Have you ever looked at companies like Apple, Amazon, or Tesla and wished you owned even a tiny piece of them, but felt it was too far away, too confusing, or too risky even to try? That feeling might finally start to fade. Dhan US stocks and ETFs investing via the GIFT City route is now live, and it could quietly change the way ordinary Indians look at global investing.
What exactly did Dhan announce, and why does it matter
On Friday, Dhan opened up access to US listed stocks and ETFs for its Indian users. This is being offered through Raise IFSC Private Limited, which is Dhan’s own subsidiary and a member of India INX.
The whole structure runs under the watchful eyes of the International Financial Services Centres Authority, known as IFSCA, and is built to follow RBI and FEMA rules. For many investors who were nervous about doing anything overseas, this kind of clarity feels like a breath of fresh air.
ALSO READ |Zerodha Brokerage Saves Users ₹25,620 Crore as Kamath Reinforces Customer First Vision
How this new GIFT City route actually works for you
To make this happen, Dhan has joined hands with ViewTrade for brokerage and GlomoPay for payments. These tie-ups are meant to make the whole journey, from sending money abroad to buying your first US share, feel less scary and a lot smoother.
Dhan has also connected this service with leading Indian banks, so your money can move into your US investment account without too much hassle. More banks are expected to join soon, which should make things even easier for people in smaller towns and cities, too.
Once your account is ready, you can explore thousands of stocks and ETFs from Nasdaq and NYSE. Think technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare and everyday consumer brands, all sitting right there on your phone.
The fees, the freebies and the exciting new features
Here is the part that will make a lot of investors smile. Dhan has confirmed there is no account maintenance fee and no custody fee at all. For someone just starting out, that feels like a genuine weight off the shoulders.
Brokerage has been kept at a simple 0.25 per cent of the transaction value, which is quite friendly compared to many older ways Indians have used to invest in the US.
Dhan is also bringing in SIPs for US stocks and ETFs, so you can invest small amounts regularly, just like you do with mutual funds back home. Add to those super orders and handy portfolio tracking tools, and managing your global money suddenly feels a lot less overwhelming.
The tax twist that could catch some investors off guard
Now comes the part that needs a little patience. Any dividend income from your US investments will attract withholding tax, based on the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and the United States.
Capital gains, on the other hand, will be taxed according to Indian rules, not American ones. If that sounds confusing right now, you are not alone, and it might be worth a quick chat with a tax expert before you go all in.
This rule is not something Dhan created on its own; most GIFT City-based platforms follow the same pattern. Still, it is important to know this before the excitement of buying your first US stock takes over.
Dhan’s big claim of being fully regulated and a first-of-its-kind
Pravin Jadhav, the founder and CEO of Dhan, said the company wants Indian investors to be able to own pieces of the global brands that already shape their everyday lives. He also pointed out that international investing has often felt unclear until now.
Dhan is proudly calling itself the first major Indian discount broker to offer US stock investing while staying fully regulated within India itself. For many cautious investors, that single line could be the trust factor that finally pushes them to try it out.
One thing to remember, though, derivatives trading is not allowed here yet. So, this is meant for people who want to invest and grow steadily, not for those chasing quick trades.
ALSO READ |SpaceX IPO Creates Trillionaire Musk and Thousands of Millionaires
SAMCO joins the race, and competition is heating up
Dhan is not walking this path alone. Just a day earlier, SAMCO Securities had announced its own global investing platform after getting a broker-dealer licence from IFSCA at GIFT City.
This kind of friendly competition is honestly good news for investors. As more platforms enter this space, it could mean better pricing, smarter features and more choices in the months ahead.
Things every investor should think about before diving in
Getting access to thousands of US stocks and ETFs sounds thrilling, and it truly is a big step forward for everyday Indian investors who have waited years for something like this. At the same time, remember that international investing comes with currency risk, since your final returns will also depend on how the rupee moves against the dollar.
Filing taxes might get a little more detailed, too, since dividends and capital gains from the US need to be reported correctly under Indian laws. Starting small, watching how your SIPs perform, and slowly getting comfortable with the portfolio tools could be the smartest first step.
Final thoughts on Dhan US stocks and ETFs investing via the GIFT City route
At its heart, this launch feels like a small but meaningful door opening for Indian investors who have always dreamed a little bigger than the local market. The zero-custody fee, the low brokerage and the SIP option all add a warm, welcoming touch to something that once felt out of reach.
Yes, the tax rules need attention, and yes, this is still early days. But Dhan’s US stocks and ETFs investing via the GIFT City route gives ordinary investors in India one more honest, regulated way to dream about Wall Street, one small investment at a time.
Disclaimer:
This article is written for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as investment, financial or tax advice. Stock market and ETF investments, including international investing through GIFT City routes, carry market risks, currency risks and tax implications. Readers are strongly advised to do their own research and consult a certified financial or tax advisor before making any investment decisions. The publication and the author do not take responsibility for any financial loss or decision made based on the information shared in this article.
Dr. Bidyut Barun Sarmah, with 22+ years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has worked with AIR, Doordarshan, and the Publication Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A published author and researcher, Dr. Sarmah writes extensively in both Assamese and English. He was also awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his study on journalistic literature—an achievement that highlights his depth of scholarship and contribution to media studies. At Nest of News, he leads the editorial team and contributes across diverse topics.