Quick Answer: What Is the Best Brokerage for a Non-Resident Alien?

For many international investors, these are the first brokerages worth researching:

Brokerage	Best for	U.S. stocks & ETFs	International markets	Key advantage
Interactive Brokers	Overall international investing	Yes	Excellent	Global markets and multi-currency capabilities
Charles Schwab International	U.S.-focused investing	Yes	More limited	Major U.S. brokerage and international account
Other international brokers	Country-specific needs	Varies	Varies	Local regulations and funding options

Best overall for many international investors: Interactive Brokers

Best for primarily U.S.-focused investing: Charles Schwab International

But the first question should not be:

“Which broker is most popular?”

It should be:

“Which broker legally accepts residents of my country and gives me the investment access I actually need?”

That distinction can save you significant time and money.

What Is a Non-Resident Alien?

For U.S. tax purposes, a non-resident alien generally refers to a person who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien.

U.S. tax residency can involve rules such as the green-card test and substantial-presence test, so simply living outside the United States is not by itself a complete determination of your U.S. tax status.

If you are a genuine non-U.S. resident opening an international brokerage account, the brokerage will generally need documentation establishing your foreign status.

This is where Form W-8BEN becomes particularly important for individual investors.

What Is Form W-8BEN?

Form W-8BEN is the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting.

For many non-U.S. individual investors, the form is part of the account-opening process.

Interactive Brokers states that non-U.S. persons must complete an applicable W-8 form to certify their country of tax residence and determine whether treaty benefits may apply. Schwab similarly requires W-8BEN for eligible nonresident accounts.

The form can be important because U.S. tax treatment can differ depending on:

Your country of tax residence
The type of income
Whether a tax treaty applies
The security generating the income
Your account structure

Do not treat W-8BEN as a form that simply “makes taxes disappear.”

It establishes your foreign status and can allow you to claim applicable treaty benefits.

How Long Does W-8BEN Last?

A properly completed W-8BEN generally remains valid for the year it is signed and the following three calendar years, unless circumstances change that make the information incorrect.

Your brokerage may contact you when the form needs to be renewed.

Failing to keep required tax documentation current can lead to unfavorable withholding.

U.S. Dividend Tax for Nonresident Investors

One of the most important issues for international investors is dividend withholding.

U.S.-source dividends paid to nonresident aliens are generally subject to U.S. withholding, with treaty provisions potentially reducing the applicable rate depending on the investor’s country and circumstances.

That means two investors holding the same dividend-paying U.S. stock could potentially experience different effective withholding treatment depending on their tax-residency situation.

This is one reason you should investigate the tax treaty between the United States and your country of tax residence before building a dividend-heavy portfolio.

A brokerage account is not just about commissions.

Tax treatment can have a much larger effect on long-term returns.

Capital Gains for Nonresident Investors

Capital gains are another area where non-U.S. investors should avoid making assumptions.

The U.S. tax treatment of gains from selling securities can differ from the treatment of dividends, and exceptions can apply.

Your home country may also tax investment gains.

Therefore, an investor should consider both:

U.S. tax rules + home-country tax rules

rather than looking only at what the brokerage advertises.

If you are investing significant amounts of money, professional cross-border tax advice can be worthwhile.

Best Brokerage Accounts for Non-Resident Aliens in 2026

1. Interactive Brokers — Best Overall for International Investors

Interactive Brokers is one of the strongest options for investors who live outside the United States.

Its biggest advantage is its international orientation.

Interactive Brokers says its platform provides access to more than 170 markets in 40 countries, with products and permissions depending on the applicable account and jurisdiction.

That makes IBKR particularly interesting for someone who wants more than U.S. stocks.

Why international investors consider Interactive Brokers

Depending on eligibility and account configuration, investors can access:

U.S. stocks
U.S. ETFs
International stocks
Options
Futures
Bonds
Currencies
Mutual funds
Other investment products

This breadth makes Interactive Brokers particularly attractive for investors who want to build a globally diversified portfolio.

Multi-currency investing

Currency conversion is one of the biggest hidden costs for international investors.

If you earn money in euros, pounds, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Nigerian naira or another currency, you may need to convert funds before purchasing U.S. securities.

A brokerage with strong multi-currency capabilities can therefore be valuable.

IBKR supports multiple currencies and international markets, subject to the applicable account and jurisdiction.

Who should consider Interactive Brokers?

IBKR may be particularly attractive if you:

Live outside the United States
Want U.S. stocks
Want international stocks
Hold multiple currencies
Want access to global markets
Trade more actively
Want advanced investment tools
Expect your investment needs to become more international over time

Important limitation

Do not assume every IBKR account type is available to every non-U.S. resident.

For example, Interactive Brokers states that its IRA accounts are available only to U.S. citizens living anywhere and U.S. resident aliens.

A nonresident investor will generally need to examine the standard taxable brokerage options available to their jurisdiction.

2. Charles Schwab International — Best for U.S.-Focused Investors

Charles Schwab is another major name for international investors seeking U.S. market access.

Charles Schwab International offers brokerage services to qualifying investors outside the United States, with availability and features varying by country of residence.

Schwab describes its international brokerage offering as providing access to U.S. investments and international account services.

Why consider Charles Schwab International?

It can be attractive if your primary objective is:

U.S. stocks
U.S. ETFs
Long-term investing
A major U.S. financial institution
U.S.-focused research and services
International account support

Schwab is especially worth comparing with Interactive Brokers if you don’t need extensive access to international exchanges.

Who should consider Schwab?

It may be a strong candidate for:

Long-term U.S. investors
ETF investors
Dividend investors
International investors seeking a large U.S. brokerage
Investors who prefer a U.S.-focused platform

However, country eligibility should always be checked before beginning the application.

Interactive Brokers vs. Charles Schwab International

For many investors, the decision comes down to these two.

Feature	Interactive Brokers	Charles Schwab International
Non-U.S. investors	Yes, subject to eligibility	Yes, subject to eligibility
U.S. stocks	Yes	Yes
U.S. ETFs	Yes	Yes
International markets	Excellent	More U.S.-focused
Multiple currencies	Strong	International funding options
Advanced trading	Excellent	Strong
Best for	Global investors	U.S.-focused investors
Country availability	Country-dependent	Country-dependent
W-8BEN	Required where applicable	Required for eligible nonresident accounts

Choose Interactive Brokers if:

You want:

Global market access
Multiple currencies
U.S. and international securities
More advanced trading capabilities
A platform designed heavily around international investing

Choose Charles Schwab International if:

You primarily want:

U.S. stocks
U.S. ETFs
A major U.S. brokerage
U.S.-focused investing
International account support

What About Fidelity for Nonresident Aliens?

Fidelity Investments is one of the biggest U.S. investment companies, but investors should not automatically assume that a standard Fidelity U.S. brokerage account is available to every person living outside the United States.

This distinction is important.

There is a difference between:

A U.S. brokerage accepting U.S. residents

and

A brokerage offering an account to residents of your specific foreign country.

Before choosing Fidelity, verify its current eligibility and account-opening rules for your country of residence.

If a brokerage does not accept new individual accounts from your jurisdiction, its otherwise attractive fees and investment products are irrelevant.

What About Vanguard?

Vanguard is another major U.S. investment company that international investors may encounter when researching brokerage accounts.

However, Vanguard’s products and account availability are not identical for every country.

If you live outside the United States, verify whether the specific Vanguard account or service you want is actually available to residents of your country.

Do not confuse:

“Vanguard offers U.S. ETFs”

with:

“Vanguard will open a U.S. brokerage account for me as a nonresident.”

Those are separate questions.

What About Robinhood?

Robinhood is extremely popular among U.S. investors, but popularity does not mean it is appropriate for a nonresident alien living abroad.

Before considering any U.S. investing app, determine:

Does it accept residents of your country?
Can you open an account with your foreign residential address?
What tax form will you receive?
Are international deposits supported?
Can you maintain the account after changing countries?
What securities are available?

For an investor living permanently outside the United States, a brokerage specifically designed to accommodate international clients may be more appropriate than a mainstream U.S.-resident app.

What About Webull?

Webull is another platform frequently considered by retail investors.

Again, the key issue is eligibility.

A platform can be excellent for U.S. residents while not being available to residents of a particular foreign country.

Always check current residency restrictions before relying on a brokerage for international investing.

The Most Important Factor: Your Country of Residence

This is where many “best brokerage” lists fail.

There is no single brokerage that works equally well for every nonresident investor.

For example, a broker may accept applicants from:

United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
Singapore
Australia

while imposing different restrictions on applicants from other countries.

Therefore:

Country eligibility should be Step 1—not Step 10.

Interactive Brokers publishes country availability and restrictions, while Schwab’s international onboarding process also asks applicants to identify their country or region of residence.

How to Choose a Brokerage as a Nonresident

Use this checklist.

1. Confirm country eligibility

Before comparing commissions, make sure the brokerage accepts new clients who reside in your country.

2. Check the account type

Determine whether you are opening:

Individual taxable account
Joint account
Corporate account
Trust account
Other eligible structure

Do not assume that U.S. retirement accounts are available to nonresident aliens.

3. Check investment availability

Ask whether you can buy:

U.S. stocks
U.S. ETFs
Bonds
Options
International stocks
Mutual funds
Treasury securities

4. Compare currency costs

A “zero commission” brokerage can still be expensive if currency conversion and international transfers are costly.

5. Check funding options

Find out whether you can fund your account through:

International wire
Local bank transfer
Supported electronic transfer
Other approved funding methods

6. Understand withdrawals

Depositing money is only half the process.

Find out:

How withdrawals work
Which currencies are supported
Whether international wires are available
What fees apply
Whether withdrawals must go to an account in your own name

7. Review tax documentation

Understand the role of:

W-8BEN
Form 1042-S
Other tax statements
Your country’s own tax reporting

8. Compare fees

Look beyond stock commissions.

Check:

FX fees
Wire fees
Withdrawal fees
Options fees
Margin interest
Data fees
Account fees
Fund expenses

The Hidden Cost: Currency Conversion

Suppose you earn your income in a foreign currency but invest in U.S. dollars.

Your investment process could look like:

Local currency → USD → U.S. security

If you repeatedly convert money at unfavorable rates, those costs can reduce investment returns.

This is why multi-currency functionality can be valuable for international investors.

Consider comparing:

FX spread
Conversion fee
Transfer fee
Minimum transfer
Supported currencies

A brokerage with slightly higher trading fees could potentially be cheaper overall if its international funding and currency conversion are significantly more efficient for your situation.

International Wire Transfers

Funding a U.S. brokerage from another country can involve banks in multiple jurisdictions.

Potential costs include:

Sending-bank fee
Intermediary-bank fee
Receiving-bank fee
Currency conversion
Brokerage funding restrictions

Before sending a large amount, understand exactly how the transfer works.

A small test transfer can sometimes be useful where permitted, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the funding process.

Never send money to an account that is not officially associated with your brokerage.

U.S. Stocks vs. U.S. ETFs

International investors often want exposure to the U.S. market.

That can mean buying:

Individual stocks

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Individual stocks can provide direct exposure to specific companies.

ETFs can provide exposure to groups of companies through one security.

For example, an investor may prefer:

A broad-market ETF
A technology-focused ETF
A dividend ETF
A bond ETF
Individual U.S. companies

The appropriate choice depends on your investment objectives and risk tolerance.

A brokerage should therefore be evaluated partly on the range of investments you can actually access.

Why ETF Fees Matter

If you invest in ETFs, don’t look only at brokerage commissions.

ETFs themselves can have operating expenses.

For long-term investors, even small recurring expenses can compound over time.

Compare:

Expense ratio
Trading costs
Bid-ask spread
Fund liquidity
Tax treatment
Investment objective

A $0 trading commission does not mean the investment itself is free.

Dividend Investors Need to Pay Special Attention

If your strategy focuses heavily on dividend-paying U.S. companies, withholding taxes become particularly important.

Suppose an investment produces $1,000 in dividends.

The amount you ultimately receive after U.S. withholding may depend on:

Your tax residency
Applicable treaty
Type of income
Your W-8BEN status

Your home country may then impose its own tax obligations.

Therefore, dividend investors should understand the after-tax dividend, not just the advertised dividend yield.

What Documents Do Nonresident Investors Usually Need?

Exact requirements vary by brokerage and country.

You may be asked for:

Passport or government-issued identification
Residential address
Tax residency information
Foreign tax identification number
W-8BEN
Proof of address
Source-of-funds information
Employment information
Banking information

Interactive Brokers specifically states that its W-8BEN process requires information about the investor’s country of tax residence and local tax or social identification number where applicable.

Prepare legitimate documents before beginning an application.

Can You Open a Brokerage Account Without a U.S. Social Security Number?

Potentially, yes.

A U.S. Social Security number is not necessarily required for every nonresident investor.

International brokerage applications can instead use foreign tax identification information and the appropriate tax forms, depending on the brokerage and account.

For example, Interactive Brokers’ W-8BEN process is designed for qualifying non-U.S. individuals and asks for tax-residency information.

But do not assume that every brokerage has identical requirements.

Can Nonresident Aliens Buy U.S. Stocks?

Many can, provided the brokerage accepts them and they satisfy applicable legal, regulatory and account requirements.

The key questions are:

Where do you live?
Are you eligible for the brokerage?
What account are you opening?
What securities are available?
What tax rules apply?

A nonresident investor does not automatically receive the same account features as a U.S. resident.

Can Nonresident Aliens Buy U.S. ETFs?

Potentially, yes.

Eligible nonresident investors may be able to purchase U.S.-listed ETFs through a brokerage that supports international clients.

However, the availability of specific ETFs can depend on:

Brokerage
Country of residence
Local regulations
Product restrictions
Account type

You should also consider whether your home country’s tax rules create additional reporting or tax consequences.

Can Nonresident Aliens Trade Options?

Some international brokerage accounts may permit options trading, but approval is not automatic.

Options may involve:

Additional risk
Account eligibility requirements
Experience requirements
Financial requirements
Regulatory restrictions

If you are primarily a long-term investor, you should not assume that access to options is necessary.

Choose the brokerage based on what you actually intend to do.

Can Nonresident Aliens Open a Margin Account?

Some international brokers offer margin accounts to eligible clients.

However, margin introduces substantially more risk than a cash account.

With margin, you can potentially lose more quickly and face additional requirements or forced liquidation.

For many investors who are simply trying to build long-term exposure to U.S. markets, a cash account may be easier to understand.

Cash Account vs. Margin Account

Feature	Cash account	Margin account
Borrowing	No	Yes
Complexity	Lower	Higher
Interest charges	Generally none for borrowing	May apply
Leverage	No	Yes
Risk	Lower	Higher
Suitable for beginners	Often simpler	Requires greater understanding

Your brokerage may impose additional eligibility requirements.

How to Open a U.S. Brokerage Account as a Nonresident

The process generally follows several stages.

Step 1: Check country eligibility

Visit the brokerage’s official international account page.

Confirm that your country of residence is supported.

Step 2: Select the appropriate account

For many individual nonresident investors, this will be a standard taxable brokerage account.

Step 3: Provide identification

You may need a passport or another accepted identity document.

Step 4: Provide your residential address

The brokerage may request proof of address.

Step 5: Complete tax documentation

This may include Form W-8BEN.

Step 6: Provide tax-residency information

Identify your country of tax residence and applicable tax identification information.

Step 7: Complete compliance questions

The brokerage may ask about:

Employment
Source of funds
Investment experience
Expected account activity
Citizenship
Tax status

Step 8: Fund the account

Use only the official funding instructions provided through the brokerage.

Step 9: Review investment permissions

Not every account automatically receives every trading permission.

Step 10: Start investing

Once approved and funded, you can purchase eligible securities within the permissions and restrictions applicable to your account.

How Much Money Do You Need to Open an Account?

This depends on the brokerage and account.

Do not assume that you need tens of thousands of dollars simply because you are an international investor.

Interactive Brokers currently states that its individual brokerage accounts generally have no minimum deposit, while Schwab International advertises a $0 minimum deposit for its Schwab One International offering.

However, minimums and requirements can vary by:

Country
Account type
Product
Brokerage entity
Service

Always confirm current requirements before transferring money.

Brokerage Fees International Investors Should Compare

Don’t stop at “commission-free.”

Create a complete fee checklist.

Trading fees

Stock commissions
ETF commissions
Options commissions
Bond fees
Mutual fund fees

Currency fees

FX spread
Conversion commission
Minimum FX charge

Transfer fees

International wire
Withdrawal
Deposit
Intermediary bank charges

Account fees

Maintenance fee
Inactivity fee
Data subscription
Research subscription

Financing fees

Margin interest
Securities lending costs where relevant

The cheapest broker on one fee may be more expensive on another.

Best Brokerage by Investor Type

Best for Global Investors: Interactive Brokers

IBKR is particularly compelling if you want:

Global markets
Multiple currencies
U.S. stocks
International stocks
Advanced tools
Broad investment access

Best for U.S.-Focused Investors: Charles Schwab International

Schwab International may be a better fit if your priority is:

U.S. stocks
U.S. ETFs
Long-term investing
U.S.-focused research
A major U.S. financial institution

Best for Investors Who Need Local-Country Support

In some cases, the best solution may not be a U.S.-based brokerage at all.

A local or international brokerage in your country may offer:

Easier local deposits
Local currency funding
Local tax reporting
Local customer service
Access to U.S. markets

Compare the complete experience rather than assuming a U.S. brokerage is automatically superior.

What If Your Country Is Not Supported?

Do not attempt to circumvent a brokerage’s residency restrictions by providing a false address.

That can create serious account and compliance problems.

Instead, consider:

A brokerage that officially supports your country
An international brokerage
A locally regulated investment platform
A financial institution offering legitimate U.S.-market access

Eligibility is a feature—not an inconvenience to work around.

Nonresident Investors and Tax Reporting

Opening the account is only the beginning.

You should understand:

U.S. tax obligations

and

your home country’s tax obligations.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to track:

Dividends
Interest
Capital gains
Foreign assets
Currency gains
Investment income
Tax withheld at source

Your brokerage’s tax documents can help, but they are not a substitute for professional tax advice.

Common Mistakes Nonresident Investors Make

Mistake 1: Choosing a broker based only on commissions

A $0 stock commission does not mean $0 total cost.

Mistake 2: Ignoring currency conversion

FX costs can accumulate over repeated transactions.

Mistake 3: Forgetting dividend withholding

Dividend taxes can materially affect income-focused portfolios.

Mistake 4: Assuming every U.S. broker accepts foreigners

Many U.S.-resident products have different eligibility rules.

Mistake 5: Ignoring your home country’s taxes

Your country of residence may tax investment income even when the investment is held abroad.

Mistake 6: Letting W-8BEN expire

Keeping tax documentation current is important.

Interactive Brokers notes that an expired W-8 can result in unfavorable withholding treatment, including withholding at 30% where applicable.

Mistake 7: Sending money to the wrong account

Always use official brokerage funding instructions.

Mistake 8: Investing before understanding the tax consequences

The investment that looks best before tax may not be the best after tax.

Is Interactive Brokers Better Than Charles Schwab for Nonresident Aliens?

There is no universal winner.

Interactive Brokers is likely more attractive if you want:

Global diversification
Multiple currencies
International markets
Advanced trading
A broad range of asset classes

Charles Schwab International may be more attractive if you want:

Primarily U.S. investments
A simpler U.S.-focused investing experience
A major U.S. brokerage
U.S.-oriented research and services

For many international investors, these two should be among the first comparisons to make.

What Is the Best Brokerage for a Nonresident Alien in Africa?

There is no single answer for every African country.

Eligibility is determined by the brokerage and the investor’s country of residence.

If you live in Africa, compare:

Whether the broker accepts residents of your specific country
International wire support
USD funding
FX costs
U.S. stock access
ETF access
W-8BEN requirements
Withdrawal options
Customer support
Tax documentation

A brokerage available to residents of South Africa, for example, should not automatically be assumed to accept residents of every other African country.

What Is the Best Brokerage for Nonresident Investors From Nigeria?

For a Nigerian resident, country eligibility should be checked directly with the brokerage before opening or funding an account.

The most important criteria include:

Whether new Nigerian residents are currently accepted
Available account types
International funding options
USD transfers
FX costs
U.S. stocks and ETF availability
W-8BEN process
Withdrawal procedures
Local tax implications

Do not rely on an old blog post or social-media recommendation for current eligibility.

Brokerage country policies can change.

Should You Use a U.S. Brokerage or an International Broker?

This is one of the most important strategic decisions.

U.S. brokerage

Potential advantages:

Direct U.S. market access
Large selection of U.S. securities
Strong research infrastructure
Established regulatory environment

Potential disadvantages:

International eligibility restrictions
Cross-border funding complexity
Tax documentation
Currency conversion

International brokerage

Potential advantages:

Designed for global clients
Multi-country support
Multi-currency capabilities
International markets

Potential disadvantages:

Product restrictions may vary
Different regulatory structures
Potentially different fee schedules

The best choice depends on where you live and what you want to invest in.

Brokerage Comparison Checklist

Before opening an account, score each broker from 1–5.

Category	Broker A	Broker B
Country eligibility	/5	/5
U.S. stock access	/5	/5
ETF selection	/5	/5
International markets	/5	/5
FX costs	/5	/5
Funding options	/5	/5
Withdrawal options	/5	/5
Trading fees	/5	/5
Tax documentation	/5	/5
Customer support	/5	/5
Research/tools	/5	/5
Account minimum	/5	/5

This prevents you from selecting a brokerage based on one attractive feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nonresident alien open a U.S. brokerage account?

Yes, some U.S. and international brokerages offer accounts to eligible non-U.S. residents. Availability depends on the investor’s country, account type and brokerage policies.

Do nonresident aliens need an SSN to invest in U.S. stocks?

Not necessarily. Eligible international investors may use foreign tax identification information and appropriate tax forms such as W-8BEN, depending on the brokerage.

What is the best brokerage for nonresident aliens?

Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab International are two major options worth comparing. Interactive Brokers is particularly strong for international investing, while Schwab International can be attractive for U.S.-focused investors.

Can nonresident aliens buy U.S. ETFs?

Eligible investors can potentially purchase U.S.-listed ETFs through a brokerage that accepts residents of their country. Product availability depends on jurisdiction and account permissions.

Do nonresident aliens pay tax on U.S. dividends?

U.S.-source dividends generally have U.S. withholding implications for nonresident investors. The applicable rate can depend on tax treaties and the investor’s circumstances.

What is W-8BEN?

W-8BEN is an IRS form used by eligible foreign individuals to certify foreign status for U.S. tax withholding purposes and, where applicable, claim treaty benefits.

How often does W-8BEN need to be renewed?

Generally, a W-8BEN remains valid for the year it is signed and the following three calendar years unless circumstances change. Brokerages may request a new form when necessary.

Can a nonresident alien open an IRA?

Do not assume so. Account eligibility depends on U.S. tax residency and brokerage rules. Interactive Brokers, for example, states that its IRA accounts are available to U.S. citizens living anywhere and U.S. resident aliens.

Can I invest in U.S. stocks from Africa?

Potentially, yes. The critical issue is whether the brokerage accepts residents of your specific country and supports the funding and investment products you need.

Can I invest in U.S. stocks from Nigeria?

Potentially, but you should verify current country eligibility and account requirements directly with the brokerage before applying or transferring funds.

Is Interactive Brokers safe?

Interactive Brokers is a major global brokerage subject to regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where its entities operate. However, investors should understand that brokerage protection does not eliminate investment risk.

Is Charles Schwab International safe?

Charles Schwab is a major U.S. financial institution. Nevertheless, investors should distinguish between the safety of the brokerage infrastructure and the market risk of the investments they purchase.

Can I have accounts at multiple brokerages?

Depending on your circumstances and the applicable rules, you may be able to maintain accounts with multiple brokerages. However, doing so can create additional tax, reporting and administrative responsibilities.

Final Verdict: Best Brokerage Accounts for Nonresident Aliens in 2026

If you are a nonresident alien looking for a U.S. brokerage account in 2026, there are two names that deserve particularly close attention:

🥇 Interactive Brokers — Best Overall for International Investors

Interactive Brokers stands out for its global reach, multi-currency capabilities and broad investment access.

It is particularly compelling for investors who want more than just U.S. stocks.

🥈 Charles Schwab International — Best for U.S.-Focused Investing

Charles Schwab International is worth considering if your primary objective is investing in U.S. stocks and ETFs through an established U.S. financial institution.

But there is no universal winner

The right brokerage depends on:

Your country of residence
Your tax residency
Your investment objectives
The markets you want to access
The currencies you use
Your preferred funding method
Your expected trading frequency
Your tax situation
The account types available to you
The fees you will actually pay

Before opening an account, verify your eligibility directly with the brokerage.

Then compare the complete cost of investing, not simply the advertised commission.

For international investors, the biggest expense may not be a stock-trading commission at all.

It could be currency conversion, international transfers, taxes, withholding or inefficient investment selection.

The best brokerage is therefore the one that gives you the right combination of legal eligibility, investment access, reasonable costs, reliable funding, appropriate tax documentation and features that match your long-term strategy.

And before investing substantial money, consider obtaining professional tax advice in both the United States and your country of tax residence where appropriate.