Last Updated on Jan 23, 2026 by Harshit Singh
Investing in US stocks is no longer something reserved for hedge funds or ultra-rich investors. Today, Indian investors can own global companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Tesla with just a few clicks, and sometimes with as little as $1.
But while access has become easier, clarity hasn’t. Between RBI rules, taxes, TCS, forex charges, and US market timings, many investors hesitate or make costly mistakes.
This blog breaks down how to invest in US stocks from India using Tickertape –
Table of Contents
Why Are Indian Investors Looking at US Stocks?
Over the last decade, US markets have consistently outperformed many global peers, especially in technology and innovation-driven sectors.
US vs Indian Markets: A Snapshot
Beyond returns, US investing offers sector diversification. While Indian markets are heavy on financials and energy, US markets dominate global tech, AI, cloud computing, and consumer brands.
Key reasons Indians invest in US stocks:
- Exposure to global leaders
- Portfolio diversification beyond India
- Fractional investing (buying partial shares)
- Potential currency gains if USD strengthens
How Do Indians Invest in US Stocks?
There are two broad routes: Indian platforms and direct US brokers.
Platform Comparison
| Feature | Tickertape | Direct US Brokers |
| Account opening | 15–30 mins (digital) | 3–7 days |
| Minimum investment | Rs. 100 / $1 | $500+ |
| Fractional shares | Yes | Limited |
| Tax reports | Auto-generated | Manual |
| Customer support | Indian hours | US hours |
For most retail investors, Indian platforms are simpler and more practical.
How to Start Investing in US Stocks Using Tickertape
Step 1: Open FREE Broker Account
Complete your KYC verification via DigiLocker
Step 2: Connect Bank Account
Connect your HDFC or Axis Bank Account to initiate remittances
Step 3: Add Money to US Wallet
Add money to your US Wallet from your bank account. Please note, it can take up to 2 business days for the money to reflect in your wallet.
Step 4: Make Make your 1st Investment
Simply select the stock of your choice & start investing with as low $1.
Documents Required for KYC
| Document | Purpose |
| PAN Card | Tax identification |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity & address verification |
| Passport | International transaction compliance |
| Bank Proof | Cancelled cheque or bank statement |
US Stock Market Timings for Indian Traders
Regular Trading Hours
| US Time Zone | Market Hours | IST Timings |
| Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM (next day) |
| March to November | 6.5 hours | Evening to late night |
| Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 8:00 PM – 2:30 AM (next day) |
| November to March | 6.5 hours | Night to early morning |
Trading Days:
- Monday to Friday – Regular trading
- Saturday & Sunday – CLOSED
Important: Timings shift by 1 hour when US observes Daylight Saving Time
DST Schedule 2026
| Period | Effective Dates | IST Market Open | IST Market Close |
| DST Active | 8th March – 1st November, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 1:30 AM |
| DST Inactive | 1st November – 8th March, 2027 | 8:00 PM | 2:30 AM |
Extended Trading Hours
Pre-Market Trading
| Session | US Time | IST (EDT) | IST (EST) |
| Pre-Market | 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM ET | 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM | 2:30 PM – 8:00 PM |
After-Hours Trading
| Session | US Time | IST (EDT) | IST (EST) |
| After-Hours | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET | 1:30 AM – 5:30 AM | 2:30 AM – 6:30 AM |
US Market Holidays 2026
Full Market Closures
| Date | Holiday | Day |
| 1st January | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| 20th January | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Tuesday |
| 17th February | Presidents’ Day | Tuesday |
| 3rd April | Good Friday | Friday |
| 25th May | Memorial Day | Monday |
| 3rd July* | Independence Day Observed | Friday |
| 7th September | Labor Day | Monday |
| 26th November | Thanksgiving Day | Thursday |
| 25th December | Christmas Day | Friday |
*July 4th falls on Saturday, so observed on Friday, 3rd July
Early Closures (1:00 PM ET)
| Date | Occasion | IST Close Time (EDT) |
| 27th November, 2026 | Day After Thanksgiving | 10:30 PM IST |
| 24th December, 2026 | Christmas Eve | 10:30 PM IST |
Note: Market closes early at 1:00 PM ET (instead of regular 4:00 PM)
Taxation on US Stocks
Taxation is where most investors get confused, but it’s manageable once broken down.
Dividend Taxation
| Component | Tax |
| US withholding tax | 25% |
| India tax | As per slab |
| Relief | Foreign Tax Credit |
Example:
A $100 dividend → $25 deducted in the US → remaining taxed in India after FTC adjustment.
Capital Gains Tax (India Only)
| Holding Period | Tax Rate |
| Less than 24 months | Slab rate |
| 24 months or more | 12.5% flat |
There is no capital gains tax in the US for Indian residents.
Withdrawal Charges on Tickertape
Withdrawals follow a structured process and are not taxable by themselves.
Withdrawal Timeline
| Stage | Time |
| Stock settlement | T+2 days |
| Withdrawal processing | 3–5 days |
| Total | ~5–7 days |
Typical Charges
| Cost | Amount |
| Platform fee | Rs. 0 |
| Forex conversion | 0.25%–0.5% |
| Intermediary banks | $0–$20 |
To Sum Up…
Investing in US stocks from India is no longer complex, but it does require awareness. Understanding taxes and costs upfront helps investors avoid unpleasant surprises later. With Tickertape, you can start small, stay compliant, and invest with ease.
FAQs
Is investing in US Stocks legal from India?
Yes, Indian residents can legally invest in US stocks under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which is governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Under this scheme, resident individuals are allowed to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permitted overseas transactions. This limit applies to individual Indian residents only and resets every April 1.
The LRS covers a wide range of foreign expenses, including investments in US stocks and ETFs, as well as education, travel, and gifts. However, NRIs are not covered under the LRS framework.
Can I start with small investments in US stocks on Tickertape?
Yes. On Tickertape, you can start investing with as low $1 (~Rs. 92).
Do I need to file extra tax forms?
Yes. Foreign assets and income must be disclosed in Schedule FA and FSI.
What is TCS and why does it matter?
TCS (Tax Collected at Source) applies when foreign remittances exceed Rs. 10 lakh in a financial year. A 20% TCS is charged only on the excess amount. It is not an extra tax, but an advance payment that can be adjusted or refunded while filing your ITR.
Is TCS refundable?
Yes. Excess TCS can be claimed while filing your ITR.
As an investment fanatic, I’ve dabbled in early-stage startups, mutual funds, gold, stocks, smallcases, and real estate to identify which assets generate the highest ROI. At Tickertape, I’m dedicated to presenting my learning and providing insightful suggestions to help my readers make sound investment decision.
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- How to Invest in US Stocks from India: Step-by-Step Guide - Jan 22, 2026
