As a non-resident, what do I need to open an account at CI Direct Investing? (2024)

Support Home Non-Residents As a non-resident, what do I need to open an account at CI Direct Investing?

Non-residents must be a Canadian citizen, have a minimum of $25,000 to invest and maintain a bank account in Canada.

Availability varies by country. We do not open accounts for residents of jurisdictions:

  1. Located in the European Economic Area
  2. Subject to sanctions imposed by the Government of Canada
  3. Within the United States of America
  4. Listed on the Financial Action Task Forcehigh risk jurisdictions subject to call for action as well as restricted as part of our internal risk management process. Feel free to contact us to confirm if we can work with you.

For expats, there are important tax and residency considerations to keep in mind. Check those details in the Non-Residents page of our FAQ section.

We will also verify your identity using an electronic verification process.

If that electronic verification is unsuccessful, we will request an e-statement (not a scan of a paper statement, but rather a downloaded e-statement) of the following:

1. Your bank account statement

2. One other electronic document issued by:

Government body (i.e. CRA, Service Canada, etc.)
A utility or cell phone company
An investment company
An insurance company

You will need to provide your Canadian SIN number as well as any foreign tax ID numbers you may have during the application.

Additional documentation may be requested to verify your identity.

Related Questions:

As a non-resident, what do I need to open an account at CI Direct Investing? (2024)

FAQs

As a non-resident, what do I need to open an account at CI Direct Investing? ›

As a non-resident, what do I need to open an account at CI Direct Investing? Non-residents must be a Canadian citizen, have a minimum of $25,000 to invest and maintain a bank account in Canada. Availability varies by country.

Can a non resident open a direct investing account? ›

Can I invest with CI Direct Investing? No. Only Canadian residents or Canadian citizens living abroad can invest with CI

How do I open a US brokerage account as a non resident? ›

Go to the broker's website and click on the “open account” link to fill the necessary forms. Some of the forms may need to be signed, so you need to print them out. As a foreigner, you will be required to fill and sign the W-8BEN form.

Can a non US citizen open an investment account? ›

There is no citizenship requirement for owning stocks of American companies. While U.S. investment securities are regulated by U.S. law, there are no specific provisions that forbid individuals who are not citizens of the U.S. from participating in the U.S. stock market.

Can non US citizens open a TD Ameritrade account? ›

What you'll need to open an account: A few minutes to complete this form. Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Foreign tax ID, passport, or visa number (if you're not a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.)

What do I need to open a non resident account? ›

Only one of the following documents is needed
  • Foreign driver's license with photo or U.S. driver's license.
  • U.S. issued employment/work ID card or badge.
  • Debit or major credit card with Visa® or Mastercard® logo.
  • Major retail credit card from a nationally well-known company.
  • U.S. Department of State Diplomat ID.

Can a non resident open an account? ›

Yes, you can. The process might be a bit complicated for non-citizens, but it's not impossible. Whether it's for business, travel, or personal reasons, setting up a US bank account will be worth the trouble. Banking in the US has many advantages.

Can you open brokerage account without green card? ›

There isn't a federal law mandating immigrants to have a green card or citizenship to start investing. But since you must use a broker to invest, check with your individual broker. Some require citizenship or a social security number and some don't.

Can I open a brokerage account if I live outside the US? ›

U.S. expat brokerage account restrictions vary between brokerage firms. Some firms let clients keep their existing brokerage account once they have moved overseas but will not permit clients to open a new brokerage account due to residency in a foreign country.

How can a foreigner open an account in US? ›

You'll Need an ID

Foreign or not, applicants for a bank account must at least verify their name, date of birth, and physical address, say, from a utility bill. But if you're foreign-born, you may need to offer more. These customers also need to show photo identification that includes a numeric identity.

Does Fidelity accept non US residents? ›

No. Unfortunately, we do not open accounts for any new customers residing outside the United States.

Do non US citizens need to be accredited investors? ›

No, you do not have to be accredited, but we do require all foreign investors to use a US bank account and complete either a W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E form. The minimum investment criteria differs for foreign investors, as well.

Can foreigners use Charles Schwab? ›

The easiest way to open a Schwab One International account is online. You can also get help opening an account by calling us at 1-415-667-7870 (outside the U.S.) or 1-877-853-1802 (in the U.S.).

Can foreigners invest in Ameritrade? ›

Eligible Countries to Open TD Ameritrade Account

If you live in the US but don't have US citizenship, you should list the US as your country. Keep in mind that you will need to supply either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

How do I invest in stocks with an ITIN number? ›

To buy stocks with an ITIN, you can open a brokerage account with a company like Fidelity, Vanguard, or Charles Schwab. These companies don't require a Social Security number to create an account and buy stocks.

Which is better Fidelity or TD Ameritrade? ›

Fidelity offers excellent value to investors of all experience levels, and it may be a good fit for some active traders (remember, it doesn't support futures trading). Due to its comprehensive educational offerings, live events, and intuitive platforms, TD Ameritrade is our top choice for beginners.

Can I open a bank account without a residential address? ›

A federal banking regulation set forth by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) requires banks to obtain identification and a physical address for all customers who want to open a bank account to help prevent money-related crimes like identity theft, embezzlement, and money laundering.

What is a nonresident account? ›

A non-resident bank account is an account you can open in a central location based in a country or territory you don't currently live in. These accounts are also referred to as Offshore Bank Accounts or Offshore Accounts.

Who is considered a non resident alien? ›

An alien is any individual who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national. A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.

What are the three different types of non-resident account? ›

What are the types of NRI Accounts?
  • Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Savings Account/ Fixed Deposit Account.
  • Non-Resident External (NRE) Savings Account/ Fixed Deposit Account.
  • Foreign Currency Non -Resident (FCNR) Fixed Deposit Account.

Can a foreigner open a TD bank account? ›

TD Bank. TD Bank seems to be the easiest, simplest option as a non-resident or citizen. All you need to supply is a passport and a mailing address within the US.

Can a resident and non-resident open joint account? ›

Yes, a joint account can be opened with a Resident Indian who is a close relative. The mode of operation is permitted on 'Former (NRI) or Survivor' basis only.

Is Charles Schwab for non US residents? ›

Due to U.S. federal laws and regulations, Schwab cannot accept applications from residents of your country/region. Thank you for your interest in investing with Charles Schwab.

Can I use Robinhood if I'm not a US citizen? ›

Be 18 years or older. Have a valid Social Security Number (not a Taxpayer Identification Number) Have a legal U.S. residential address within the 50 states or Puerto Rico (exceptions may apply for active U.S. military personnel stationed abroad) Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have a valid U.S. visa*

Can a non US citizen open a Vanguard brokerage account? ›

Please note: You need to be a U.S. citizen with a U.S. mailing address to open an account. If you live or work outside the U.S., please check out our international site.

Why US brokerage accounts of American expats are being closed? ›

This move follows widespread action by non-U.S. financial institutions to revoke and refuse services to expat Americans as a result of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Consequently, Americans abroad find it increasingly difficult to locate banking and investment services both in the U.S. and abroad.

What happens to my Robinhood account if I leave the US? ›

Can I access my account while I travel overseas? You can access your Robinhood account in almost all countries, with the exception of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea region of Ukraine.

What is the rule for outside brokerage accounts? ›

Rule 3210 governs accounts opened by members at firms other than where they work. All employees must declare their intent and obtain their employers' consent if they wish to open or maintain an investment account at any other financial institution.

Can I open a bank account without SSN or ITIN? ›

Yes, it's possible to open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant or without having a Social Security number. You'll need to provide other forms of proof of ID, such as a passport, driver's license, consular ID or birth certificate.

Which local bank can I open online in USA? ›

Easiest Bank Accounts To Open Online
  • Easiest account to open — Revolut.
  • 2nd-easiest account to open — Chime.
  • 3rd-easiest account to open — Capital One.
  • 4th-easiest account to open — Current.
  • 5th-easiest account to open — Wise.
  • 6th-easiest account to open — Majority.
  • FAQ about online banking.

Why is Wells Fargo closing foreign accounts? ›

Wells Fargo may view these U.S. expat clients as a source of perceived compliance risk. Ultimately, they may have decided for their overall business practice to close these retail international brokerage accounts. Again, the good news is that compliant and efficient U.S. expat investing options exist.

Can I open a Fidelity account with an ITIN number? ›

The answer is YES! Through an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or (ITIN), people who do not have social security numbers can open investment accounts. Brokerage companies such as Vanguard, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity allow individuals with ITINs to open investment accounts.

Do I need an SSN to open a Fidelity account? ›

Although you typically only need a Social Security number to open a standard Fidelity brokerage account, Fidelity is required to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Why is it so difficult for US citizens to invest while living in the UK? ›

These factors include: US citizens living overseas face onerous tax reporting requirements. These can apply even where no tax is payable – in some cases, they can even apply to people who have never lived or worked in the US. There are strict rules governing the type of investments US citizens can hold.

How do you prove you are an accredited investor? ›

Accredited Investor
  1. Financial Criteria. Net worth over $1 million, excluding primary residence (individually or with spouse or partner) ...
  2. Professional Criteria. ...
  3. Investments. ...
  4. Assets. ...
  5. Owners as Accredited. ...
  6. Investment Advisers. ...
  7. Financial Entities.
Apr 6, 2023

Do you need proof to be an accredited investor? ›

An investment vehicle, such as a fund, would have to determine that you qualify as an accredited investor. To do this, they would ask you to fill out a questionnaire and possibly provide certain documents, such as financial statements, credit reports, or tax returns.

How do you qualify as a non-accredited investor? ›

Therefore, an individual investor is considered as a non-accredited investor if the individual's annual income is lower than $200,000 (or $300,000 with a spouse) and owns assets that are worth less than $1 million besides the primary residence.

What are the minimum requirements for Charles Schwab? ›

The Schwab One brokerage account has no minimum balance requirements, minimum balance charges, minimum trade requirements, and there is no requirement to fund this account, when opened with a linked Investor Checking account.

What are the requirements to open Charles Schwab account? ›

Schwab has no account minimum, and offers access to over 500 funds with minimum investment requirements of $100 or less.

What is the minimum to open Charles Schwab? ›

There is no minimum investment needed to open a brokerage account. How much will it cost to open an account? There are no fees to open and maintain a Schwab account.

Do non US citizens pay taxes on stocks? ›

Do Foreigners Pay Taxes on U.S. Investments? Foreigners who are not resident or nonresident aliens of the U.S. do not pay any taxes on their investments to the U.S. government.

What countries can use Charles Schwab? ›

Only clients residing in the United States are eligible. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. and Charles Schwab Bank are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Do I need a SSN to invest in stocks? ›

To own stock in a brokerage account, you are required under federal law (the Patriot Act) to provide your Social Security number. This information is used to verify your identity and prevent the bad guys from gaining access to the stock market. Every brokerage must adhere to this requirement.

Do I have to report my stock investments to the IRS? ›

While all capital gains are taxable and must be reported on your tax return, only capital losses on investment or business property are deductible.

Can I invest in US stock market without SSN? ›

To buy stocks without SSN in the US, you need to provide your broker with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can get ITIN from IRS (Internal Revenue Service) if you mail your W-7, tax return, proof of identity, and foreign status documents to the IRS Austin Service Center.

What is the downside to TD Ameritrade? ›

Drawbacks include a lack of fractional shares and international trading; TD Ameritrade customers can only trade U.S. and Canadian-listed securities. Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are not available to trade at TD Ameritrade.

What brokerage do most millionaires use? ›

What brokerage firms do billionaires use? Many very wealthy individuals use the top brokerage firms, such as Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and TD Ameritrade, among others. They invest in private equity and hedge funds.

Who is better Charles Schwab or Fidelity? ›

Schwab and Fidelity offer similar customer experiences. As a result, most types of investors can find benefits to working with either. The choice between the two may prove a matter of preferred trading instruments: Schwab is better equipped for futures (and international) trading, and only Fidelity offers forex.

Can non US citizens have a Robinhood account? ›

Be 18 years or older. Have a valid Social Security Number (not a Taxpayer Identification Number) Have a legal U.S. residential address within the 50 states or Puerto Rico (exceptions may apply for active U.S. military personnel stationed abroad) Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have a valid U.S. visa*

Can a US citizen living abroad open a brokerage account? ›

Brokerage accounts for US citizens living abroad

In addition, US citizens are essentially limited to holding individual stocks and bonds in foreign brokerage accounts, because foreign pooled vehicles (e.g., an Israeli mutual fund, or a Luxembourg registered UCITS fund or ETF) are subject to the punitive PFIC tax.

Can a non resident open a Charles Schwab account? ›

The easiest way to open a Schwab One International account is online. You can also get help opening an account by calling us at 1-415-667-7870 (outside the U.S.) or 1-877-853-1802 (in the U.S.).

Can you open a brokerage account without a Social Security number? ›

The answer is YES! Through an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or (ITIN), people who do not have social security numbers can open investment accounts. Brokerage companies such as Vanguard, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity allow individuals with ITINs to open investment accounts. Read below to learn more.

Can non US citizens open a Fidelity brokerage account? ›

No. Unfortunately, we do not open accounts for any new customers residing outside the United States. Q.

Can non resident alien use Robinhood? ›

No, Robinhood doesn't work internationally. To use Robinhood, you must be a US citizen, a permanent resident, and have a valid US visa.

How do I get a Robinhood account without SSN? ›

Unfortunately, you cannot use Robinhood without an SSN; an ITIN is not accepted, which means you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to use the app.

What if I don t have a foreign tax ID for Robinhood? ›

What if I don't have an international tax ID or international address? If you aren't considered a US person for tax purposes, don't have an international tax ID or address, please send us an email at support@robinhood.com for additional help.

Is Schwab expat friendly? ›

Account Features for U.S. Expatriates

As a U.S. citizen living abroad, you'll enjoy a number of advantages with Schwab, including: Convenient access to your money through U.S. dollar–denominated checks, debit cards, and the Schwab MoneyLink® Electronic Funds Transfer Service.

Can US citizen open a brokerage account in India? ›

Non-resident Indians

Yes, NRIs can also trade in Indian capital markets by opening a Demat Account with a DP or depository participant of their choice. They just need to specifically mention that theirs is an NRI Account to the broker or DP in their account opening form.

What documents do I need to open a Charles Schwab account? ›

What you'll need to get started
  1. Social Security number or Tax Identification Number.
  2. Driver's license.
  3. Employer's name and address, if applicable.
  4. Bank information (to determine your assets and to fund the account)
Nov 8, 2016

Do you need a SSN to open a Charles Schwab account? ›

Charles Schwab. Chase: You need an ITIN and a photo ID. Citibank: No SSN or ITIN required, you will need to verify your address.

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