Want to invest in top global technology stocks such as Tesla (TSLA) and NVIDIA (NVDA), but hesitate because a single share can cost hundreds or even thousands of US dollars and the entry cost of buying US stocks feels too high? Do not worry. Through major US fractional share trading platforms, you can become a shareholder of these leading companies with as little as 1 US dollar. This innovative trading method has completely changed the game. This article will explain in detail how to buy one share of US stocks and compare the advantages and disadvantages of popular brokers, helping you take your first step into US stock investing with ease.
“Fractional shares”, also known as odd lots or decimal shares, refer to portions of a stock that are less than one full share. Traditionally, the basic unit of stock trading is “one share”. However, for high-priced stocks such as Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN), the capital required to purchase a full share can be substantial. The introduction of fractional share trading allows investors to purchase stocks by amount. For example, by investing 100 US dollars in NVIDIA, you will receive the corresponding fraction of shares (such as 0.1 share), instantly making you a shareholder. Brokers aggregate all investors’ fractional share orders, execute whole-share transactions in the market, and then allocate shares proportionally to clients. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), fractional share investing makes small-scale market participation possible.
For small investors and beginners, fractional share trading brings a transformative change, mainly reflected in the following three advantages:
An increasing number of brokers now offer US fractional share trading services, but their fee structures, features, and account opening promotions differ. Understanding these differences helps you find the investment partner that best suits you. Choosing a reliable US stock broker is the first step toward successful investing.
For ease of comparison, we have compiled the following table covering the key dimensions that investors care about most:
| Broker Platform |
Trading Commission |
Platform Fee | Minimum Trade Amount | Supported Fractional Share Quantity |
| Futu (moomoo) | 0 Commission | US$1 per Order | US$5 | Over 5,000 Stocks and ETFs |
| Tiger Brokers | 0 Commission | US$1 per Order | US$1 | Over 4,000 Stocks and ETFs |
| uSMART Securities | 0 Commission | US$1.5 per Order | US$1 | Selected Popular US Stocks |
| SoFi | 0 Commission | 0 Platform Fee | US$1 | Most US Stocks |
| Interactive Brokers (IBKR) | Fixed: US$0.005 per Share (Minimum US$1) | None | US$1 | Over 6,000 Stocks |
*Note: The above fees and promotional information are accurate as of early 2026. For the latest details, please refer to the official websites of the respective brokers.
After understanding the platforms, the next step is actual execution. Regardless of which platform you choose, the process of buying fractional shares is largely similar. In general, it can be completed in three simple steps, with no need to worry about complexity!
A: For most platforms that offer fractional share trading, the fee structure is the same as for whole-share trading. For example, if the platform promotes zero commission, then buying and selling fractional shares is also commission-free. However, you should pay attention to platform fees or minimum charges. For instance, Futu and Tiger Brokers charge a platform fee of approximately US$1 per order. SoFi is one of the few brokers that also waives platform fees, resulting in relatively lower trading costs.
A: Yes. Holding fractional shares is equivalent to becoming a shareholder of the company on a proportional basis, and you are therefore entitled to receive dividends. Dividends are calculated precisely based on the proportion of shares you hold and are credited to your securities account. For example, if you hold 0.5 shares and the company declares a dividend of US$1 per share, you will receive US$0.5 in dividends.
A: Not necessarily. Although mainstream brokers support an increasingly wide range of fractional shares, not all stocks listed in the US are eligible for fractional share trading. Generally, large-cap blue-chip stocks, popular technology stocks, and major ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are widely supported. Some smaller-cap, less liquid stocks may not be available for fractional trading. Before placing an order, you can check in the broker’s app whether the stock supports the fractional share function.
A: This depends on the broker’s policy. Technically, fractional shareholders are entitled to voting rights in proportion to their holdings. However, to simplify administration, most brokers may not pass on shareholder meeting voting rights to fractional shareholders. If shareholder voting rights are important to you, it is advisable to consult the broker directly regarding its specific policy.
In summary, the emergence of US fractional share trading has completely broken the high “entry cost of buying US stocks”, enabling retail investors to easily invest in the world’s leading companies and serving as a powerful tool for wealth growth. From Futu and Tiger Brokers to SoFi and IBKR, each platform has its own unique advantages. When choosing the most suitable US fractional share trading platform, you should comprehensively consider its fees, features, range of supported stocks, and your own investment habits. It is hoped that this guide helps clarify all your questions about “how to buy one share of US stocks”, allowing you to find the most suitable tools and start your US stock investment journey immediately.
