Top 4 Brokers That Let Foreigners Invest in China A-Shares (2026 Comparison)
For foreign individuals looking to invest in Chinese A-shares—the onshore stocks of companies like Kweichow Moutai (600519.SS), CATL (300750.SZ), and BYD (002594.SZ)—the options are limited but powerful. Only a handful of global brokers offer legal, direct access via Stock Connect’s Northbound channel to retail clients outside mainland China.
After testing the platforms and reviewing their terms as of January 2026, we compare the top 4 brokers that truly work for foreigners—no Chinese residency or bank account required.
We evaluate them across 5 key criteria:
✅ Who can open an account
✅ Documentation & approval process
✅ A-share coverage (eligible stocks)
✅ Trading fees & FX costs
✅ User experience & support
🏆 Quick Summary Table
| Broker | Open To | Min. Deposit | A-Share Access | Commission (A-Shares) | FX Fee | Platform Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | Global (200+ countries) | $0 | ✅ Full Stock Connect list (~2,500 stocks) | ~0.03% (min ¥8–¥18 per trade) | ~0.002% (very low) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Moomoo (Futu Int’l) | US, SG, AU, CA, NZ, etc. | $0 | ✅ Full Stock Connect list | Free trades (promo until 2026*) | ~0.03–0.05% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Tiger Brokers | US, SG, AU, HK, etc. | $0 | ✅ Full Stock Connect list | Free trades (limited-time offer) | ~0.03–0.06% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Saxo Bank | Most countries (excl. some emerging markets) | $10,000 | ✅ Full Stock Connect list | ~0.08% (min ¥30) | ~0.05% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
* Promotional free trades may apply to first X trades or specific regions—check current terms.
1. Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
👥 Who Can Open an Account?
- Almost anyone: U.S., EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and most non-sanctioned countries.
- Not open to: Mainland Chinese residents (detected by ID/IP/phone).
📝 Requirements
- Passport + overseas proof of address (e.g., bank statement)
- No minimum deposit
- Approval: 1–3 business days
📈 A-Share Coverage
- Full access to all Shanghai & Shenzhen Stock Connect eligible stocks (~2,500+)
- Real-time quotes included
💰 Fees
- Commission: 0.03% of trade value (minimum ¥8–¥18 RMB per order)
- FX fee: As low as 0.002% (best-in-class)
- No platform or inactivity fees
💡 Best For
Serious investors who want lowest cost, maximum control, and global market access beyond just China.
2. Moomoo (by Futu – International Version)
👥 Who Can Open an Account?
- U.S., Singapore, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand
- Blocked for: Mainland China (IP and ID restrictions enforced)
📝 Requirements
- Foreign passport + overseas address proof
- Fully digital onboarding (mobile-first)
- Approval: Often <24 hours
📈 A-Share Coverage
- Full Stock Connect list
- Clean interface with Chinese/English toggle
💰 Fees
- Commission: $0 for U.S. & HK stocks; free A-share trades under ongoing promotion (as of 2026)
- FX fee: ~0.03–0.05% (slightly higher than IBKR)
- No hidden fees
💡 Best For
Retail investors who want a user-friendly, modern app with strong research tools and community features.
3. Tiger Brokers (UP Fintech – International)
👥 Who Can Open an Account?
- U.S., Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, and select Asian markets
- Not available to mainland Chinese citizens
📝 Requirements
- Valid foreign ID + address verification
- Mobile app onboarding
- Fast approval (usually 1 day)
📈 A-Share Coverage
- Full access to Northbound eligible A-shares
- Integrated IPO subscription for HK/US listings
💰 Fees
- Commission: Free trades on stocks (promotional, check current terms)
- FX fee: ~0.04–0.06%
- Competitive margin rates
💡 Best For
Tech-oriented investors who trade across U.S., HK, and A-shares in one sleek platform.
4. Saxo Bank
👥 Who Can Open an Account?
- Most developed markets (EU, UK, ME, APAC)
- Excludes high-risk jurisdictions
📝 Requirements
- Proof of identity + address
- Minimum deposit: $10,000 USD equivalent
- May require additional financial profiling
📈 A-Share Coverage
- Full Stock Connect access
- Professional-grade analytics and portfolio tools
💰 Fees
- Commission: ~0.08% (minimum ¥30 RMB)
- FX fee: ~0.05%
- Higher overall cost—but premium service
💡 Best For
High-net-worth or experienced investors seeking a full-service, multi-asset platform with institutional support.
❌ What About Other Brokers?
- Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood: Only offer U.S.-listed ADRs (e.g., BABA), not real A-shares.
- Traditional Hong Kong brokers (e.g., Phillip, Bright Smart): Technically connected to Stock Connect but do not enable Northbound trading for ordinary foreign retail clients—usually reserved for institutions.
- eToro, Plus500: Offer CFDs (not real stock ownership) and no Stock Connect access.
🎯 Final Recommendation
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest fees & most control | → Interactive Brokers |
| Prefer a simple, free, mobile-friendly app | → Moomoo |
| Trade U.S. + HK + A-shares actively | → Tiger Brokers |
| Are a high-net-worth investor needing premium service | → Saxo Bank |
All four brokers let you legally own real A-shares—no proxies, no gray areas. The best choice depends on your location, trading style, and budget.
🔗 Next Step:
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Disclaimer: Broker terms, fees, and availability change frequently. This comparison is accurate as of January 2026. Always verify details directly with the provider before opening an account. This is not financial advice.