The U.S. financial markets offer unmatched opportunities for investors around the globe. Major corporations from many countries list their stocks on U.S. exchanges, U.S. government bonds directly impact global interest rates, and the U.S. Dollar is the premier currency in the world.

To take advantage of all the U.S. markets have to offer, apply for an International Account with Firstrade today. The application process is fast and easy, and there's no minimum deposit required. Apply today and you'll have your money working for you in no time!

How to Open an International Account:

Do I qualify to open an International Account?

You may sign up for an international account if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, do not have a Social Security Number or Tax-ID Number, and do not live in an unauthorized country.*

STEP 1: START APPLICATION PROCESS

1A. Complete our Online Application and Online Service Agreement.

These documents must be signed and mailed to Firstrade.

1B: Proof of identity

Please submit a photocopy of your valid passport with your application.
The photocopy must clearly show your photograph, personal information, and signature. If you do not have a valid passport, you can submit a photocopy of government issued identification. Firstrade reserves the right to determine the validity of the identification.

If you wish to use a U.S. mailing address for your account,
you must show proof of residency in the foreign country. Please submit a copy of a bank statement, rent receipt, utility bill, or government issued identification which shows your address in your country of residence.

1C. Complete a W-8 BEN form

This document is required by the Internal Revenue Service for non-U.S. residents.
Note: Do not use the W8-BEN form if you are a non-resident alien present in the United States for over 183 days in a year, except for F, J, M, and Q visa holders.

STEP 2: APPLY FOR (OPTIONAL) PRIVILEGES

Open a Margin Account: Complete Margin Application Form.
Get option Trading privileges: Complete the Option Application and Agreement Form.

If you do not have access to a printer, please go to our Forms Center and select the appropriate forms. Complete the mailing address at the bottom of the page, and we will send the forms to you.

STEP 3: SUBMIT APPLICATION

Firstrade recommends that international account holders use wire transfers, a safe and rapid way to fund your new brokerage account. Wire funds into your Firstrade account by giving your financial institution the following instructions:

Bank of New York / NYC
ABA#: 021000018
Account Name: Penson Financial Services, Inc.
Account#: 8661169975
Further Credit To:
Firstrade Account Name(s)
Firstrade Account #

For International Wires use SWIFT Code: IRVTUS3N (Please convert to U.S. Dollars prior to wiring.)

*Important: When wiring funds from your bank into your Firstrade account, the wire must include your Firstrade account number and account name. If your account number and name are not on the wire, Penson Financial cannot accept the wire.

* Firstrade is unable to open accounts of certain countries due to geographic location and/or risk profile.