konversi_timezone(12 Apr 2021 6:21, America/New_York, 'full date') Top 10 Online Brokers for Non-US Residents
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Top 10 Online Brokers for Non-US Residents



Apr 12, 2021   10245 
Finding the best broker may be challenging as there are specific requirements to fulfill. Here are the top 10 online brokers for non-US residents to trade in the US market.

Choosing the right online broker can be tricky in one way or another. You can end up with a big loss if the broker can't keep their promise or is not completely honest with you. Non-US residents are especially prone to such fraud since they're not well protected by CFTC and NFA's strict regulations.

Therefore, if you're a non-US resident, some factors need to be considered before you register with a broker:

  • Products they offer. The best option would be the ones that offer various assets to trade, including stocks, forex, mutual funds, futures, etc.
  • Security of the broker. How secure a broker is can be seen by which regulatory body supervises it. Financial agencies from well-established countries such as the UK, Australia, and onshore European areas are typically more reliable than offshore ones.
  • Trading cost. Always consider the cost and check if there's any additional fee that you should pay in advance. The lower the cost, the better it is for traders.

Considering the above criteria, here are 10 top international brokers that cater to non-US residents:

  1. Interactive Brokers
  2. IG
  3. Pepperstone
  4. Swissquote
  5. Saxo Bank
  6. XM
  7. AvaTrade
  8. OANDA
  9. eToro
  10. FP Markets

In this article, we will provide you with explanations of each recommended broker.

 

1. Interactive Brokers

  • Products offered: Stocks, options, futures, currencies, cryptocurrencies, US Spot Gold, bonds, ETFs, and many more
  • Security: ASIC (Australia), SFC (Hong Kong), IIROC (Canada), SFTC & NFA (US), FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore)
  • Trading cost: EUR/USD spread is 0.2

Interactive Brokers is arguably the best option for online broker for non-US residents to trade in the American market. To begin with, the broker offers a wide variety of security classes including stocks, options, futures, bonds, currency pairs, etc.

Such wide options combined with relatively low fees have attracted millions of retail traders from all around the world. The company currently operates in 31 countries, 22 currencies, and 125 markets. It is considered very suitable for intermediate traders and well-experienced traders. The broker also offers educational materials for non-active investors.

It is convenient for international traders to fund their accounts given the several types of base currencies provided and then convert them at market rates if they want to purchase assets in other markets. In other words, no matter which market you are going to or from, you can make an order without having to have separate accounts or arrange conversion.

 

2. IG

  • Products offered: Indices, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and many more
  • Security of the broker: FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany), FINMA (Switzerland), DFSA (UAE), FSCA (South Africa), MAS (Singapore), JFSA (Japan), ASIC (Australia), CFTC & NFA (US), BMA (Bermuda)
  • Trading cost: 0.4 points is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

London-based IG stands out as a comprehensive trading powerhouse, encompassing top-notch trading tools, advanced research resources, and an extensive array of tradable markets. A trusted multi-asset broker with global regulation and a public listing, the company boasts a history dating back to 1974.

IG proudly leads as the world's premier CFD provider with a wide-reaching client base exceeding 178,000 across five continents, a diverse product range, competitive fees, and an unwavering reputation.

For non-US clients, IG offers traders access to over 80 currency pairs, accompanied by a user-friendly website, transparent fee structures, intuitive platform offerings, and a solid commitment to client education.

 

3. Pepperstone

  • Products offered: Forex, indices, equities, cryptos, energy and commodities, and many more
  • Security: ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), DFSA (UAE)
  • Trading cost: 0.1 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

Since its establishment in 2010, Australian broker Pepperstone has rapidly ascended to prominence in the online brokerage landscape.

This dynamic firm offers an extensive trading platform encompassing forex, shares, indices, metals, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. With a modest minimum deposit of 200 units in the base currency, Pepperstone welcomes new traders, added by leverage up to 500:1.

Pepperstone's commitment to non-US residents extends through segregating customer accounts from company funds. The platform diversity is abundant, spanning desktop, mobile, and web-based interfaces, complemented by a well-rounded product catalog, comprehensive educational resources, competitive spreads, and multiple account options.

 

4. Swissquote

  • Product offered: Shares, ETFs, forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and many more
  • Security: FCA (UK), FINMA (Switzerland)
  • Trading cost: 1.6 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

Unlike the brokers mentioned above, Swissquote is also an investment bank that was founded in 1996. The company is divided into two parts: a Swiss unit for trading stocks, futures, funds, and options, and a company operating in the UK for forex and CFDs.

More than 330,000 clients across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have trusted Swissquote as now the broker has become one of the most highly reputed brokers in the world.

Swissquote is considered safe for non-US clients because it has a banking license, is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, and has a long track record. Although it takes $0 for a minimum account deposit, the broker generally charges relatively high fees, especially in stocks and ETFs fees. There is no inactivity fee, but you will be charged for withdrawals.

 

5. Saxo Bank

  • Products offered: Crypto, forex, CFDs, stocks, commodities, bonds, and many more
  • Security: FINMA (Switzerland), FCA (UK), Danish FSA (Denmark), MAS (Singapore), ACPR & AMF (French), Belgium (FSMA), SFC (Hong Kong), ASIC (Australia)
  • Trading cost: 0.8 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours, using VIP pricing the spread can be as low as 0.4 pips

Established in 1992, Denmark-based Saxo Bank originally obtained a banking license but did not offer common banking products. Instead, the company identified itself as a "leading Fintech specialist focused on multi-asset trading and investment and delivering Banking-as-a-Service to wholesale clients".

The broker offers a lot of trading essentials, advanced user interfaces, and excellent research facilities to cater to non-US clients. There are thousands of instruments to choose from various types of assets like stocks, CFDs, currency pairs, and others.

However, the broker may be best used by expert traders and is not suitable for beginners because of the relatively high minimum deposits, limited support options, and high trading costs. Clients need to equip themselves with a minimum capital of EUR2,000 before opening an account with Saxo.

Their forex spreads are quite competitive, but there are various commissions applied to other instruments provided in the platform.

 

6. XM

  • Products offered: Stocks, indices, forex, crypto CFDs, metals, and many more
  • Security: FSC Belize (Belize)
  • Trading cost: 1.7 pips is the Standard account's average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

With a commitment to user-friendly account opening and speedy processes, XM has established a reputation for accessibility. For non-US residents, this broker offers many educational resources, including webinars and a demo account, catering to traders seeking knowledge enhancement.

While its forex and stock index CFD fees maintain an average status, it's crucial to note that clients outside the EU are not provided with investor protection.

Since its establishment in 2009 in Belize, XM broker has evolved from a specialized intermediary service provider in the foreign exchange market to a global powerhouse. Spanning nearly 190 countries, it has garnered the trust of over 5 million traders due to its reliability, safety, and innovative technological solutions.

 

7. AvaTrade

  • Products offered: Currency pairs, stock indices, cryptocurrencies, commodities, bonds, and many more
  • Security: CySEC (Cyprus), Polish FSA (Poland), ASIC (Australia), International BVI (British Virgin Islands), JFSA (Japan), FSCA (South Africa), ADGM (UAE), ISA (Israel)
  • Trading cost: 0.9 pips is the average spread cost during peak trading hours

Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a recognized forex and CFD broker under the Ava Group, boasting over 300,000 registered traders and impressive monthly trading volumes exceeding $70 billion. For non-US residents, its platform delivers innovation, security, and flexibility, catering to new and experienced traders, making it a frontrunner in CFD trading with low fees.

AvaTrade, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is exclusively dedicated to derivatives trading, specializing in CFDs and Forex options. With cross-asset diversification and commission-free pricing, AvaTrade presents a balanced asset mix to its users.

 

8. OANDA

  • Products offered: Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and many more.
  • Security: CFTC & NFA (US), IIROC (Canada), FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), KINSHO (Japan), MFSA (Malta), International BVI (British Virgin Islands)
  • Trading cost: 0.9 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

In 1996, Dr. Michael Stumm and Dr. Richard Olsen co-founded OANDA. Even though OANDA is operating from New York, the company offers standard, and Advanced Trader accounts for non-US residents worldwide, covering a diverse range of CFD and spread betting options across asset classes.

OANDA Europe Limited provides negative balance protection, while OANDA Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. offers guaranteed stop-loss orders. The platform delivers user-friendly trading and research tools featuring robust technical indicators and APIs.

 

9. eToro

  • Products offered: Stocks, indices, crypto assets, ETFs, currencies, commodities, and many more.
  • Security of the broker: Gibraltar FSC (Gibraltar), FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), AMF (French), MFSA (Malta), ASIC (Australia), FSAS (Seychelles)
  • Trading cost: 1 pip is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

Israeli broker eToro stands as a top-tier social trading network, enabling traders to emulate the strategies of seasoned investors or gain exclusive advantages by sharing their trading tactics.

Established in 2007, eToro boasts a user base exceeding 25 million spread across 140 countries globally, including the United States. eToro features a crypto exchange supporting trading in 30+ cryptocurrencies and an online brokerage platform with a curated selection of stocks and ETFs.

Its strong community engagement and social features make it an ideal choice for non-US residents valuing a collaborative trading atmosphere. However, if your focus is primarily on affordable crypto trading, eToro's higher trading fees might raise some considerations.

 

10. FP Markets

  • Products offered: Forex, shares, commodities, stock market indices, and digital currencies
  • Security: ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), SFSA (Seychelles)
  • Trading cost: 0.09 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

With a daily trading volume surpassing $1 billion and serving clients across 80+ countries, FP Markets is an Australian multi-asset broker with a rich history since its foundation in 2005. Over its 15+ years of operation, FP Markets has grown into a trusted brand, supported by a team of over 100 employees.

For non-US residents, FP Markets operates under many regulations, ensuring dependable collaboration and full adherence to industry guidelines. The NDD broker expanded its offerings by establishing a Cyprus entity. Furthermore, FP Markets (Pty) Ltd now operates as a Financial Services Provider, authorized and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.

 

The Bottom Line

From the 10 recommendations above, we can see that each broker operates in its own way and offers various different things. Though some of them don't limit their specialty to a certain type of traders and are open to anyone, each of them has pros and cons. So, it is crucial to learn about their features and requirements before you decide to register.

Let's take a look at the comparison table below to know which broker's condition suits you the best.

Broker Products They Offer Security of the Broker Trading Cost
Stocks, options, futures, currencies, cryptocurrencies, US Spot Gold, bonds, ETFs, and many more ASIC (Australia), SFC (Hong Kong), IIROC (Canada), SFTC & NFA (US), FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore) EUR/USD spread is 0.2
Indices, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and many more FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany), FINMA (Switzerland), DFSA (UAE), FSCA (South Africa), MAS (Singapore), JFSA (Japan), ASIC (Australia), CFTC & NFA (US), BMA (Bermuda) 0.4 points is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Forex, indices, equities, cryptos, energy and commodities, and many more ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), DFSA (UAE) 0.1 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Shares, ETFs, forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and many more FCA (UK), FINMA (Switzerland) 1.6 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Crypto, forex, CFDs, stocks, commodities, bonds, and many more FINMA (Switzerland), FCA (UK), Danish FSA (Denmark), MAS (Singapore), ACPR & AMF (French), Belgium (FSMA), SFC (Hong Kong), ASIC (Australia) 0.8 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours, using VIP pricing the spread can be as low as 0.4 pips
Stocks, indices, forex, crypto CFDs, metals, and many more FSC Belize (Belize) 1.7 pips is the Standard account's average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Currency pairs, stock indices, cryptocurrencies, commodities, bonds, and many more CySEC (Cyprus), Polish FSA (Poland), ASIC (Australia), International BVI (British Virgin Islands), JFSA (Japan), FSCA (South Africa), ADGM (UAE), ISA (Israel) 0.9 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and many more CFTC & NFA (US), IIROC (Canada), FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), KINSHO (Japan), MFSA (Malta), International BVI (British Virgin Islands) 0.9 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Stocks, indices, crypto assets, ETFs, currencies, commodities, and many more Gibraltar FSC (Gibraltar), FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), AMF (French), MFSA (Malta), ASIC (Australia), FSAS (Seychelles) 1 pip is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours
Forex, shares, commodities, stock market indices, and digital currencies ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), SFSA (Seychelles) 0.09 pips is the average EUR/USD spread cost during peak trading hours

One thing that connects these brokers is the fact that they are great options for international traders or non-US residents. They provide a platform that allows non-US traders to trade in the vast currency markets and grab the available opportunities.

 

When it comes to forex trading in the US versus non-US, many think about the safety and security that the US regulators can provide, especially if it's compared to offshore regulation. To make it clearer, we have discussed it thoroughly in Comparing the US and Offshore Brokers.


9 Comments

Leon Hart

Nov 1 2021

Why can't all brokers accept Non-US residents?

Leroy Foster

Nov 3 2021

The quick answer is because some brokers do not accept US clients because of governmental restrictions. But other than this country, brokers happily accept clients from around the world. 

Roger

Feb 7 2022

Leon Hart: Some brokers do not accept US clients because of governmental restrictions but other than this country, brokers happily accept clients from around the world. Being a trader one should know which broker is the most suitable for their country. Some of the top forex brokers for non- US residents are HYCM, FP markets, and Axiory. 

Walton Price

Apr 11 2022

Why out of several brokers mentioned, some do not have a rating?

Mia Reddy

Apr 13 2022

Walton Price: Maybe because no one has filled out the rating of this website. This is a new website, so rarely anyone comes here.

Oliver Cox

Apr 12 2022

Saxo bank seems pretty legit broker. Has anyone ever traded with Saxo?

Nika De Los Santos

Apr 18 2022

What are the fees for trading with brokers allowed for US residents? I heard that the trading fees charged are quite large. Is that true?

Fernan

Jan 20 2024

Hello!! I want to ask, what are the trading fees associated with brokers available for US residents, and is there validity to the claim that these fees are substantial? With fees varying across brokers, encompassing transaction costs and additional charges, the landscape has evolved, embracing commission-free models for specific trades. Yet, the perceived reduction in costs prompts scrutiny, as brokers might offset this by introducing fees elsewhere. The subjectivity of defining fees as "substantial" underscores the importance of a trader's individual perspective and strategy. To navigate this, a meticulous assessment of fee structures, considering account habits, becomes essential. Are there brokers striking an optimal balance between cost efficiency and valuable services, thus aligning with individual trading preferences and financial goals?

Valent

Jan 23 2024

What's the deal with trading fees for brokers in the US? Are they really as steep as folks say?

Well, it's a mixed bag. These fees vary a ton, covering things like transaction costs and extra charges for stuff like account maintenance. Some brokers went all-in on this commission-free vibe, but watch out – they might sneak in other fees.

Now, about the whole "substantial fees" talk – it's kinda personal. Depends on how you roll with your trades. Gotta dig into the fee deets, considering your own habits, to figure out the real cost. The key is finding a broker that balances cost and sweet services that match how you do your trading and your cash goals.

What's your take on the whole trading fees scene?