Investing in US stocks from India has never been more accessible. With the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allowing up to $250,000 in annual overseas investments, Indian investors now have serious platforms to choose from.
Two names that come up repeatedly are Fi Money and Vested Finance. Both let you buy US stocks and ETFs from India. But the similarities stop there. One is an all-in-one banking app; the other is a platform built from the ground up for global investing.
If you are trying to decide between the two, this guide breaks down everything: features, fees, safety, tax reporting, and which platform is the better fit for your goals in 2026.
Quick Snapshot: Fi Money vs Vested
| Feature | Fi Money | Vested Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | All-in-one super app | Dedicated US investing platform |
| US Broker | Alpaca | DriveWealth |
| SIPC Insured | Yes (up to $500,000) | Yes (up to $500,000) |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Thematic Portfolios | Limited curated collections | Vests (AI, EV, SpaceTech, and more) |
| Alternative Assets | No | INR Bonds, P2P Lending, Solar |
| SIP in US Stocks | Yes | Manual setup |
| Brokerage | Zero | Zero commission |
| Account Fee | Free | One-time setup fee |
| Tax Reporting | Basic | Year-end tax statement |
| Best For | All-in-one users and beginners | Focused global investors |
What is Fi Money?
Fi Money is a digital banking and money management app founded in 2019 by Sujith Narayanan and Sumit Gwalani, both ex-Google employees. It operates under epiFi Wealth Private Limited.
The app is designed for working professionals who want to manage their entire financial life in one place. Beyond US stocks, Fi offers savings accounts, fixed deposits, credit cards, EPF tracking, and mutual funds.
Fi Money partners with Alpaca, a FINRA and SIPC-regulated US broker, to enable US stock investments. You can invest in US stocks with zero brokerage and access curated collections like “All-Time Favourites” to simplify stock selection.
Fi Money suits you if you are already using it for banking and want to add US stocks as one feature of a broader financial toolkit.
What is Vested Finance?
Vested Finance was founded in 2018 by Viram Shah as a platform built specifically to help Indian investors access US stocks, ETFs, and global assets. Unlike super apps where US investing is just one tab, Vested is built from the ground up for international portfolio building.
The platform currently has:
– 300,000+ accounts opened
– ₹3,700 crore+ invested through the platform
– An average portfolio size of ₹6 lakh
Vested partners with DriveWealth, a well-established FINRA and SIPC-regulated US brokerage, to execute and custody all trades. Beyond US stocks and ETFs, Vested also offers alternative investment options for Indian investors who want to diversify further.
US Stock Investing Features
Investment Universe
Both platforms give you access to US-listed stocks and ETFs with fractional share support. This means you can invest in companies like Apple or Amazon with as little as $1, without needing to buy a full share.
However, Vested gives you access to 10,000+ US securities including a broader range of ETFs and niche stocks, giving experienced investors more to work with.
Fi Money’s stock library covers the most popular US names and is well-suited for investors who want simplicity over breadth.
Curated Portfolios: Collections vs Vests
This is one of the clearest differences between the two platforms.
Fi Money offers curated collections that group popular US stocks into themes, making it easy for beginners to explore. These are useful starting points but are not actively managed portfolios.
Vested offers Vests, which are thematic, pre-built portfolios curated around specific investment ideas. Examples include AI-focused Vests, Electric Vehicle Vests, and SpaceTech Vests, among others. Vests are available in both theme-based and goal-based versions, designed for investors who want a structured approach to building a global portfolio.
If thematic investing is important to your strategy, Vested’s Vest library is significantly more comprehensive.
SIP and Recurring Investments
Fi Money supports automated SIPs in US stocks, which is useful if you want to invest a fixed amount regularly without manual effort.
Vested allows recurring investments but requires manual setup. It does not offer fully automated SIPs in the same way Fi Money does.
If you plan to invest small amounts monthly in a disciplined manner, Fi Money has an edge here.
Fees and Charges
Both platforms offer zero commission on US stock trades. You do not pay a brokerage fee per trade on either platform.
However, there are differences in pricing structure:
- Fi Money has no account setup fee. You simply open the app, complete KYC, and start investing.
- Vested Finance charges a one-time account setup fee. It also offers a premium plan with additional features for investors who want more tools and access.
Beyond brokerage, both platforms charge a forex conversion spread when you remit INR to buy US stocks. This is an industry-standard cost, not unique to either platform. Comparing the forex rate offered by each platform before sending a large remittance is worth doing.
Also note: under RBI rules, remittances above ₹10 lakh in a financial year attract a 20% Tax Collected at Source (TCS), which you can claim back when filing your income tax return. This applies to all platforms that route investments via the LRS route.
Safety, Regulation and LRS Compliance
US Broker Partnerships
When you invest through either platform, your assets are held in your name with a US-registered broker. The Indian app is a front-end; the actual brokerage account sits with:
- Fi Money: Alpaca Securities (FINRA/SIPC member)
- Vested Finance: DriveWealth (FINRA/SIPC member)
Both are well-regulated US brokers. Your securities are held in your name, meaning even if the Indian platform faces any issue, your US assets remain yours.
SIPC Insurance and LRS Rules
All accounts on both platforms are covered by SIPC insurance up to $500,000 (including up to $250,000 in cash). This protects you against broker failure, not market losses.
Both platforms operate under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), which allows resident Indians to remit up to $250,000 per financial year for overseas investments. You need to file LRS declarations with your bank when sending money.
Neither platform currently supports intraday trading or US options. RBI guidelines restrict Indian residents to delivery-based equity and ETF investments only.
Account Opening and User Experience
Fi Money has a smooth onboarding process integrated within its banking app. If you are already a Fi user, adding US stocks requires minimal additional steps. The interface is beginner-friendly and uncluttered.
Vested Finance has a dedicated onboarding flow for its US investing account, including KYC, LRS form assistance, and guidance on funding your account. Users consistently rate Vested’s onboarding support and help center as strong points.
On customer support, Vested offers chat, email, phone, and a detailed help center. Fi Money primarily handles support through in-app tickets and email.
For users new to overseas investing, Vested also provides Vested Academy, a library of courses and explainers designed to help investors understand how US markets work, how LRS applies to them, and how to manage a global portfolio.
Tax Reporting
Both platforms provide a year-end tax statement that you can use when filing your income tax return. This statement covers capital gains from stock sales and dividend income received.
Vested additionally offers tools around tax-loss harvesting visibility, which can be useful at year-end for managing your taxable gains.
Neither platform currently offers automated capital gains tax calculation or FEMA compliance advisory, so it is worth consulting a chartered accountant or tax advisor for complex portfolios.
Who Should Choose Which Platform?
Choose Fi Money if…
– You already use Fi as your primary bank account
– You want banking, savings, mutual funds, and US stocks in a single app
– You prefer automated SIPs for monthly US stock investments
– You are just starting out with US stocks and want a simple, guided experience
Choose Vested Finance if…
– Your primary goal is focused US stock and ETF investing
– You want access to thematic portfolios (Vests) built around specific sectors
– You are interested in diversifying beyond stocks into INR Bonds, P2P lending, or Solar investments through the same platform
– You want a platform built specifically for international investing, with a wider security universe and dedicated support
Conclusion
Both Fi Money and Vested Finance are legitimate, secure, and compliant ways to invest in US stocks from India in 2026. Your choice depends on what kind of investor you are.
If you want a single app that handles your banking, savings, and a bit of US stock investing on the side, Fi Money works well for that.
If you are building a dedicated global portfolio, want access to thematic Vests, a wider investment universe, and a platform whose entire purpose is international investing, Vested Finance is built for that use case
Consider your goals, your investment size, and how central US stocks are to your overall strategy before deciding.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in US stocks involves currency risk, regulatory risk, and market risk. Please consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before making investment decisions.
FAQs
Is Fi Money safe for US stock investment?
Yes. Fi Money routes trades through Alpaca Securities, a FINRA and SIPC-regulated US broker. Your assets are held in your name and insured up to $500,000 under SIPC.
Is Vested Finance SEBI-registered?
Vested Finance is not registered with SEBI but is registered with the SEC in the United States. It operates within the RBI’s LRS framework for resident Indians investing overseas.
Can I invest in US ETFs through both platforms?
Yes. Both Fi Money and Vested Finance support investing in US-listed ETFs, including fractional units. Vested’s ETF library is broader.
What is the LRS limit for investing in US stocks from India?
Under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme, resident Indians can remit up to $250,000 per financial year for overseas investments, including US stocks.
Do I need to pay tax on US stock gains in India?
Yes. Capital gains from US stocks are taxable in India. Short-term gains (held under 24 months) are taxed at your applicable income tax slab. Long-term gains (held over 24 months) are taxed at 12.5% without indexation. Dividends are also taxable as income. You should consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Can NRIs use Vested Finance?
Vested Finance has partial support for NRI investors. It is primarily designed for resident Indians. NRIs should check the latest eligibility and documentation requirements directly on the platform.
