What is the cheapest way to buy US stocks from India?

It depends on how much you invest and how often. Currency conversion is usually the biggest cost: a 1% markup each way costs ₹10,000 on ₹5 lakh, far more than brokerage. Platforms with low FX markups often win for larger amounts, while apps with no transfer fee can suit small monthly buys.

Is investing in US stocks through GIFT City cheaper?

It can be. GIFT City (IFSC) accounts hold US dollars, so you can convert once and keep dollars between trades, and some IFSC brokers charge low FX markups. But fees vary a lot by broker, so compare the full fee schedule, including transfer, custody and withdrawal charges.

Do I pay TCS when investing in US stocks?

Yes, if your total LRS remittances in the financial year go above ₹10 lakh. TCS is 20% on the part above ₹10 lakh for investments in FY 2026-27, through any route, including GIFT City. It can be claimed back against your income tax.

What happened to NSE IX US stock receipts?

NSE IFSC is winding down its unsponsored depository receipts (UDR) programme. New buy orders stopped from 30 July 2026, holders can sell until 29 January 2027 or ask to withdraw the underlying shares by 20 January 2027, and dealing ends on 1 February 2027.

How are US stocks taxed in India?

Gains on foreign shares held more than 24 months are long term and taxed at 12.5% without indexation; shorter holdings are taxed at your income-tax slab rate. US dividends have 25% US tax withheld, which you can usually claim as a credit in India. You must also report foreign assets in Schedule FA.

BrokerBazaar Tools

US Stocks Cost Calculator

GIFT City vs Indian apps vs global brokers. No login, nothing about you is collected.

Amount to invest (₹)

Number of buys

12 = monthly for a year

Years held

yrs

₹ per US$

GIFT City broker

IFSC account in US dollars, money sent under LRS

Lowest

₹10,456

2.09% of the amount invested

Currency conversion: ₹5,000
Transfer fees: ₹3,900
Brokerage: ₹1,556
Yearly fees: ₹0

Indian investing app

US stocks through an Indian app's partner broker

₹12,500

2.5% of the amount invested

Currency conversion: ₹10,000
Transfer fees: ₹0
Brokerage: ₹2,500
Yearly fees: ₹0

Global broker direct

Account with an overseas broker, funded by bank wire

₹30,806

6.16% of the amount invested

Currency conversion: ₹10,000
Transfer fees: ₹19,500
Brokerage: ₹1,306
Yearly fees: ₹0

All three routes count as LRS remittances. This amount is within the ₹10 lakh a year that is free of TCS. Above that, banks collect 20% TCS on investments, which you can claim back. Check it with the LRS TCS Calculator.

NSE IX is closing its US stock receipts (UDR) programme: new buys stopped on 30 July 2026, and holders can sell until 29 January 2027. The GIFT City route here means holding US shares through an IFSC broker, not those receipts.

Illustrative comparison using typical, editable fees, not any specific provider's prices. Ignores investment growth, taxes and US dividend withholding. Check each platform's current fee schedule. Not investment advice.

Your inputs live only in the page address once you change them.

Where the money goes

Total cost = FX markup × 2 + transfer fees + brokerage on each buy and the sale + yearly fees

Currency conversion is paid twice: rupees to dollars when you invest, and dollars back to rupees when you bring the money home. That is why a 0.5% difference in FX markup usually matters more than the brokerage rate. Compare providers in our GIFT City brokers directory.

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