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If you have been investing in US stocks or ETFs from Singapore, you would know that the actual cost of investing is often higher than it first appears. While some platforms advertise zero-commission trading, commissions are only one part of the equation. Platform fees, custody charges and other transaction-related costs can quietly add up each time you buy or sell.
For investors who invest regularly through monthly contributions, these fees can become significant over time. That is money that could otherwise remain invested and compound.
From 21 May 2026, Webull Singapore will remove both commissions and platform fees on US stocks and ETF trades, with no conditions or limits on volume or trading frequency. This applies to both new and existing users.
Why The Distinction On Fees Matters
The term “zero-commission trading” has become common across the industry, but it can sometimes be misleading. Commission refers specifically to the fee charged for executing a trade. It does not include platform fees, which some brokers charge separately for access to their platform and order execution services.
As a result, a trade labelled commission-free may still come with charges of $2 to $3 or more, depending on the platform used.
For investors making one or two large trades a year, this may not seem like a major issue. But for investors contributing monthly into ETFs or building a portfolio gradually, these fees can add up over time. If you are investing $200 a month and paying $2 per transaction, you are effectively starting each month’s investment with a 1.0% hole to climb out of before you have even earned a cent. Over a decade of monthly contributions, the amount adds up.
True $0 transaction fees mean paying neither commissions nor platform fees.
How This Helps Regular Investors
One of the most effective investing habits is consistency. Investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions, allows investors to benefit from dollar-cost averaging. You buy more units when prices are lower and fewer when prices are higher, helping smooth out short-term market volatility over time.
The challenge is that transaction fees reduce the value of every contribution.
If you invest $200 a month while paying $3 per transaction, you effectively start each month down 1.5% before earning any returns. Over many years, this can become a meaningful drag on your portfolio.
For more active investors, the costs can be even higher. High-frequency traders can spend up to a few hundred dollars a month on transaction fees alone. Over time, that can add up to several thousand dollars annually spent purely on trading costs.
For investors focused on long-term wealth building, these are costs worth paying attention to.
Webull Singapore also offers a Regular Savings Plan (RSP) that allows investors to invest in US stocks and ETFs automatically on a scheduled basis. With true zero fees, your savings are also compounded over the long term, so you keep every dollar that you earn.
Read Also: Understanding Dynamic RSP: How It Works & How It Differs From Traditional DCA
Building A US Portfolio From Singapore
For Singapore investors looking for exposure to US equities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are often a popular starting point. A broad market ETF tracking an index such as the S&P 500 provides diversified exposure to hundreds of companies through a single trade, usually at a relatively low expense ratio.
Beyond ETFs, some investors prefer building portfolios of individual US stocks based on sectors, themes or companies they believe in. Being able to invest in both individual stocks and ETFs within a single platform, while avoiding transaction fees, can make portfolio building simpler and more cost-efficient.
Costs That Still Remain
That said, removing commissions and platform fees does not mean investing becomes completely free. Investors should still understand the other costs and risks involved when investing in the US markets.
Currency conversion is one important consideration. Since US stocks and ETFs are priced in US dollars, Singapore investors need to convert Singapore dollars before investing. The exchange rate used and whether a platform applies a currency conversion spread will affect the overall cost of investing.
There are also regulatory fees outside a broker’s control. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charges a small transaction fee on sell orders, while the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) imposes trading activity fees on most US securities transactions. These fees are small, but they apply across all brokers.
For investors holding US-listed stocks, a 30% dividend withholding tax also applies under US tax rules. Since Singapore does not currently have a tax treaty with the US that reduces this rate for individual investors, the full amount is withheld before dividends are credited.
ETF investors should also consider expense ratios. While these costs are deducted within the fund rather than charged directly, they still reduce overall returns over time. Broad US market ETFs typically carry relatively low expense ratios, but it is still worth comparing across funds.
Start Investing In The US Market With Webull Singapore
The move towards true $0 transaction fees on US stocks and ETFs at Webull Singapore removes a cost that has quietly affected many investors, especially those investing regularly over time.
Webull Singapore is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and its parent company is listed on Nasdaq. Webull is available in 14 countries and has more than 26 million users worldwide.
Open an account with Webull Singapore to keep more of what you earn.
Webull Singapore is offering up to S$1,888* in welcome rewards for users who open an account and deposit, from now till 30 June 2026.
Read Also: Investor’s Guide To Webull, Possibly Singapore’s Most Cost-Efficient Broker
Disclaimers:
*Terms and Conditions apply. For detailed terms and conditions and full disclaimer, please refer to Webull Singapore’s website at https://www.webull.com.sg/. All investments involve risk and are not suited for every investor. All views expressed in the article are the objective opinions of DollarsAndSense.sg. Neither Webull Singapore or its affiliates shall be liable for the content of the information provided. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
