The Complete Guide to Opening an Account and Buying US Stocks via Tiger Brokers

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You can open a U.S. stock account with Tiger Brokers using a streamlined process. Prepare identity documents and personal details, and expect approval within 1–3 business days. With 2.2 million users by 2023, Tiger Brokers is globally licensed, ensuring trust and security. Fund your account quickly and trade with transparent fees.

Key Points

• Simple account opening with identity documents and personal info, approved in 1–3 business days.
• Robust fund safety with segregated accounts and up to $500,000 in SIPC insurance.
• Multiple deposit methods, including RMB-to-USD conversion, for easy funding.
• Low trading commissions with promotional offers to reduce costs.
• Beginners should choose regulated brokers, prepare documents, plan funds, diversify investments, and avoid speculative trends.

Platform and Security

Platform Overview

Tiger Brokers, via its U.S. brand TradeUP, is part of Nasdaq-listed UP Fintech Holding Limited, headquartered in New York. It offers compliant, secure cross-border investment services and holds financial licenses in multiple markets:

1. United States: Licensed for brokerage, investment banking, advisory, and futures; FINRA member and SEC-registered.
2. New Zealand: Regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for client funds and assets.
3. Hong Kong: Holds SFC licenses for securities and futures brokerage.
4. Australia and Singapore: Additional regulatory licenses.

Note: Tiger Brokers lacks a Chinese securities license, so ensure compliance with local regulations.

Fund Security

Your funds are secure with Tiger Brokers. Client assets are held in segregated U.S. bank accounts, isolated from company funds to mitigate operational risks. The platform provides SIPC insurance up to ＄500,000 ($250,000 for cash) in case of broker insolvency, ensuring peace of mind for U.S. stock trading.

U.S. Stock Account Preparation

Document Checklist

Prepare these documents for a smooth signup:

1. Valid ID (passport or national ID).
2. English proof of address (e.g., driver’s license, bank statement, utility bill).
3. Tax number (Income Tax Number).
4. Personal details: name, ID number, permanent address, birth date, gender, email (must match ID).
5. Clear scans or photos of ID and address proof, ensuring no glare and matching names.
6. Electronic signature (E-signature) upload.
7. Face recognition via the Tiger Trade App.
8. Await 1–3 business day review.

Tip: Pre-prepared documents speed up the process.

Eligibility Requirements

To open a U.S. stock account, meet these criteria:

Submit documents online, complete identity verification, and fill out tax forms. Tiger Brokers offers Chinese-language support and RMB-to-USD conversion for Chinese investors.

Account Types

Choose from two main U.S. stock account types:

Recommendation: Start with a Standard account; switch to Global for higher leverage and larger funds.

U.S. Stock Account Opening Process

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Registration and Download

Open an account via the Tiger Trade App or website, with similar processes but different user experiences:

1. Choose the platform: visit the Tiger Brokers website or download the Tiger Trade App.
2. Website signup: enter phone number, verification code, and password.
3. App signup: follow prompts for a mobile-friendly process.
4. Both require personal details and identity verification; the App is more intuitive for mobile users.

Tip: Use the App for smoother operation and anytime account management.

Information Submission

Provide accurate personal details: name, ID number, contact info, email, birth date, and set a password. Complete an investment experience and risk tolerance questionnaire. Common errors include:

1. Inconsistent ID information, causing review failures.
2. Incorrect W-8BEN form details, impacting compliance.
3. Wrong contact details, blocking notifications.

Double-check information to avoid delays.

Document Upload

Upload:

• Clear ID photos (front and back, no obstructions).
• Hand-held ID photo; video verification may be required.
• English address proof (e.g., Hong Kong bank statement, utility bill).

Recommendation: Use high-resolution scans or photos and verify completeness before submission.

Identity Verification

Complete face recognition via the App or video verification on the website for security. Check progress in the App or website dashboard.

Agreement Signing

Sign digital agreements (client agreement, risk disclosure, W-8BEN form) via E-signature. Review terms carefully to understand rights and obligations. Contact support for clarification.

Review Progress

Track review status:

• App sends push notifications.
• Website users check the account dashboard.
• Approval notifications arrive via SMS or email within 1–3 business days.

If rejected, address issues like incomplete documents or unclear photos and resubmit.

Note: Keep your phone accessible to receive updates and avoid delays.

Deposits and Withdrawals

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Deposit Methods

Fund your account via Hong Kong bank accounts, international wire-enabled cards, or Chinese bank cards with RMB-to-USD conversion. USD deposits are supported, and RMB conversion is seamless. Use banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, or China Merchants for efficient transfers.

Deposit Process

For Chinese bank card deposits with conversion:

1. Select Tiger Brokers as your broker.
2. Visit a bank with your ID to convert up to $50,000 annually at the daily rate.
3. Specify purposes like travel or education, avoiding “stock investment.”
4. Wire converted USD to your Tiger Brokers account.
5. Try alternative banks or branches if rejected.

Note: Annual conversion limits apply; fees range from ¥300–500.

Withdrawal Process

Withdraw funds via:

• Log into the Tiger Trade App or website and go to “Funds Management.”
• Select “Withdraw,” enter bank details (Hong Kong or select Chinese banks), and specify amount.
• Submit; processing takes 1–3 business days, depending on bank speed.

Tip: Ensure accurate bank details to prevent delays.

Common Issues

• Bank scrutiny during deposits; consult bank staff in advance.
• Annual conversion limits restrict large transfers.
• Withdrawal delays due to holidays or bank processing.
• Wire fees and exchange rate fluctuations affect funds.

Plan funding and monitor announcements for policy updates.

Fees and Promotions

Account Opening Fees

Tiger Brokers charges no signup fees, requiring only an ID and bank card. A platform usage fee of ~$1.9 (HK$15, 7.8 rate) applies.

Trading Commissions

Commissions are low at $0.0001 per share, minimum $2.99 per trade. Platform fees are $0.004 per share, minimum $1. External and regulatory fees apply:

Enjoy a lifetime 20% commission discount to reduce costs.

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

U.S. bank card deposits are free; withdrawals cost $1. Hong Kong bank wires may incur bank fees.

• Deposits: Free via U.S. cards; Hong Kong bank fees vary.
• Withdrawals: $1 (HK$7.8).

Check with your bank for wire fees and timing.

Promotions

Tiger Brokers offers region-specific incentives:

Meet trading requirements to claim rewards; check official announcements.

U.S. Stock Trading Operations

Currency Conversion

Convert HKD to USD on the platform with 0.15%–0.3% spread, cheaper than banks. T+0 settlement ensures same-day availability.

Binding specific banks may incur fees; Tiger Brokers’ rates are cost-effective.

Order Placement

Trade via the Tiger Trade App:

1. Log in.
2. Search for stocks, ETFs, or tickers.
3. Select buy/sell on the quote page.
4. Set order type, price, quantity, and validity; enable pre/after-hours if desired.
5. Review and submit.

Monitor order status in the App for flexible adjustments.

Order Types

Choose market orders for instant execution or limit orders for price control. Cash accounts use only your funds for stability, while margin accounts offer leverage with liquidation risks.

Pre/After-Hours Trading

Trade until 8:00 PM ET, ideal for Asian investors. Enable pre/after-hours options at order placement. Lower liquidity may increase volatility, so manage positions carefully.

Common Questions and Tips

Account Opening Queries

Expect 1–3 business day reviews. Prepare valid ID and English address proof. Use Hong Kong banks for deposits and start trading post-funding. Chinese-language support simplifies the process.

Tip: Ensure consistent, accurate information to avoid delays.

Trading Security

Tiger Brokers ensures safety by segregating brokerage operations, partnering with Interactive Brokers, and holding SEC-recognized licenses. Compliance with China’s Personal Information Protection Law and FINRA standards protects your data and funds.

Beginner Tips

1. Choose FINRA/SEC-regulated brokers.
2. Prepare required documents.
3. Monitor exchange rates and fees.
4. Diversify with index funds or ETFs.
5. Hold long-term to reduce volatility impact.
6. Learn basic finance to avoid speculative traps.
7. Avoid unregulated platforms and stock-picking groups.
8. Monitor market, currency, and tax risks.

Use platform resources to build skills and plan rationally.

Tiger Brokers offers a fast, user-friendly signup with Chinese support and multi-market access. Integration with Interactive Brokers ensures safety, though its lack of a Chinese license poses compliance risks. Stay updated on policies and promotions to optimize your U.S. stock trading.

FAQ

How long does account opening take?

1–3 business days; track progress in the App or website.

Can I use a Chinese bank card for deposits?

Yes, convert RMB to USD via Hong Kong bank wires. Consult your bank for smooth transfers.

Is my Tiger Brokers account secure?

Funds are segregated with SIPC insurance up to $500,000, ensuring safety.

Are there minimum deposit/withdrawal amounts?

No minimum deposit; withdrawals start at $10, per platform rules.

What if I forget my password?

Use “Forgot Password” in the App or website to reset via phone or email.

While Tiger Brokers offers a straightforward account opening process and transparent fees, the article also reveals some pain points for Chinese investors: funding through mainland bank cards is limited by a $50,000 annual quota, and you face strict bank reviews and opaque exchange rates. Even with wire transfers from a Hong Kong bank, you might encounter high bank fees and delayed arrivals, impacting trading efficiency, especially for those looking to seize market opportunities quickly.

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