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⚡ Quick Answer
Malaysians can legally buy US stocks through SC-regulated brokers like Moomoo and Webull. The account opening process takes 1–3 days and is fully online. Key costs to understand are FX conversion spreads, brokerage commissions, and 30% US withholding tax on dividends. Moomoo and Webull are the most accessible starting points for beginners due to their low fees and strong welcome promotions.
Can Malaysians Buy US Stocks?
Yes — there are no restrictions on Malaysian investors buying foreign-listed stocks. Bank Negara Malaysia allows Malaysians to invest overseas through licensed channels, and several platforms regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) provide direct access to US markets.
The only requirement: use a legitimate, regulated platform. Avoid unregulated apps or anyone offering US stock access through informal arrangements — these are high-risk and potentially illegal.
Why Invest in US Stocks?
The US stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ combined) is the largest in the world by market capitalisation. It includes companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla — global businesses without a direct Malaysian equivalent.
The main reasons Malaysians invest in US stocks:
- Diversification beyond Bursa Malaysia — exposure to industries and growth rates not available locally
- USD exposure — owning US assets is a natural hedge against long-term ringgit depreciation
- Growth potential — US tech companies have delivered outsized returns over the past two decades
- Dividend income — many large US companies pay consistent quarterly dividends
The main risk: currency movement. If the ringgit strengthens significantly, your USD-denominated holdings are worth less in MYR when you convert back. This matters more for short-term positions than long-term holdings.
Best Platforms to Buy US Stocks in Malaysia 2026
Moomoo Malaysia
Moomoo is currently the most popular platform for US stocks among Malaysian retail investors. Owned by Futu Holdings (Nasdaq-listed) and regulated by the SC, Moomoo offers:
- Access to US, Hong Kong, and Malaysian stocks in one app
- Very low commissions — as low as USD 0.0049 per share (minimum USD 0.99 per trade)
- Advanced charting tools and real-time US market data
- Paper trading (simulated) mode for beginners to practice before using real money
Their welcome promotions for new users are among the strongest in the market — free shares, cash vouchers, and commission-free trading periods. Claim Moomoo’s welcome reward here before opening your account.
Webull Malaysia
Webull is Moomoo’s closest competitor in Malaysia. Also SC-regulated and backed by a publicly-listed parent company, Webull offers:
- 0% commission on US stocks during promotional periods
- Fractional shares — buy a slice of high-priced US stocks (like Amazon or Google) with as little as USD 5
- Clean, fast interface with strong charting tools
- Extended hours trading on select US stocks
Webull regularly runs sign-up promotions with free shares for new users. Claim Webull’s current offer here to see what’s available.
Rakuten Trade
Rakuten Trade is a Bursa-licensed Malaysian broker that also provides US stock access. It’s more conservative than Moomoo and Webull — better suited to investors who prefer a traditional broker setup. Their US stock commission is a flat USD 1.88 per trade, which is higher than Moomoo/Webull for active traders but predictable for those who trade infrequently.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
For more experienced investors, Interactive Brokers offers the widest range of US securities, the most competitive commissions globally (USD 0.005 per share, minimum USD 1), and access to options, futures, and ETFs. The interface has a steeper learning curve but IBKR is the platform of choice for serious retail and professional investors worldwide.
Platform Comparison at a Glance
| Platform | SC Licensed? | US Commission | Fractional Shares | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | Yes | USD 0.0049/share (min USD 0.99) | No | Beginners + active traders |
| Webull | Yes | 0% promo / USD 0.005/share standard | Yes (from USD 5) | Beginners who want fractional shares |
| Rakuten Trade | Yes | USD 1.88 flat | No | Infrequent, long-term investors |
| IBKR | Foreign regulated | USD 0.005/share (min USD 1) | Yes | Experienced investors |
How to Open a US Stock Account: Step by Step
Using Moomoo or Webull as the example (the process is similar for both):
Step 1: Download the App and Register
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Register with your email and Malaysian mobile number. The whole sign-up takes under 10 minutes.
Step 2: Complete eKYC (Identity Verification)
Upload your MyKad (front and back) and complete a live selfie for facial verification. This is required by SC regulations and typically clears within a few hours to 1 business day.
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Transfer funds in MYR via DuitNow or online banking. The platform converts to USD at the prevailing exchange rate with a small FX spread (usually 0.3–0.5%). Alternatively, if you have a foreign currency account, you can deposit in USD directly to avoid the conversion.
Step 4: Place Your First Trade
Search for the stock ticker (AAPL for Apple, MSFT for Microsoft, NVDA for Nvidia, VOO for the S&P 500 ETF). Choose a market order (executes at current price) or a limit order (executes only at your specified price or better). Confirm and you’re done.
US market hours in Malaysian time (MYT): 9:30 PM – 4:00 AM (standard time) or 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM (during US daylight saving, March–November).
Costs You Need to Understand
Brokerage Commission
Moomoo and Webull both offer low commissions, but additional regulatory fees apply on top — including the SEC regulatory fee (approximately USD 0.000008 per USD value sold) and FINRA Trading Activity Fee. These are small but worth knowing about.
Foreign Exchange Conversion Spread
When you deposit MYR and it converts to USD (or convert back when withdrawing), there’s a spread charged by the platform. At scale, this adds up. If you trade frequently or in large amounts, compare the FX rates across platforms — IBKR typically offers the tightest spreads.
US Withholding Tax on Dividends (30%)
This is the most important tax to understand. The US government withholds 30% tax on all dividends paid to non-US investors. This is automatically deducted before the dividend reaches your account — there’s nothing you need to do, but there’s also nothing you can do to avoid it. Factor this into any dividend-focused investment strategy.
Malaysian Capital Gains Tax
Good news: Malaysia has no capital gains tax. If you buy Apple at RM100 equivalent and sell at RM200 equivalent, you keep the full profit (minus brokerage commissions). The 30% withholding applies only to dividends, not to gains from selling shares.
What to Consider Before You Start
Currency Risk
Investing in US stocks means your money is denominated in USD. If MYR strengthens significantly against USD, your gains are reduced (or losses amplified) when you convert back. This is a manageable risk for long-term investors but matters more if you’re trading actively over short timeframes.
Start Broad, Not Narrow
Don’t begin with individual stock picks based on tips or social media hype. The research required to evaluate a single company properly is significant. A better starting point: S&P 500 ETFs like VOO or IVV give you diversified exposure to 500 of the largest US companies in a single trade. The performance has been consistent over any 10-year period in history.
Only Invest What You Can Leave Alone
US stock markets can drop 20–30% in a correction. If you invest money you might need in 12 months, a market dip could force you to sell at a loss. Treat US stock investments as a 5+ year commitment for best results.
Our Recommendation
For most Malaysian beginners: start with Moomoo or Webull. Both are SC-regulated, have genuinely low fees, and offer welcome promotions that add real value. Moomoo has richer research tools; Webull’s fractional shares make it easier to start with a small amount.
If you don’t know where to start with stocks: buy VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) or IVV (iShares S&P 500 ETF). It’s boring, but consistent — and it removes the stock-picking stress while you learn how markets work.
- Open a Moomoo account and claim your welcome reward
- Open a Webull account and claim your free shares
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to declare US stock gains in my Malaysian tax return?
Malaysia has no capital gains tax, so profits from selling US stocks are not taxable in Malaysia. Dividend income received may technically need to be declared as foreign-sourced income — consult a licensed tax advisor if you’re receiving significant dividend amounts.
What is the minimum amount to start?
With Webull’s fractional shares, you can start from as little as USD 5 (approximately RM23). On Moomoo, there’s no stated minimum but you’ll need enough to purchase at least one full share of your chosen stock.
Is it safe to use Moomoo and Webull in Malaysia?
Both platforms are regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia. Client assets are held in segregated accounts — they cannot be used by the broker for its own operations. This is a legal requirement under SC rules and provides meaningful protection.
Can I buy US ETFs like VOO or QQQ through Malaysian platforms?
Yes — Moomoo, Webull, Rakuten Trade, and IBKR all support major US ETFs including VOO, IVV, QQQ, and VTI.
What happens to my stocks if the broker shuts down?
For SC-regulated brokers, client assets must be held separately from company funds. In the event of insolvency, your shares are yours and don’t form part of the broker’s assets. For additional peace of mind, stick to SC-licensed platforms.
Do I need to file a US tax return as a Malaysian investor?
No — non-US investors are not required to file US tax returns for passive investment income. The 30% withholding tax on dividends handles your US tax obligation automatically.
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Want to specifically invest in the S&P 500 index? Check out our dedicated guide: How to Invest in the S&P 500 from Malaysia 2026.
