Is Robinhood available for non-US users? Alternatives for 2024

Robinhood is a discount broker headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Like the famous medieval legend, this broker undercuts much of the US-focused competition by providing commission-free stock, ETF, option, and cryptocurrency trading.

Its account minimum is $0, and it’s known for its easy-to-use interface. There is nothing blocking a legal US resident from opening an account save an internet issue.

But what about residents outside the USA? This article will delve into whether Robinhood works outside the USA, what its expansion plans are, and what are the leading alternatives. Let’s get to it.

Is Robinhood available internationally?

Besides the US, Robinhood is available in the UK. There is no plan set by the company to expand to other countries.

Robinhood also launched in Europe, but it is limited to cryptocurrency trading: In Robinhood Crypto, investors from the European Union can trade 25+ cryptocurrencies with very low fees.

But if you still want to open a Robinhood account, a common question we receive is: would a VPN help?

Can You Use a VPN to Open a Robinhood Account From Other Countries?

No, a VPN can only offer access to Robinhood’s platform and not in any way facilitate an account opening since the broker requests a valid ID. Proving US residency remains an essential requirement. No VPN is able to sidestep this requirement–only shift your IP.

Robinhood Alternatives for International Investors

We found four incredible alternatives for international investors:

• • • Interactive Brokers: Founded in 1978, IBKR continues to lead as the globe’s unofficial broker. IBKR offers minimal trading commissions, plus access to thousands of mutual funds and exceptional research. There is no account minimum.
    • eToro: While also providing commission-free trading for US-listed stocks and ETFs, this broker leads the charge for “social investing,” or the option to automatically copy the trades of other investors. They provide access to the world’s major cryptos for a 1% commission. All for a minimum investment of $50.
      eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
    • Capital.com: This relatively new online broker from the UK specializes in CFDs, or “Contracts for Differences,” and requires a basic minimum investment of $20. CFDs provide exposure to profits or losses without conferring asset ownership. However, over 80% of traders lose money using CFDs with this broker. Capital.com also offers commission-free stock trading.