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International investing

Broaden your horizons

Get direct access to the world’s leading markets with our easy, award-winning international investing service.

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Woman holding smartphone with international investing options.

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Important information: The value of your investments may go down as well as up and international investments may also be affected by currency fluctuations which might reduce their Sterling/GBP value. You may not get back all the money that you invest. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment product or service, you should seek advice from an authorised financial adviser.

Why should you invest internationally?

International investing isn’t just about getting your slice of the world’s biggest brands, like Tesla or Nvidia. Our Head of Editorial, Lee Wild, points out that the main benefit is in spreading your investment risk.

“With exposure to a broader range of investments from across the world, you won’t be tying yourself to the fortunes of the UK - or any one market.”

International investing can form an important part of a well-balanced investment strategy that helps you reach your financial goals.

International investing explained

Search our wide range of international investments

Why choose ii for international investing?

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Get direct market access

Trade directly on the markets. This means greater transparency, real prices, full trading hours and access to IPOs and share splits when they happen.

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Avoid FX fees

Hold cash in the same currency as the shares you buy/sell. Not only will you avoid paying FX fees on every international trade, you’ll earn interest on your USD and EUR balances.

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Invest in real time

Get access to live pricing and international trading via our website and mobile app. So you’ll be able to keep tabs on the markets and invest globally while on the move.

Best platform for international investing five years running

But who’s keeping count?

From 2018 to 2023, industry experts have recognised ii as one of the best platforms in the UK for international investors.

Join over 400,000 others who trust us to deliver a truly global investing experience.

Robots Award

Explore our wide range of international markets

Direct, real-time access to 17 global markets, from North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific.

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How to become an international investor with ii

There are only three short steps to enter the wide world of international investing with ii.

Looking for international investing inspiration? Our experts keep a close eye on the world’s markets so you don’t have to.

Discover the latest international market news

1

Open any ii account

You can trade international shares in our ISATrading Account and Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP).

2

Get set up for international investing

It’s quick and oh so easy. Just complete our Exchange Agreement for access to live market prices. Then, if you have a Trading Account or ISA, submit a W-8BEN form. This lets you invest in US stocks at a lower rate of tax.

3

Research and choose your shares

Research is key to successful international investing. Always make sure you’ve done yours before placing your orders.

Invest internationally with any ii account

Trading Account

Is flexible investing your ultimate priority? The ii Trading Account offers this in spades. Hold multiple currencies in your account, earn interest on your USD and EUR balances and invest in our full range of international markets.

Pension (SIPP)

Give your retirement savings a global edge, with our Which? Recommended Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Invest in international shares, hold multiple currencies, including USD and EUR, and earn interest on these balances too.

Stocks & Shares ISA

Saving for a rainy day? Skip UK income and capital gains tax when you invest with your £20,0000 ISA allowance. Though it’s only possible to hold GBP in an ISA, you’ll still benefit from direct access to the world’s markets.

Important information: investment value can go up and down, and you could get back less than you invest. The value of international investments may be affected by currency fluctuations which might reduce their value in sterling.

Global investing at great value

At ii, we’re committed to easy and affordable investing - for all over the world.

  • Pay a low, flat monthly subscription
  • US share dealing for just £3.99 a trade
  • Avoid unnecessary FX fees with multi-currency investing in our SIPP and Trading Account
  • Direct access means you’ll trade at the live market price, with no mark-ups

See our FX charges in full and learn more about the benefits of holding multiple currencies in your ii account.

International Shares

There’s more to learn

Get started with US investing

From Amazon to Zoom... our guide to investing in US markets.

Learn more

What are stock splits?

Learn more about this key benefit of direct access to international investments.

Learn more

Most popular US shares

See which US companies are most popular with ii investors.

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International market news

Find out market insights from our award-winning investment journalists.

Learn more

International investing FAQs

Related Links

Start investing today

Interactive investor is built for international investing. Open your ii account today for easy access to the world’s markets.

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Important note:

The value of your investments and the income from them may go down as well as up. You may not get back all the money that you invest. If you are unsure about the features or risks of these products, you should get advice from a qualified financial adviser.

The value of international investments may be affected by exchange rate changes, which might reduce their value in sterling.

We may receive two parts of commission for international investing - trading commission and our foreign currency exchange charge. Please see our Rates and Charges for full details of the costs.

Exchange rates can create risk to international investment if a market’s currency rises against sterling. On the other hand, if a market’s currency falls against sterling, this can increase returns.

Please be aware that we have a revenue sharing agreement for the foreign currency exchange charge with a third party. If you require further information, please write to us.