I would like to trade US stocks and S&P 500 Index ETFs like the ones available in Vangaurd from India. I'm not able to find the right path forward to do this. I tried to open a US bank account, but looks like without a SSN I will not be able to open an account. I tried some of the brokerage accounts like InteractiveBrokers, but their charges are very high, up to $20 a month. Considering that I will be a casual investor, I don't want to spend so much on just the brokerage account.
You need to research Indian regulation on investing in foreign markets. You have to go through an Indian brokerage that partners with a US brokerage and executed trades on your behalf.
They all need SSNs because there IRS wants to be able to track you come tax time
Charles Schwab offers international account which you can use for trading in USA stock market from India.. some 25k $ minimum limit..
Do you know if they have additional charges for trading?
IB is the best and waived monthly charges if u maintain minimum balance in the accounts
IB charges $10 per month minimum, and additional charges for inactivity. I feel that it is not suitable for a casual investors like me.
None of the brokerage accounts have Vangaurd ETFs I their portfolio. Has anyone tried looking into this?
Robinhood?
Even that needs SSN, no?