Top Picks for Trading Internationally
Discover the best international brokers for convenient and cost-effective access to global investment markets. When it comes to serious international trading, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) stands out as the top choice due to its unmatched support for international trading across a vast array of global assets and funding currencies. Out of the 26 online brokers evaluated based on 89 criteria, IBKR excels in available assets, account services, user experience, and additional features.
Fidelity takes the crown for the best international trading platform for beginners, while Charles Schwab caters excellently to those seeking dedicated customer service for international trading. Additionally, moomoo earns recognition for offering the best platform for Chinese stocks. These global trading platforms unlock opportunities for investors to explore international stocks, ETFs, ADRs, and markets worldwide. IBKR goes the extra mile by providing access to options, futures, mutual funds, metals, and more.
Best Brokers for International Trading of 2024
- Best Online Broker for International Trading: Interactive Brokers
- Best Online Broker for Non-U.S. Investors: Interactive Brokers
- Best International Trading Platform for Beginners: Fidelity
- Best International Trading Platform for Customer Service: Charles Schwab
- Best International Trading Platform for Chinese Stocks: moomoo
Best Overall Invest in a wide range of international assets efficiently with IBKR, offering access to stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds from a single platform tailored for traders and investors of all levels.
Best for Non-U.S. Investors Non-U.S. investors from over 200 countries and territories can engage in trading various assets like stocks, options, ETFs, and more with IBKR, supporting funding in 24 different currencies.
Overview Interactive Brokers, founded in 1978, offers unmatched global market access for U.S. and international investors across 150 markets, 34 countries, and 27 currencies. The platform is committed to enhancing accessibility for beginners while providing a vast array of financial assets.
IBKR’s pricing structure is comprehensive yet competitive, tailored for varying trading volumes and asset classes across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, making it ideal for serious global investors and day traders.
Fidelity, recognized as the top platform for beginners, offers access to international markets with user-friendly platforms and extensive educational resources, facilitating trading in U.S. dollars or local currencies across 25 global markets.
Charles Schwab, established in 1971, provides two paths for global trading, offering a standard brokerage account for trading in 30 foreign markets and a dedicated Global Account for direct stock trading in key foreign markets, coupled with exceptional customer service for international investors.
Why We Chose It Moomoo emerges as the premier investment app for trading Chinese stocks, providing direct access to the China securities markets.
Moomoo, founded in 2018, offers both U.S. and international investors access to domestic and global trading through one account, catering to U.S.-traded ADRs, stocks, ETFs, and multiple global markets.
IBKR shines as the best platform for serious international investors, while moomoo is ideal for those seeking entry into Chinese A-shares, despite its limitations in account types and available assets.
Explore the best online brokers for international trading:
| Company | Account Minimum | Fee & Commissions | Assets Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | Varies based on asset, quantity, and country | International stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, mutual funds, currencies, metals, and more |
| Fidelity | $0 | Varies based on country | International stocks, full range of domestic assets with global exposure like stocks, ADRs, mutual funds, and ETFs |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Varies based on country | Stocks, ADRs, ETFs, mutual funds |
| moomoo | $0 | U.S. assets – $0.00, China assets – 0.03% of transaction, 15 CNH per order platform fee, negligible regulatory fees | Stocks, ETFs, options, Warrants/CBBCs |
When selecting an international broker, consider industry reputation, security standards, customer service, costs, trading tools, educational content, and market access. Access to research reports, screeners, and international news is crucial for informed trading decisions.
Learn more about the top online brokers and trading platforms: Investopedia conducts unbiased reviews, gathering data from a thorough research process involving expert evaluation and investor surveys to provide a comprehensive assessment of the best platforms.
What Is International Trading?
International trading allows U.S. citizens to trade stocks and financial assets outside the U.S., involving currency conversions, varied fees, and access to global markets, with IBKR offering extensive market access.
Why Do People Invest Internationally?
International investments offer diversification and growth opportunities, particularly in emerging markets. Investors can target specific stocks in unique markets or utilize ETFs for broader exposure.
How Can I Trade Internationally?
Trading internationally depends on your chosen platform, with firms like Fidelity and Schwab providing user-friendly interfaces and robust research resources for international trades.
How Do You Open an International Trading Account?
Open an international trading account through traditional or specialized brokerage accounts, with platforms like IBKR offering all-in-one solutions, while others may require separate accounts for international trades.
Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Open a Brokerage Account?
Non-U.S. citizens can open U.S.-based brokerage accounts by fulfilling necessary requirements and certifying their tax status, with options available for residents outside the U.S.
