Best Brokers for US Stocks: A Hong Kong Resident's Complete Guide
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 Choosing the Right Broker Matters for US Stocks from HK
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 (30% for non-treaty countries, or 15% for HK residents under the US-HK tax treaty) 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 claim treaty status. Most brokers handle this digitally during onboarding.
The Four Main Brokers Compared
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.
Fee Comparison Table
| 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 to Open a US Stock Account from Hong Kong
All four brokers above are fully licensed in Hong Kong and allow online account opening. The process typically takes 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 claiming non-US person status and applicable tax treaty rates. 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)
Tax Considerations for HK Residents Trading US Stocks
US Dividend Withholding Tax
US companies withold 30% of dividends for non-US investors by default. Under the US-Hong Kong tax treaty, HK residents are subject to a 15% withholding rate on qualified dividends. To claim the reduced rate, your W-8BEN must be properly filed and on record with your broker.
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.
Our Recommendation
For most Hong Kong residents who are new to US stock investing or trade at moderate volume:
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.
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 (15% for HK residents under the treaty) 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.