E*TRADE International Account for Non-U.S. Citizens in 2026


E*TRADE For Non-U.S. Residents


E*TRADE provides standard domestic brokerage accounts as well as an International Complete Investment Account for eligible non-U.S. citizens. Account requirements vary according to the applicant's residence and U.S. tax classification:

1. Applicants establishing standard individual brokerage accounts generally must have reached the age of majority, while custodial accounts can be opened for minors.

2. A U.S. residential address is not required for every E*TRADE brokerage account. E*TRADE has a dedicated international brokerage application for non-U.S. citizens and provides documentation for nonresident-alien clients whose legal addresses are outside the U.S. or its territories.

3. Required tax documents depend on the customer's tax classification. U.S. persons supply U.S. taxpayer identification information, while non-U.S. persons can use Form W-8BEN to certify foreign status for federal income-tax purposes.

U.S. citizenship is not mandatory for every E*TRADE brokerage account. Eligible non-U.S. citizens, including some people residing outside the United States, can apply for an international brokerage account. Eligibility depends on the applicant's residence and the firm's other account-opening requirements.

Fortunately, there is a U.S. brokerage firm that welcomes international investors — ZacksTrade. It offers some of the lowest margin rates in the industry, a professional trading platform, and access to 91 exchanges around the world. Learn more in the ZacksTrade Review.


Open ZacksTrade Account


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E*TRADE Available Countries


E*TRADE's brokerage business is not limited exclusively to U.S. residents. The company offers an International Complete Investment Account Application for non-U.S. citizens, although acceptance of an international application depends on eligibility and compliance requirements.


Overview of ZacksTrade


Although many U.S.-based brokerage firms do not accept customers residing in every foreign country, ZacksTrade provides another option. The broker-dealer accommodates non-U.S. citizens and gives customers access to global markets. Account eligibility still depends on the applicant's residence and other requirements. Here’s how the account-opening process works:


How to Open an Account


To begin, click here, and then select the OPEN AN ACCOUNT button shown in the middle of the page. The broker’s website is accessible from virtually any location on the planet, although a few nationalities are restricted from opening an account. For example, North Korea is not on the list of eligible countries; but there are over 200 that are on the list, so almost anyone can open a ZacksTrade account ($250 is required to get started for any nationality).

After starting the application, you’ll first provide basic information such as your name, email address, and phone number. Once the application is completed, ZacksTrade contacts the applicant with the next steps needed to establish the account. Additional identifying and tax information is required during the process. Besides the standard data points, ZacksTrade's application will ask for:

Citizenship
Country of birth
Country of tax residency
Social Security Number (another national ID number can be used)

Thankfully, ZacksTrade's online application is available in multiple languages. Look in the top-right corner of the screen and you should see your account number next to a language menu. Click on this language menu and you’ll get a drop-down list of several languages, including Spanish, English, and Japanese. Unfortunately, ZacksTrade's regular website is in English only.


etrade for non us citizens


Fees on Foreign Accounts


ZacksTrade does not charge a separate international-account surcharge simply because a customer is a non-U.S. citizen or lives abroad. There are no annual fees, but an inactivity fee of $15 per month applies to accounts under $25,000 that generate less than $15 in commissions during the month. The broker's current commissions page also lists the $250 required initial deposit mentioned above.

ZacksTrade provides one free withdrawal per month. If another withdrawal is made during the same month, the published fees are $1 for an ACH withdrawal, $4 for a check, and $10 for a wire.

Currency conversion is possible inside a ZacksTrade account. The brokerage house charges between US$2 and US$2.50 for a conversion from U.S. dollars.

Margin and credit interest rates at ZacksTrade vary by currency. For example, borrowing Danish krone costs 5%, while margin rates on the Mexican peso can be as high as 9%.


etrade international account


Open ZacksTrade Account


Visit ZacksTrade Website


Updated on 8/19/2026.


About the Author
Chad Morris has been analyzing investment firms for Brokerage-Review.com since 2015. Backed by FINRA Series 65, 66, and SIE credentials, his work reflects a deep knowledge of the retail brokerage industry and digital trading tools.