Top 8 Platforms to Buy US ETFs from India in 2026
Investing in US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from India has never been more accessible. With the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allowing you to send up to $250,000 per financial year overseas, Indian investors now have a clear, compliant path to participate in global markets.
US ETFs give you exposure to major indices like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100, as well as sector-specific and thematic funds, all through a single tradeable unit. The challenge is picking the right platform. Fees, ETF selection, ease of use, and LRS compliance can all vary significantly across providers.
This guide covers the top 8 platforms to buy US ETFs from India in 2026, along with a comparison table, a step-by-step starting guide, and key tax rules you should know.
What Are US ETFs and Why Buy Them from India?
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a basket of securities that trades on a stock exchange like a single share. US ETFs typically track well-known indices like the S&P 500, the NASDAQ 100, or sector indices covering technology, healthcare, and energy.
For Indian investors, buying US ETFs makes sense for a few reasons:
- Diversification: You spread risk across hundreds of US companies with one purchase.
- Dollar exposure: Your investment grows in USD, which has historically appreciated against the INR over time.
- Low cost: Most US ETFs carry a very low expense ratio compared to actively managed mutual funds.
- Global market access: You gain exposure to companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon without picking individual stocks.
You can legally invest in US ETFs using the LRS route, which lets you remit up to $250,000 per financial year for investment purposes.
How to Evaluate a US ETF Platform
Before choosing a platform, look at these key factors:
- ETF selection: How many US ETFs does the platform support? Do they include index funds, sector ETFs, and thematic ETFs?
- Fees: Check brokerage fees, foreign exchange conversion charges, and any annual maintenance fees.
- Minimum investment: Some platforms support fractional investing from as little as $1.
- LRS compliance: The platform should handle RBI-compliant fund remittance on your behalf.
- User experience: A clean app with research tools makes investing easier, especially for beginners.
- Account opening: Quick KYC and a straightforward onboarding process save time.
Top 8 Platforms to Buy US ETFs from India in 2026
1. Vested Finance
Vested Finance is built specifically for Indian investors who want direct access to US stocks and ETFs. The platform gives you access to over 10,000 US securities, including a wide range of ETFs covering indices, sectors, and themes.
What sets Vested apart is fractional investing. You can start with as little as $1, which makes it easy to invest in high-priced ETFs without needing to buy a full unit. The platform also offers curated portfolios called “Vests,” which are expert-built thematic collections that give you diversified exposure in a single click.
Vested handles the entire LRS remittance process in a compliant, straightforward way. The mobile app and web interface are designed for clarity, making it a strong choice for both first-time and experienced investors. Customer support, educational content through Vested Academy, and extended trading hours add to the overall value.
Best for: Investors who want broad ETF access, fractional investing, and a purpose-built platform for US markets.
2. INDmoney
INDmoney is a popular all-in-one financial app that covers US stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and personal finance tracking. It offers zero-commission trading on US stocks and ETFs, which is a key advantage if you trade frequently.
The platform has a large catalogue of US ETFs and provides a clean interface for tracking your portfolio across asset classes. INDmoney also handles LRS transfers on your behalf and offers a smooth account opening process.
One thing to note is that while the commission is zero, INDmoney earns through the foreign exchange spread on currency conversion, so compare the effective cost before deciding.
Best for: Investors who want a commission-free experience and manage multiple financial products in one app.
3. Groww
Groww started as a mutual fund platform and has expanded into US stocks and ETFs. It features a dedicated US ETF screener that lets you filter ETFs by category, sector, and performance.
The platform is known for its simple design and beginner-friendly onboarding. If you already use Groww for Indian mutual funds or stocks, adding US ETFs to your portfolio is straightforward. Groww also provides research content and market insights to help you make informed decisions.
Fees and forex charges apply on international transactions, so review the cost structure before investing regularly.
Best for: Beginners who are already on Groww and want to add US ETF exposure gradually.
4. 5paisa
5paisa is a discount broker with a dedicated global ETF section. It focuses on offering low brokerage fees, which makes it attractive if you are cost-conscious. The platform provides access to international ETFs alongside its regular stock and mutual fund offerings.
5paisa’s global investing feature is powered through a tie-up with an international partner, which means the process is LRS-compliant. The app has improved significantly in recent years in terms of usability, though it may not have as wide an ETF selection as some dedicated US investing platforms.
Best for: Cost-focused investors who want global ETF access without switching brokers.
5. HDFC Securities Global Investing
HDFC Securities offers global investing through its “Global Investing” feature, powered by Stockal. You get access to US stocks, ETFs, and curated “stacks” (thematic baskets similar to Vests).
The platform is backed by HDFC Bank’s infrastructure, which gives it reliability and trust. Fractional investing is supported, and the LRS process is integrated. If you already bank with HDFC, using HDFC Securities for US ETFs can be convenient since fund transfers work seamlessly.
The fee structure includes a subscription model for some plans, so review whether the plan suits your investment size.
Best for: Existing HDFC customers who want a trusted, bank-backed platform for US investing.
6. Interactive Brokers India
Interactive Brokers is a global brokerage platform with an India-facing presence. It gives you direct access to US exchanges with very competitive commission rates (as low as $0.005 per share) and an extremely wide range of ETFs.
This platform suits experienced investors who want advanced tools, including options trading, detailed analytics, and multi-currency account management. The interface is more complex than consumer-focused apps like Vested or Groww, and the account opening process involves more steps.
For high-volume investors or those with a larger portfolio, the lower per-trade costs at Interactive Brokers can offset the complexity.
Best for: Active or experienced investors who need the widest ETF selection and lowest transaction costs.
7. Upstox
Upstox has introduced international investing through a partnership that gives Indian users access to US stocks and ETFs. The platform is primarily known for its domestic equity and F&O offerings, but its US segment is growing.
Upstox has a clean app, a large domestic user base, and solid research tools. For investors who actively trade Indian stocks on Upstox and want to add a US ETF allocation, this keeps everything in one place.
The US investing feature is still maturing compared to dedicated platforms, so check the current ETF catalogue and fee structure before committing.
Best for: Existing Upstox users who want to add US ETFs without managing a separate account.
8. Kuvera
Kuvera is primarily a direct mutual fund investment platform, but it has added a US stocks and ETF section. You can browse US ETFs listed on American exchanges and invest directly through the platform.
Kuvera is known for zero-commission mutual fund investing, and its US segment carries the same clean, no-frills philosophy. The ETF selection may be more limited than dedicated US investing platforms, but it works well for investors who want to keep their overall portfolio in one place.
Best for: Mutual fund investors who want to diversify a portion of their portfolio into US ETFs without changing platforms.
| Platform | US ETF Access | Minimum Investment | Fractional Investing | LRS Handled | Best For |
| Vested Finance | 10,000+ securities | $1 | Yes | Yes | Broad ETF access & fractional investing |
| INDmoney | Large catalogue | Low | Yes | Yes | Zero commission & all-in-one investing |
| Groww | ETF screener available | Low | Yes | Yes | Beginners & existing Groww users |
| 5paisa | Global ETF section | Low | Partial | Yes | Low-cost investing |
| HDFC Securities | Via Stockal platform | $1 | Yes | Yes | HDFC Bank customers |
| Interactive Brokers | Widest range | No minimum | Yes | Yes | Active & experienced investors |
| Upstox | Growing US section | Low | Yes | Yes | Existing Upstox users |
| Kuvera | Limited US ETFs | Low | Partial | Yes | Yes |
How to Start Buying US ETFs from India
Getting started is straightforward. Here is a simple five-step process:
- Choose a platform from the list above based on your investment goals, budget, and experience level.
- Complete KYC by submitting your PAN card, Aadhaar, and bank account details. Most platforms complete verification within 24 to 48 hours.
- Add funds via LRS by transferring INR from your bank account to the platform’s designated remittance account. The platform converts it to USD at the prevailing exchange rate.
- Search for the ETF you want. Popular options include S&P 500 ETFs (like SPY or VOO), NASDAQ 100 ETFs (like QQQ), and sector ETFs.
- Place your order during US market hours (9:30 PM to 4:00 AM IST during Indian Standard Time for regular hours, though many platforms offer extended hours).
Most platforms allow fractional investing, so you can start small and build your position over time.
Tax Rules for US ETF Investments from India (2026)
Understanding the tax treatment helps you plan your investments properly.
Capital Gains Tax:
- Short-term capital gains (STCG) on holdings under 24 months are taxed at your applicable income tax slab rate.
- Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on holdings over 24 months are taxed at 12.5% (flat rate as per Budget 2024, with no indexation benefit).
Tax Collected at Source (TCS):
- Remittances under the LRS scheme above Rs. 10 lakh per year attract 20% TCS. This is not a final tax and can be claimed back when you file your Income Tax Return (ITR).
Dividend Tax:
- US ETFs that pay dividends are subject to a 25% withholding tax in the US. Under the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), you can claim the US tax paid as a foreign tax credit in India.
Foreign Exchange Gains:
- Any gains from INR-USD movement are included in your overall investment gains and taxed accordingly.
It is advisable to consult a tax professional for your specific situation, especially if you have a large international portfolio.
Conclusion
The Indian investor’s access to US ETFs has improved dramatically. Whether you are looking to track the S&P 500, invest in a NASDAQ 100 fund, or explore sector-specific ETFs, there is a platform designed for your needs.
For most Indian investors, Vested Finance stands out for its broad US ETF catalogue, fractional investing from $1, fully managed LRS remittance, and purpose-built interface for global investing. If you want a single platform that makes US ETF investing simple, it is a strong starting point.
Compare fees, review the ETF selection on each platform, and start with a small allocation before scaling your international portfolio.
FAQs
Can I buy US ETFs directly from India?
Yes. Using the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), you can invest up to $250,000 per financial year in US ETFs through platforms like Vested Finance, INDmoney, Groww, and others listed above.
What is the minimum amount to invest in US ETFs from India?
Several platforms support fractional investing, which means you can start with as little as $1. Platforms like Vested Finance and INDmoney offer fractional shares and ETF units.
Which platform has the best US ETF selection in India?
Vested Finance and Interactive Brokers offer the widest selection of US ETFs. Vested Finance is better suited for most retail investors due to its simple interface and fractional investing support, while Interactive Brokers suits experienced investors who need advanced tools.
Is buying US ETFs through LRS tax-efficient?
It depends on your holding period. LTCG over 24 months is taxed at 12.5%, which is lower than short-term rates. The TCS on remittances above Rs. 10 lakh is adjustable in your ITR, so it does not result in a permanent tax cost.
Do I need a separate demat account to buy US ETFs?
No. Platforms like Vested Finance, INDmoney, and Groww hold your US securities in their custodial accounts. You do not need a separate Indian demat account for US ETF holdings.
