an all-in-one app to track Indian and US finances together, and those who want automated monthly SIPs in US stocks.
3. Interactive Brokers
Brokerage: Zero commission on US stocks (IBKR Lite plan); very low tiered rates on IBKR Pro
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a globally regulated brokerage used by retail investors, active traders, and institutions worldwide. It gives Indian investors direct access to US markets rather than routing through an Indian intermediary.
The IBKR Lite plan offers zero commission on US-listed stocks and ETFs. The Pro plan uses a tiered pricing model with very low per-share rates, which suits high-volume traders.
Fee breakdown:
– Account opening: free
– Minimum balance: none
– Brokerage (Lite): zero commission on US stocks and ETFs
– Brokerage (Pro): tiered, fraction of a cent per share
– Withdrawals: one free withdrawal per month; subsequent withdrawals may carry a fee
– Forex: IBKR’s forex conversion rates are among the most competitive available, typically close to the interbank rate
– Annual fee: none
The key advantage of IBKR for cost-conscious investors is the forex conversion. Because IBKR converts at near-interbank rates with a small transparent markup, the total cost for a large remittance can be significantly lower than on platforms with opaque 1-2% forex spreads.
Best for: Experienced investors who want direct market access, transparent and very low forex conversion costs, and the ability to invest across global markets beyond just the US.
4. Winvesta
Brokerage: Zero per-trade commission
Winvesta is a UK-headquartered platform that offers Indian investors access to 11,000+ US stocks and ETFs, one of the widest selections among platforms serving the Indian market. It is regulated by the UK’s FCA and uses Alpaca Securities (FINRA/SIPC registered) for US market execution.
Fee breakdown:
– Account opening: free
– Brokerage: zero commission per trade
– Forex markup: approximately 1% on INR-to-USD conversion
– Withdrawal: $10 per request to Indian bank
– Annual fee: none
– SIPC coverage: up to $500,000; potential FSCS coverage up to £85,000 (UK regulation)
Winvesta’s transparent 1% forex markup is a positive compared to platforms that don’t disclose their spread clearly. The $10 withdrawal fee is mid-range. For long-term investors who remit once and hold, the overall cost structure is competitive.
Best for: Investors who want the widest range of US stocks and ETFs, dual regulatory oversight (UK FCA + US FINRA/SIPC), and transparent forex pricing.
5. Fi Money
Brokerage: Zero commission on US stocks
Fi Money is a digital banking platform from epiFi Wealth Private Limited, designed for working professionals. It bundles a savings account, credit card, fixed deposits, and US stock investing in one app.
US stock trades are routed through Alpaca Securities, a FINRA and SIPC-registered US broker.
Fee breakdown:
– Account opening: free (integrated with Fi banking account)
– Brokerage: zero commission
– Forex: marketed as “industry-best” rates; verify the actual spread before large remittances
– SIP support: yes, automated recurring US stock investments
– Annual fee: none
Fi’s strength is convenience for users already on the platform. Its SIP feature is useful for investors who want to build a US stock portfolio gradually with monthly contributions. The actual forex rate should be confirmed directly, as advertised rates can differ from the effective rate applied.
Best for: Existing Fi banking users who want to add US stocks without setting up a separate account, and investors who prefer automated SIPs over one-time investments.
6. Motilal Oswal
Brokerage: Zero brokerage on US stocks
Motilal Oswal is one of India’s well-known traditional brokerages that has added US stock investing through a partnership with DriveWealth LLC, the same FINRA and SIPC-regulated US broker used by Vested Finance.
Fee breakdown:
– Account opening: integrated with existing Motilal Oswal account
– Brokerage: zero brokerage on US stocks
– US broker: DriveWealth LLC (FINRA/SIPC registered)
– Fractional shares: supported
– Annual fee: check current terms on the platform
For investors who already use Motilal Oswal for Indian equity trading, this offers a familiar way to extend to US markets without opening a new account elsewhere.
Best for: Existing Motilal Oswal clients who want to add US stock exposure within an ecosystem they already use.
Full Brokerage and Fee Comparison Table
| Platform | Brokerage | Account Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Forex Markup |
|———-|———–|————-|————-|—————-|————-|
| Vested Finance | Zero | One-time (Basic) | None | Nominal/Free (Premium) | Competitive |
| INDmoney | Zero | Free | 0.75% (capped ₹1,000) | $5 per request | ~1-1.5% |
| Interactive Brokers | Zero (Lite) | Free | None | 1 free/month | Near interbank |
| Winvesta | Zero | Free | None | $10 per request | ~1% |
| Fi Money | Zero | Free | None | Check platform | Competitive |
| Motilal Oswal | Zero | Free | None | Check platform | Check platform |
Important: Fees listed are based on publicly available information as of early 2026 and may change. Always verify current rates on each platform’s official website before remitting funds.
2026 Regulatory Updates You Should Know
TCS Threshold Raised to ₹10 Lakh
From April 2025, the Budget raised the TCS-free threshold for overseas remittances from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh per financial year. This means your first ₹10 lakh in annual overseas remittances for US stock investing now attracts zero TCS.
If your remittance in a year exceeds ₹10 lakh, your bank collects 20% TCS on the amount above that threshold. You can claim this as a credit against your income tax when filing your return.
LRS Annual Limit Remains at $250,000
The RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme cap remains at $250,000 per individual per financial year for overseas investments. This applies across all platforms. Your bank requires a self-declaration for each remittance, and most platforms guide you through this process during the transfer step.
Note on Groww
Groww, which was previously a popular option for US stocks from India, has exited the US stocks segment as of 2026. If you were using Groww for US stock investing, you will need to transfer your holdings or move to another platform.
How to Pick the Right Low-Brokerage Platform
Since brokerage is zero on most platforms, the decision should rest on other factors:
Focus on forex rates if you invest large amounts. A 0.5% difference in forex markup on ₹10 lakh is ₹5,000. On ₹50 lakh invested over a year, it is ₹25,000. Interactive Brokers and Winvesta are among the more transparent on this front.
Choose a dedicated platform if US stocks are a priority. Vested Finance is built specifically for global investing. If US stocks are a core part of your portfolio strategy, not just a side feature, a dedicated platform gives you more depth in terms of securities, thematic portfolios, and research tools.
Choose a super app if you want everything in one place. INDmoney and Fi Money work well for investors who want to manage Indian mutual funds, EPF, and US stocks from a single dashboard without juggling multiple apps.
Stick with your existing broker if you are already comfortable. Motilal Oswal and ICICI Direct Global are good options if you already have accounts there and prefer not to open new ones.
Conclusion
In 2026, zero brokerage on US stocks is the norm, not the differentiator. What separates platforms is forex conversion rates, withdrawal fees, the range of securities available, and the overall investing experience.
For investors who want the lowest total cost with a dedicated focus on US and global markets, Vested Finance, Interactive Brokers, and Winvesta are worth comparing closely. For those who prefer an all-in-one financial app, INDmoney and Fi Money remain solid choices.
Whatever platform you choose, understand all fee components before remitting. The forex markup alone can cost more than all other fees combined.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Fee structures, regulatory rules, and platform availability change frequently. Please verify all details on each platform’s official website before investing. Investing in US stocks involves currency risk, market risk, and regulatory risk. Consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor for personalised guidance.
FAQs
Which app has truly zero brokerage for US stocks from India?
Vested Finance, INDmoney, Interactive Brokers (IBKR Lite plan), Winvesta, Fi Money, and Motilal Oswal all offer zero commission on US stock trades. However, each charges differently for forex conversion, withdrawals, or platform fees. Compare the full cost, not just brokerage, before choosing.
What is the hidden cost in zero-brokerage US stock apps?
The main hidden cost is the forex markup, which is the difference between the interbank USD rate and the rate you actually receive when converting INR to USD. A 1% markup on ₹10 lakh is ₹10,000. Some platforms advertise zero brokerage but apply 1.5-2% forex spreads. Always check the effective exchange rate.
Has Groww stopped US stock investing in India?
Yes. As of 2026, Groww has exited the US stocks segment for Indian investors. If you previously invested in US stocks through Groww, you should check the platform’s guidance on transferring or liquidating your holdings and consider switching to an alternative platform.
Is my money safe on these platforms?
Yes, provided the platform routes trades through a FINRA and SIPC-registered US broker. All platforms listed here use regulated US brokers such as DriveWealth, Alpaca, or IBKR. Your assets are held in your name and covered by SIPC insurance up to $500,000, including up to $250,000 in cash.
Can I invest in US stocks from India through SIP?
Yes. INDmoney and Fi Money support automated SIPs in US stocks, similar to how Indian mutual fund SIPs work. Vested Finance allows recurring investments but requires manual setup. Interactive Brokers and Winvesta support scheduled transfers but do not have a dedicated SIP feature for Indian investors.