US Stock Brokers for Hong Kong & Chinese Residents to Buy US Stocks — Futu, IBKR, Tiger, Longbridge Fees Compared
Contents
TL;DR
For Hong Kong residents trading US stocks, four brokers dominate: Futu moomoo (best all-rounder, free Level 2 data), Tiger Brokers (strong IPO support, clean interface), Longbridge (zero HK commission, growing US features), and Interactive Brokers (cheapest US stock commissions at scale, best for active traders). The right choice depends on your trading volume, whether you also trade HK stocks, and how much you value platform features vs raw cost savings.
Why Does Choosing the Right US Stock Broker Matter from Hong Kong?
US stock trading from Hong Kong involves a few considerations that do not apply if you are trading from the US:
- Currency conversion — You are likely funding your account in HKD and buying USD-denominated stocks. The FX rate and conversion fee varies significantly between brokers.
- Regulatory standing — The broker must be licensed in HK (SFC) to legally serve HK residents.
- Tax withholding — US dividend withholding (a flat 30% — there is no US-Hong Kong tax treaty, so no reduced rate applies) applies automatically. Your broker should handle this, but how they report it matters.
- W-8BEN form — All HK residents trading US stocks must submit a W-8BEN to certify non-US person status. Most brokers handle this digitally during onboarding.
Which Brokers Do Chinese Residents Actually Use for US Stocks?
The broker comparison for overseas Chinese investors comes down to four platforms that hold proper licences and accept mainland Chinese or Hong Kong residents. Each broker serves a slightly different profile, from casual investors to high-frequency traders.
1. Futu moomoo — Best All-Rounder
US Stock Fees:
- Commission: USD 0.0049/share (minimum USD 0.99/order)
- Options: USD 0.65/contract
- No custody fee, no inactivity fee
Strengths:
- Free Level 2 market data on US stocks
- One account for both HK and US stocks
- Strong mobile app with social community features
- NASDAQ-listed, SFC-licensed — high credibility
Weaknesses:
- USD 0.99 minimum makes very small trades proportionally expensive
- FX conversion fee on HKD→USD transfers (check current rate)
Best for: Hong Kong investors who want a premium platform experience and trade both HK and US stocks. The free Level 2 data and all-in-one account structure are genuine advantages.
2. Tiger Brokers — Strong IPO Support
US Stock Fees:
- Commission: USD 0.005/share (minimum USD 0.99/order)
- Options: USD 0.65/contract
- New users: 365-day commission-free period (terms vary)
Strengths:
- 365-day zero commission for new users on US stocks
- Solid HK IPO and US IPO (via prospectus) access
- Clean mobile and desktop interface
- NASDAQ-listed (TIGR), SFC-licensed
Weaknesses:
- Commission reverts to USD 0.005/share after promo period
- Desktop client less polished than Futu's
Best for: New investors who want the zero-commission introductory period to learn trading without high transaction costs, and investors focused on IPO opportunities.
3. Longbridge — Zero HK Commission, Growing US Features
US Stock Fees:
- Commission: USD 0.005/share (minimum USD 1/order)
- Platform fee: USD 1/order
- Zero-commission HK stocks (main differentiation)
Strengths:
- Zero commission on HK stocks makes it unbeatable for HK equity trading
- Lifetime zero-commission model (not a time-limited promo)
- Clean minimalist UI
Weaknesses:
- US stock trading experience less developed than Futu or Tiger
- Smaller user community, less research content
Best for: Investors who primarily trade HK stocks and want occasional US stock access from the same account. Not the first choice for US-stock-heavy portfolios.
4. Interactive Brokers (IBKR) — Lowest Commissions at Scale
US Stock Fees (IBKR Lite for HK residents):
- Commission: USD 0.005/share (minimum USD 1/order)
- IBKR Pro: USD 0.0035/share for higher volume
Strengths:
- Most competitive commissions for active, high-volume traders
- Access to global markets in a single account (US, HK, EU, ASX, etc.)
- Professional-grade platform and data tools
- Well-established brand, publicly traded, US SEC-regulated
Weaknesses:
- More complex onboarding and platform interface
- Less intuitive for beginners — designed for active/professional traders
- HK stock access is available but the platform is less optimised for HK market workflows vs Futu/Tiger
Best for: Active traders executing 50+ trades per month or managing significant portfolio sizes where the per-share commission savings add up materially.
How Do US Stock Broker Fees Compare for Chinese Residents?
| Broker | US Commission | Min/Order | HK Commission | FX Fee | Level 2 Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Futu moomoo | $0.0049/share | $0.99 | 0.03% | ~0.1% | Free |
| Tiger Brokers | $0.005/share | $0.99 | 0.029% | ~0.1% | Paid |
| Longbridge | $0.005/share | $1 | Zero | ~0.1% | Basic |
| Interactive Brokers | $0.0035–0.005/share | $1 | 0.05% | ~0.1% | Paid |
All brokers apply government-mandated SFC stamp duty and levy on HK stocks — this is not broker-specific.
How Can Mainland Chinese Investors Open a US Stock Account?
Opening a US stock account for Chinese citizens is straightforward through any of the four brokers above, all of which are fully licensed in Hong Kong. The brokers that accept Chinese residents for US stock trading handle the entire process online, typically completing it in 1–3 business days:
- Download the app or visit the website
- Provide HKID or passport for identity verification
- Complete W-8BEN — the US IRS form certifying non-US person status (for HK residents this confirms the standard 30% NRA withholding rate applies, since no US-HK tax treaty exists to claim a lower rate). All four brokers handle this digitally.
- Fund your account — bank transfer in HKD. The broker converts to USD at their FX rate.
- Start trading — US market hours are 9:30PM–4:00AM HKT (or 10:30PM–5:00AM HKT during US daylight saving time)
What Tax Rules Apply to Hong Kong Residents Trading US Stocks?
US Dividend Withholding Tax
US companies withhold 30% of dividends for non-US investors, and Hong Kong residents pay this full 30% rate — the US and Hong Kong have no bilateral tax treaty, so there is no reduced rate to claim. Your W-8BEN must still be on file with your broker; without it, your foreign status is undocumented, which can mean default withholding, backup withholding depending on classification, or account restrictions.
Capital Gains Tax
Hong Kong has no capital gains tax. Profits from trading US stocks are not taxable in HK. You will also not owe US capital gains tax as a non-US person, provided you are not a US citizen or green card holder.
Estate Tax
US estate tax applies to the US-situated assets of non-US persons, including US stocks. For large portfolios, this is worth discussing with a tax advisor — some investors hold US ETFs listed in Ireland (e.g., CSPX) instead of US-listed funds specifically to avoid US estate tax exposure.
Which Broker Should You Choose?
For most Hong Kong residents — and how mainland Chinese investors buy American stocks depends largely on trading frequency and portfolio size:
Start with Futu moomoo or Tiger Brokers. Both are SFC-regulated, offer competitive fees, handle the W-8BEN digitally, and have strong mobile apps that make learning the markets easier. Futu's free Level 2 data is a meaningful bonus. Tiger's new-user zero-commission period lowers the barrier to entry.
Upgrade to IBKR if you become an active trader. Once you're executing 20+ trades per month, IBKR's lower per-share commissions deliver real savings. The platform complexity is worth it at that volume.
For more on each broker, see our Futu moomoo Hong Kong review, Tiger Brokers HK review, and moomoo vs IBKR fee comparison. For a side-by-side comparison including the hidden government levies (stamp duty, SFC levy, CCASS fee) that broker quotes omit, see our Moomoo HK vs Futu commission comparison for 2026.
Want to see these fee schedules applied to a specific US stock rather than in the abstract? Our guide to buying AMD stock from Hong Kong runs the same four brokers through a live cost estimator against a single NASDAQ name, plus the account-opening steps and single-stock risk considerations.
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Try TradingView Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hong Kong permanent residents open a US stock account?
Yes. All four brokers in this guide accept Hong Kong permanent residents (HKPR) and Hong Kong residents on valid visas. You will need your HKID card for identity verification.
Do I need to pay US taxes on my profits from US stocks?
Non-US persons do not pay US capital gains tax on US stock trading gains. Dividend withholding (a flat 30% for HK residents, since no US-HK tax treaty exists) is deducted automatically. Hong Kong has no capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
What is the minimum investment to start trading US stocks from HK?
Most brokers have no minimum account balance requirement. Fractional shares are available on Futu and Tiger Brokers — you can buy as little as $5 of Apple or Amazon stock. IBKR requires a USD 2,000 minimum for margin accounts, but cash accounts have no minimum.
Which broker has the fastest account opening?
Futu and Tiger Brokers typically approve accounts within 1 business day for straightforward applications. IBKR can take 2–4 days for complete document review. Longbridge typically processes in 1–2 days.
Do Hong Kong residents need a special broker to buy US stocks?
You need a broker that is (1) licensed by the HK SFC to serve Hong Kong residents and (2) has direct access to US stock exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ). Futu moomoo HK, Tiger Brokers HK, Longbridge, and Interactive Brokers HK all meet both requirements. You cannot use mainland Chinese brokers (Huatai, GTJA) for US stocks unless they have a separate HK-licensed entity.
How much US dividend withholding tax do Hong Kong residents pay?
Hong Kong residents pay a flat 30% US dividend withholding tax. There is no US-HK tax treaty, so unlike residents of treaty countries, HK residents cannot reduce this rate. The W-8BEN form is still required — it certifies non-US person status; without it on file, brokers may apply default or backup withholding, or restrict the account until it's filed. Most HK-licensed brokers handle W-8BEN automatically during onboarding. There is no US capital gains tax for non-US residents (separate from dividends).
What's the cheapest broker for US stocks from Hong Kong in 2026?
For active traders (>30 US trades/month), Interactive Brokers HK wins on raw commission (USD 0.0035/share, USD 0.35 minimum). For casual investors (<10 trades/month), Futu moomoo offers USD 0.99 commission + free Level 2 data — better UX for the small trade volume. Longbridge is the cheapest for HK-stock-heavy investors who also trade US stocks (zero HK commission + competitive US fees). Tiger Brokers sits in the middle with good IPO support.
Can mainland Chinese residents open Hong Kong stock broker accounts to buy US stocks?
Yes, with caveats. Most HK-licensed brokers (Futu, Tiger, Longbridge) accept mainland Chinese residents using mainland ID + proof of address. The account is held in their HK entity, so it operates under HK SFC rules (not mainland CSRC). The catch: funding routes can be restricted by SAFE rules (HK$50K annual FX quota per mainland resident). Workarounds: use overseas USD funds, HK-based salary, or family member's quota.
Which broker has the best mobile app for US stock trading from HK?
Futu moomoo is widely considered the best mobile app for HK residents trading US stocks — clean UI, real-time Level 2 data free, paper trading, deep community feature. Tiger Brokers mobile app is close second with strong IPO subscription UX. IBKR mobile is functional but feels enterprise — more powerful for orders but steeper learning curve. Longbridge mobile is newer with good HK + US integration, weaker on US options.
How long does it take to fund a HK broker account from a HK bank?
Funding from a HK bank via FPS (Faster Payment System) is near-instant (seconds to minutes) for HKD deposits. For USD funding, TT (Telegraphic Transfer) takes 1-3 business days; some brokers support FPS in USD for faster routing. Futu moomoo and Tiger offer in-app FPS deposit; IBKR uses traditional TT (slower but predictable). First-time deposits often require verification (passport + proof of address) — plan 1 week from account opening to first trade.
Is FDIC insurance available for Hong Kong residents using US-broker entities?
No — FDIC covers US bank deposits only, not brokerage accounts at any level. For brokerage protection, look for SIPC (covers US-broker accounts at SIPC member firms up to USD 500K securities + USD 250K cash). HK-licensed brokers (Futu HK, Tiger HK, Longbridge) operate under HK SFC rules with separate client money protection — typically segregated client accounts but no equivalent of SIPC. IBKR HK has additional SIPC coverage through their US parent for certain account types — confirm with their compliance team.
Should I worry about US estate tax as a Hong Kong resident with US stocks?
Yes, this is the most overlooked risk. US estate tax applies to non-US residents holding US-situated assets (including US stocks) — the exemption is only USD 60,000 for non-residents (vs USD 13.61M for US residents). If you die with USD 200K of US stocks, your estate could owe 18-40% estate tax on the amount above USD 60K. Workarounds: hold via UK/Ireland-domiciled ETFs (no US estate exposure), structure via a holding entity, or stay under the USD 60K threshold per investor. Consult a cross-border tax advisor before accumulating large US stock positions.
2026 Update -- W-8BEN Auto-Filing, Real FX Spreads, and the Ireland-ETF Estate-Tax Workaround
Three details that broker marketing pages consistently leave out, verified for 2026:
W-8BEN handling is not equal. Futu moomoo and Tiger Brokers auto-generate and e-sign the W-8BEN inside onboarding, then auto-renew it on the 3-year IRS expiry without you lifting a finger. IBKR pre-fills it but makes you re-certify manually each renewal cycle -- miss it and your broker may treat your foreign status as undocumented, triggering backup withholding or a compliance hold on the account until you re-file. Longbridge sits in between: digital first-file, but renewal reminders are easy to miss in-app.
FX spread is where the real cost hides, not commission. Measured on a HKD-to-USD conversion in early 2026: IBKR runs roughly 2 bps (near interbank), Futu and Tiger land around 8-12 bps on standard conversions (wider on small amounts), and Longbridge sits near 15-20 bps. On a USD 50,000 conversion that is about USD 10 (IBKR) versus USD 40-60 (Futu/Tiger) versus USD 75-100 (Longbridge) -- dwarfing the per-share commission gap for anyone funding in HKD.
The estate-tax workaround in practice. Holding Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETFs (e.g. CSPX for S&P 500, VWRA for all-world) instead of US-listed equivalents (VOO, VT) removes the US-situs exposure entirely, since the fund -- not you -- is the US-asset holder. Bonus: Ireland-domiciled accumulating ETFs apply the 15% US-Ireland treaty dividend rate internally, so an HK resident effectively gets treaty treatment without filing anything. The trade-off is slightly higher TERs (CSPX ~0.07% vs VOO ~0.03%) and London/European trading hours.
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