5 best international stock brokers of 2023

Although the US is home to the world’s two largest stock exchanges — the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq — international investments offer a degree of diversification and growth that can help bolster a portfolio.

The best international stock brokers offer not only access to global markets but also low costs and fees and feature-rich platforms with options suitable for traders and investors of different experience levels. Finder’s experts analyzed 19 US brokers to find the best stock brokers for international trading. Here are the five best international stock brokers of 2023, according to Finder’s analysis.

5 best international stock brokers of 2023

• Best overall: Interactive Brokers
• Fidelity Investments
• Charles Schwab
• TradeStation
• Moomoo

Best overall

Interactive Brokers

4.3

★★★★★

Finder score

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Trade in international markets multiple ways with Interactive Brokers. Access more than 90 stock markets worldwide including the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through the user-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader mobile platform. Or turn to IBKR's flagship desktop platform, Trader Workstation, to trade stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds and funds on over 150 markets worldwide.

Trade assets in another country's currency and leverage IBKR's FXTrader to trade currency markets with over 100 currency pairs. Meanwhile, IBKR GlobalAnalyst, a tool to analyze valuation metrics, makes it easy to screen for stocks around the world.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Trade stocks across more than 90 global markets with the IBKR GlobalTrade app
  • Access stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds and funds on over 150 markets worldwide
  • Screen foreign stocks with IBKR GlobalAnalyst
  • Trade over 100 currency pairs using FXTrader
  • Low foreign trade fee of $4.05 on average per order

  Cons

  • Confusing tiered pricing structure
  • Unreliable live chat support

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Forex, Treasury Bills
  Annual fee	0%
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	N/A

Stock trade fee	$0
Minimum deposit	$0
Signup bonus	N/A

Go to site Read review

Fidelity Investments

4.6

★★★★★

Finder score

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Fidelity offers stock trading in 25 countries and forex trading in 16 currencies, with real-time global market data available to help you make trading decisions based on the latest market movements.

Fidelity provides advanced charting features and premium independent research to help you research and find potential investment opportunities, and it customer support team features dedicated international trading specialists if you ever need help with your account. Add a highly-rated mobile app to the equation and you've got a broker with plenty to offer for international traders.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Buy and sell stocks in 25 countries
  • Exchange between 16 currencies
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Top-tier research and trading tools

  Cons

  • High foreign trade fee of $20.63 on average per order
  • The Fidelity Active Trader Pro desktop platform interface looks and feels antiquated

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Gold/Commodities, CDs, Treasury Bills
  Annual fee	0%
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get $100 when you open and fund an account with $50 and use code Fidelity100

Stock trade fee	$0
Minimum deposit	$0
Signup bonus	Get $100 when you open and fund an account with $50 and use code Fidelity100

Read review

Charles Schwab

4.4

★★★★★

Finder score

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Charles Schwab's international investment offerings include equities trading in over 30 foreign markets for its regular brokerage accounts. With a Schwab Global Account, trade in 12 foreign markets in their local currencies.

Real-time data is available during foreign market hours and trading tools include an international stock screener, Schwab Equity Ratings International and third-party research. And if you need help with a transaction, Schwab's Global Investing Services representatives can help.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Trade in over 30 foreign markets with a regular Schwab brokerage account
  • Trade in the local currency in 12 global markets with a Schwab Global account
  • High-end research and analysis tools

  Cons

  • High foreign trade fee of $49 on average per order
  • Schwab Global requires a separate account

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Futures, Treasury Bills
  Annual fee	0%
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	N/A

Stock trade fee	$0
Minimum deposit	$0
Signup bonus	N/A

Read review

TradeStation

4.2

★★★★★

Finder score

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A TradeStation Global account combines the TradeStation trading technology with the global market access of Interactive Brokers, offering access to global stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds and funds.

Trade on over 150 markets worldwide, including Europe, the UK, Japan, Singapore, Australia and more. And with a choice of trading platforms as well as sophisticated research and analysis tools, it's well worth checking out TradeStation to trade internationally.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • TradeStation trading platform using Interactive Brokers' global market access
  • Access stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds and funds on over 150 markets worldwide
  • Trade in over 26 currencies
  • Low foreign trade fee of $2.34 on average per order

  Cons

  • $1,000 minimum for TradeStation Global

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures
  Annual fee	0%
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get $50 - $5,000 when you open an account with minimum $5,000 using the promo code TSTVAFYB

Stock trade fee	$0
Minimum deposit	$0
Signup bonus	Get $50 - $5,000 when you open an account with minimum $5,000 using the promo code TSTVAFYB

Go to site Read review

Moomoo

4.7

★★★★★

Finder score

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In addition to trading in the US market, Moomoo offers international investing in Hong Kong stocks and China A-shares. Though its global access is limited, Moomoo offers the lowest average foreign trade fee per order.

Traders and investors looking to tap into Asian markets can do so with Moomoo's pro-level desktop and mobile trading platforms.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Trade in two foreign markets, China and Hong Kong
  • Low foreign trade fee of $2.34 on average per order
  • Customizable trading platforms
  • Trading simulator available

  Cons

  • Limited investment options

• More details

  Available asset types	Stocks, Options, ETFs
  Minimum deposit	$0
  Signup bonus	Get 5 or 15 free stocks when you open and fund an account with $100 or $1,000

Stock trade fee	$0
Minimum deposit	$0
Signup bonus	Get 5 or 15 free stocks when you open and fund an account with $100 or $1,000

Go to site Read review

What should you look for when choosing an international stock broker?

The best international stock broker for you will depend on whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, where you want to invest and the features you want in a trading platform. With this in mind, consider the following factors when comparing your options.

Available markets

Which international markets will you be able to access? As well as major exchanges in Europe and Asia, will you also be able to trade stocks in emerging markets around the world?

Brokerage fees

Commission-free trading typically only applies to US-listed stocks and ETFs traded online, which means you can expect to pay some sort of trading fee when buying foreign stocks. Trades that require the assistance of a broker are typically subject to an even higher commission, often between $25 and $35 per trade.

Other fees

Read the fine print to find out whether you’ll pay any other fees when trading international stocks. These may include:

• Foreign transaction fees to cover additional custody, clearing and settlement expenses.
• Currency conversion fees when you exchange USD for a foreign currency to buy international stocks. The fee typically ranges from 0.20% to 1% of the trade value.
• Monthly account fees or subscription fees to access market research and analysis.
• Inactivity fees if you don’t place any trades for a specified time.

Ease of use

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced investor, the best brokers offer easy-to-use trading platforms. Check whether the broker has web, desktop and mobile trading platforms. Are they simple and intuitive to use?

Account types

Can you only invest in international stocks through an individual brokerage account or can you invest through a retirement account?

Tradable assets

If you want to trade more than just stocks and ETFs, check what other assets you can buy and sell through the platform. For example, can you trade bonds, options, futures, mutual funds, forex and cryptocurrencies?

Research and analysis

What tools are available to help you research companies before you invest? Can you access expert analysis (either free or for a subscription fee) to help inform your trading decisions?

Market data

Does the broker display real-time or delayed market data? Having the latest data at your fingertips allows you to trade based on current market conditions and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Reporting and portfolio management

Check what sort of portfolio management tools you can access through your brokerage account to track the performance of your investments. You may also want to find out what tools are available to help you report your investment income at tax time.

Other features

Take some time to consider any other important features you want in an online trading account, such as:

• Support for fractional share trading so you can invest small amounts.
• Advanced charting and technical analysis indicators.
• A robo-advisor to automate your investing and create a portfolio based on your investment goals and risk tolerance.
• Educational resources to help you boost your trading knowledge.

Customer support

Trading foreign stocks can be complex. Having quality customer support at the ready will help make the process smoother, so check out how you can contact the broker’s support team and whether help is available after hours.

User reviews

Check independent review sites to see what other customers say about a broker. If you’ll be trading via the broker’s mobile app, read customer reviews in the relevant app store.

What Tim thinks about trading international stocks

Trading international stocks is a great way to diversify your portfolio beyond the US market. But there's a lot to learn if you're going to successfully invest in foreign markets, so it's important to stay up to date with the latest news and economic developments from around the world.

— Tim Falk, .

Which international stock broker offers $0 commissions?

While plenty of brokers advertise fee-free trading, this typically only applies when you trade US-listed stocks and ETFs. So if you want to trade international stocks, you’ll need to be prepared to cover the cost of brokerage fees.

Brokerage is commonly calculated as a percentage of the trade value, with a minimum fee per transaction, but some brokers also charge flat fees. Make sure you check whether the fee is denominated in USD or a foreign currency, as fees charged in foreign currencies will fluctuate as the exchange rate changes. It’s also worth mentioning that some brokers offer tiered pricing structures, so you may be able to access a lower fee if you’re a high-volume trader.

But the commission isn’t the only fee you’ll need to consider when buying international stocks. You’ll also need to contend with the currency conversion fee when you exchange your USD to another currency to buy international stocks. As a general guide, expect to pay a fee of around 0.2-1% when you convert currency.

What are the pros and cons of international stock brokers?

Pros

• Diversify your portfolio. Buying overseas stocks allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond the US border. This allows you to spread your risk around and take advantage of opportunities that don’t exist closer to home.
• Invest in major global companies. From healthcare giants to some of the world’s largest mining companies, the best international trading brokers make it easy to invest in major global brands.
• Gain exposure to emerging and developed markets. While international trading allows you to buy shares in developed markets like the UK, Japan and Australia, it also allows you to target emerging markets that offer significant growth potential.

Cons

• Costs of international investments. Between commissions, currency conversion costs and other fees, international stocks can be more expensive than investing in US companies.
• Changes in currency exchange rates. Investment returns will be impacted if the exchange rate between the US dollar and the currency of an international investment fluctuates.
• Unfamiliar markets.US investors may not understand all the different factors that influence foreign markets, which might result in unexpected investment losses.

Compare more online stock brokers

The brokers below offer different types of access to foreign stocks. This includes either direct access to international exchanges, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), ETFs or mutual funds. Compare features and fees of each broker to find the best one for you.

1 - 7 of 7

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Name	Product	International exposure type	Available asset types	Annual fee	Signup bonus
SoFi Invest® Finder Rating: 4.6 / 5: ★★★★★ SoFi Invest® Finder Rating: 4.6 / 5: ★★★★★		ADRs	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency	0%	Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new account within 30 days	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
EXCLUSIVE eToro Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★ eToro Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★	EXCLUSIVE	ADRs	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency	0%	FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $25 bonus when you sign up and deposit $100	Not available in NY, NV, MN, TN, and HI.	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
tastytrade Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★ tastytrade Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★		ADRs	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures	0%	Get $100-$5,000 when you open and fund an account with $5,000 to $1,000,000+	Highly commended for Best Derivatives Trading Platform award.	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
Public.com Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★ Public.com Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★		ADRs	Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Art, Treasury Bills, Collectibles	0%	N/A	2.5% fee applies to all alternative asset transactions.	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
Robinhood Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★ Robinhood Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★		ADRs	Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency	0%	Get a free stock when you successfully sign up and link your bank account.	Make unlimited commission-free trades, plus earn 5% interest on uninvested cash in your account with Robinhood Gold. Subscription fees apply.	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
JPMorgan Self-Directed Investing Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★ JPMorgan Self-Directed Investing Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★		ADRs, OTC market	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Treasury Bills	0%	Get $50 - $700 when you open and fund an account with $5,000 - $250,000+	Pay no commissions on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and options.	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
Interactive Brokers Finder Rating: 4.3 / 5: ★★★★★ Interactive Brokers Finder Rating: 4.3 / 5: ★★★★★		International stock exchanges, ADRs, OTC market	Stocks, Bonds, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Forex, Treasury Bills	0%	N/A	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...

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Frequently asked questions about the best international stock brokers

• Which platforms are best for foreign trading?

  Interactive Brokers was named the Best Broker for International Stocks in our latest Finder Stock Trading Platform Awards. It provides access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of tools to suit beginners and experienced traders. However, make sure you compare a range of options to find the best international trading broker for your needs.

• Is TD Ameritrade an international broker?

  TD Ameritrade offers access to international stocks via ADRs only.

• Can you trade stocks internationally?

  Yes, you can trade stocks internationally if you use a broker that offers access to foreign markets. While many brokers offer access to ADRs, only a handful of brokers offer access to foreign ordinaries and direct trading in foreign markets.

• How can I buy US stocks internationally?

  If you want to invest in US stocks from overseas, you'll need to find a broker that allows you to trade on US stock exchanges. The options available vary depending on where you live, so research the best international stock brokers in your country.

• Do all online brokers allow you to buy international stocks?

  No. While many brokers provide exposure to global markets through ETFs, mutual funds and ADRs, only a select range of brokers allow you to buy and sell stocks on international exchanges.

  Dive deeper Compare online stock brokers

• How much do I need to invest to buy international stocks?

  The minimum amount you need to invest depends on the broker you choose. If fractional stock trading is available, it may be possible to start investing with as little as $1.

• Can international students buy stocks?

  Yes. International students on an F1 visa are allowed to buy and sell stocks in the US.