For Singaporean investors seeking to diversify their portfolios beyond local shores, the allure of the US stock market is undeniable. Home to the world’s largest and most dynamic companies – from tech giants like Apple and Microsoft to consumer staples like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble – US equities offer unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and global exposure. Investing in these titans of industry allows you to participate in global economic trends and potentially achieve significant long-term capital appreciation.

In 2025, accessing the US stock market from Singapore is easier and more competitive than ever. A growing number of MAS-regulated brokerage platforms are vying for your business, each offering distinct advantages in terms of fees, platform features, and user experience. This comprehensive guide is specifically tailored for investors in Singapore looking to tap into the vast potential of US stocks. We will dissect the critical factors that matter most, helping you choose a platform that not only facilitates seamless trading but also maximises your returns and aligns with your investment style.

Why Investing in US Stocks Matters for Singaporean Investors

While the Singapore Exchange (SGX) provides robust opportunities, integrating US stocks into your portfolio offers several compelling benefits:

• Global Diversification: Reduce portfolio concentration risk by expanding beyond Singapore’s relatively smaller market.
• Access to Innovation: Invest in leading companies at the forefront of technology, healthcare, and other transformative industries that may not be as prevalent on the SGX.
• Liquidity: The US stock markets (NYSE and NASDAQ) are exceptionally liquid, meaning you can typically buy and sell shares with ease and minimal price impact.
• Growth Potential: Historically, the US market has delivered strong returns, driven by its large economy, entrepreneurial spirit, and robust regulatory environment.
• Brand Familiarity: Many US companies are household names globally, making them easier for investors to research and understand.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Brokerage Platforms for US Stocks

Choosing the right platform is paramount for a successful US stock investing journey from Singapore. Consider these vital criteria:

1. Commission & Fees (The Bottom Line):

• Trading Commissions: This is often the most significant cost. Look for low per-share fees or, ideally, zero-commission trades for US stocks, which are becoming increasingly common among digital brokers. Be mindful of minimum commission charges per trade, as these can disproportionately affect smaller transactions.
• Platform/Maintenance Fees: Some brokers charge monthly, quarterly, or annual fees simply for holding an account, particularly if your balance is low or you are inactive. Ensure these are transparent or non-existent.
• Custody Fees: Fees for holding your US securities in a custodian account. While common, competitive platforms often waive or have very low custody fees.
• Currency Conversion Fees (FX Spreads): This is a critical, often overlooked, cost for US stock investing from Singapore. You’ll need to convert your Singapore Dollars (SGD) to US Dollars (USD) to buy US stocks. Look for platforms that offer tight FX spreads or competitive conversion rates, as these can significantly impact your overall cost.
• Inactivity Fees: Some brokers penalise infrequent trading. Check if your chosen platform has such charges and if they align with your anticipated trading frequency.
• Data Fees: While many offer basic real-time data for free, some advanced features like Level 2 market data may incur additional charges.

2. Market Access & Product Offerings:

• Comprehensive US Market Access: Ensure the platform provides full access to both the NYSE and NASDAQ, covering the vast majority of US-listed companies and ETFs.
• Fractional Shares: For investors with smaller capital, the ability to buy fractional shares (e.g., 0.1 of an Amazon share) is invaluable, allowing diversification into high-priced stocks without needing to buy full units.
• Other US-listed Instruments: Does the platform support trading in US-listed ETFs, options, or bonds if your investment strategy requires them?

3. Trading Platform & Tools (Your Investment Arsenal):

• User Interface (UI) & Experience (UX): The platform should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing across desktop, web, and mobile applications. A smooth UX reduces errors and enhances efficiency.
• Stability & Speed: The platform must be robust and fast, especially crucial during volatile market hours for quick order execution.
• Research & Analytics: Access to comprehensive financial data, company fundamentals, analyst reports, real-time news feeds, economic calendars, and advanced charting tools (with various technical indicators) is vital for informed decision-making.
• Order Types: Support for various order types (e.g., market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, OCO – One Cancels the Other) is essential for flexible trading strategies and effective risk management.
• Pre-market & After-hours Trading: Many US-listed companies make significant announcements outside regular trading hours. Access to pre-market and after-hours trading can be a considerable advantage for active traders.
• Watchlists & Alerts: Customisable watchlists to monitor your preferred US stocks and real-time price alerts are highly beneficial for staying updated without constant manual checking.

4. Funding & Withdrawal Options:

• Ease of Deposits: How easy and fast is it to fund your account from Singapore (e.g., PayNow, Fast and Secure Transfers (FAST), bank transfer)? Look for efficient and low-cost deposit methods.
• Withdrawal Process: How quickly and easily can you withdraw your funds, including US dollar proceeds? Are there any withdrawal fees?

5. Customer Service:

• Responsiveness & Availability: How quickly do they respond to queries? Do they offer 24/5 or 24/7 support, aligning with US market hours?
• Communication Channels: Do they offer multiple support channels, such as phone, email, and live chat?
• Knowledge: Are their representatives knowledgeable about US trading rules, platform features, and account-specific queries?

6. Regulation & Security:

• MAS Licence: Crucially, ensure the brokerage is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for dealing in securities. This provides a fundamental layer of investor protection and ensures compliance with local financial standards. You can verify a broker’s licensing status on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory.
• Fund Security: Look for strong security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) for login, data encryption, and clear policies regarding client fund segregation. Understand if they offer Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) coverage for US assets (though this is primarily for US residents, some brokers may extend similar protections). According to SIPC, there is “no requirement that a customer reside in or be a citizen of the United States. A non-U.S. citizen with an account at a brokerage firm that is a member of SIPC is treated the same as a resident or citizen of the United States with an account at a SIPC member brokerage firm.”

The Best Investment Brokerage Platforms for US Stocks in Singapore (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of some of the leading MAS-regulated brokerage platforms popular among Singaporean investors for trading US stocks, considering the above criteria. Please note that fees and features are subject to change, and it’s always advisable to verify the latest information directly with the brokerages.

1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR SG)

• Overview: A global behemoth consistently lauded for its ultra-low commissions, expansive market access, and sophisticated trading tools. IBKR is a top-tier choice for serious investors and active traders focusing on US equities.
• Why it’s good for US Stocks:

• Unbeatable Commissions: Offers exceptionally low per-share commissions for US stocks (e.g., USD 0.005 per share, with a low minimum), making it incredibly cost-effective for both small and large trades.
• Competitive FX Rates: Provides highly competitive interbank FX rates for converting SGD to USD, which significantly reduces the cost of entry into the US market.
• Extensive Market Access: Access to all major US exchanges, plus over 150 other global markets, allowing unparalleled diversification.
• Advanced Trading Platforms: Its Trader Workstation (TWS) is a powerful, professional-grade platform with a vast array of analytical tools, charting capabilities, and complex order types. IBKR Mobile offers robust functionality on the go.
• Fractional Shares: Supports fractional share trading, enabling investment in high-priced US stocks with smaller capital.
• Overnight Trading: IBKR stands out by offering “Overnight Trading” for over 10,000 US stocks and ETFs, allowing you to react to news and events even outside standard pre- and post-market hours.
• Key Considerations: TWS can be intimidating for absolute beginners due to its extensive features. While inactivity fees generally apply to very small, inactive accounts, current policies often waive these for accounts above a certain balance or activity level (verify directly).

2. Moomoo SG (by Futu Singapore)

• Overview: A rapidly growing digital brokerage known for its user-friendly interface, aggressive pricing, and strong community features. Moomoo has quickly become a favourite among retail investors in Singapore looking at US stocks.
• Why it’s good for US Stocks:
  • Highly Competitive US Commissions: Often offers zero-commission trading for US stocks and ETFs, making it extremely attractive for cost-conscious investors. A small platform fee (e.g., USD 0.99 per order) may apply, but this is still very competitive.
  • Intuitive Interface: Both the mobile app and desktop platform are sleek, modern, and highly intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate and execute trades.
  • Free Real-time Data: Provides free Level 2 market data for US markets, offering deeper insights into order book dynamics, usually a paid feature.
  • 24/5 Trading: Offers extended trading hours for US stocks, allowing you to react to news and events outside of regular market hours.
  • Fractional Shares: Supports fractional share trading, starting from as little as USD 5.
  • Research & Community: Features a vibrant in-app community, educational content, and comprehensive research tools.
• Key Considerations: As a relatively newer player, some investors might prefer the long-standing reputation of traditional brokers, though Moomoo is fully MAS-regulated.

3. Tiger Brokers (Singapore)

• Overview: Another leading digital brokerage popular in Singapore, Tiger Brokers is praised for its low fees, accessible platform, and focus on providing a broad range of investment products with a mobile-first approach.
• Why it’s good for US Stocks:
  • Competitive Low Commissions: Offers attractive commission rates for US stocks (e.g., USD 0.01 per share, with a low minimum), making it a cost-effective choice.
  • Intuitive Mobile App: Highly regarded for its clean, easy-to-use mobile application, making US stock trading straightforward for investors of all experience levels.
  • Global Market Access: Provides access to US, Hong Kong, China A-Shares, Australia, and SGX markets, enabling comprehensive portfolio diversification.
  • Fractional Shares: Supports fractional share investing.
  • Free Real-time Data: Often provides free live market data for US equities.
  • Extended Trading Hours: Tiger Brokers supports pre-market (4 PM – 9:30 PM SGT) and after-hours (4 AM – 8 AM SGT) trading, allowing flexibility around US market announcements.
• Key Considerations: Similar to Moomoo, it’s a newer entrant to the Singapore market compared to traditional banks, but is fully MAS-regulated.

4. Webull Singapore

• Overview: Webull has rapidly gained traction in Singapore for its strong mobile app, commission-free US stock trading, and advanced charting tools, appealing particularly to younger and tech-savvy investors.
• Why it’s good for US Stocks:
  • Zero Commission US Stocks & ETFs: A major draw, as Webull offers US$0 commissions for US-listed stocks and ETFs.
  • Advanced Tools & Charting: Features a powerful and highly customisable platform with in-depth charting, technical indicators, and analytical tools.
  • Extended Trading Hours: Provides access to pre-market and after-hours trading for US equities, giving you a wider window to trade.
  • Fractional Shares: Supports fractional share trading for greater flexibility.
  • Competitive FX Rates: Offers competitive currency conversion rates.
• Key Considerations: While commission-free, other fees (e.g., regulatory fees, platform fees) may still apply, so always review the full fee schedule. Its advanced features might be a bit much for absolute beginners, though the basic trading functions are straightforward.

5. Saxo Markets

• Overview: A globally recognised multi-asset broker with a strong presence in Singapore, Saxo Markets offers a sophisticated platform primarily geared towards more active and experienced investors seeking access to a vast array of global instruments.
• Why it’s good for US Stocks:
  • Extensive Product Range: Offers access to a vast selection of global equities (including all major US exchanges), ETFs, bonds, FX, and derivatives, making it a powerful platform for highly diversified portfolios.
  • Sophisticated Platforms: SaxoTraderGO (web/mobile) and SaxoTraderPRO (desktop) are high-calibre platforms designed for advanced charting, in-depth analysis, and precise execution, catering to professional trading needs.
  • Competitive Pricing for Larger Trades: While minimums might be slightly higher for very small trades, their commission structure becomes highly competitive for larger trade volumes, rewarding more active investors.
• Key Considerations: The platform’s advanced nature might be overwhelming for absolute beginners. Generally has higher minimum deposit requirements for full feature access compared to digital-first brokers.
• Fees: Tiered pricing structure based on account type and trading activity. Commissions for US trades are competitive (e.g., starting from USD 0.08% with a USD 1 minimum), but always verify your specific account tier.

Choosing Your Best Fit for US Stock Investing in 2025:

• For the Cost-Conscious & Active Trader (Any Volume): Interactive Brokers stands out for its consistently lowest per-share commissions and competitive FX rates, especially for those making frequent or substantial trades. Their extensive overnight trading access is a distinct advantage.
• For Mobile-First & Beginner-Friendly Zero/Low Fees: Moomoo SG and Webull Singapore are excellent choices, offering highly intuitive platforms, commission-free US stock trading, and valuable features like extended hours and fractional shares, perfect for those starting out or who prefer mobile trading.
• For Balanced Features & Value: Tiger Brokers provides a strong combination of competitive fees, a user-friendly app, and broad market access, including extended trading hours.
• For Advanced Traders & Broad Global Diversification: Saxo Markets provides a powerful, professional-grade platform for those looking to invest across a broader range of global equities and requiring sophisticated analytical tools.

Final Recommendations for Maximising Your US Stock Investments:

1. Prioritise Fees & FX Conversion: For US stocks, always look beyond just trading commissions. The currency conversion spread can be a significant hidden cost. Compare the total cost of a typical trade, including FX, across platforms.
2. Understand Fractional Shares: If you’re starting with a smaller capital, fractional share trading is a game-changer, allowing you to buy into high-priced US stocks and diversify efficiently. Many top brokers now offer this.
3. Explore Extended Trading Hours: For active traders, the ability to trade US stocks in pre-market and after-hours sessions (and even overnight with some brokers like IBKR) can be crucial for reacting to news that often breaks outside standard market times.
4. Test Drive Before You Commit: Many platforms offer demo accounts. Use them to get a feel for the interface, tools, and order execution before funding a live account with real money. This can save you from unexpected complexities.
5. Leverage Research Tools: The US market is vast and constantly evolving. Utilise the research reports, analyst ratings, real-time news feeds, and economic calendars provided by your chosen broker to make informed decisions about the companies and industries you invest in.
6. Start with a Plan: Define your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon before you even open a brokerage account. A clear strategy will guide your choices and help you stay disciplined, especially during market volatility.
7. Verify MAS Licence: Always confirm that the brokerage is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for dealing in securities. This is your primary safeguard against unregulated entities and ensures they adhere to strict local financial standards. You can easily check the MAS Financial Institutions Directory for verification.
8. Continuous Learning: The stock market is dynamic and constantly evolving. Stay informed about market trends, company-specific news, and macroeconomic factors that could impact your investments. For general investor education and sound financial practices in Singapore, the MoneySense website is an invaluable resource provided by the Singapore government. It offers guides on various investment products, risk management, and financial planning.

By meticulously evaluating these factors and aligning them with your unique investment objectives, you’ll be well-equipped to select the ideal investment brokerage platform in Singapore to help your US stock portfolio thrive in 2025 and beyond. Happy investing!