Best platform for one-off US share purchase?

ruby_eskimo

Hi everyone, I've tried searching but can't really find an answer to my question so thought I'd just start a thread.  I already have savings and a S&S ISA etc., but I also want to literally purchase 1 -2 shares as a one off in a particular American company.  This would be something that I'd hold on to for a longer term thing so wouldn't be looking to trade regularly (my S&S ISA is managed for me as my appetite for risk is quite low!).  Which platform would you suggest for just this seemingly one off purchase?

Thrugelmir

May depend on the company concerned. As you'll need a platform through which you can trade the stock. 

maxsteam

There are lots of low cost trading options around. It's possible that you may be able to do what you want with your existing platforms. I am cautious about recommending that you proceed as it's unusual for a UK investor to want to buy one or two US shares. I hope that you have not received information about a mining company that has just found new deposits of gold which no one else knows about, or some similar tale.

[Deleted User]

It's not unusual.

Compare the FX commission rates of competitors - can be up to 1%, which is 2% if you're going to sell at some point.

ruby_eskimo

Thrugelmir said:

May depend on the company concerned. As you'll need a platform through which you can trade the stock. 

Thanks, they're seemingly available on all platforms so I'm a little spoilt for choice!

ruby_eskimo

maxsteam said:

There are lots of low cost trading options around. It's possible that you may be able to do what you want with your existing platforms. I am cautious about recommending that you proceed as it's unusual for a UK investor to want to buy one or two US shares. I hope that you have not received information about a mining company that has just found new deposits of gold which no one else knows about, or some similar tale.

Oh don't worry, it's more a symbolic purchase rather than an investment for making money; kind of like "I've always wanted to own a share in X company".  The company is long established and in a fairly stable industry so it's not an "investment" to see my money grow, although that would be a bonus further along the line!  Oh and it's not Apple / Microsoft / Tesla, it's a bit more niche than that.

ruby_eskimo

ZingPowZing said:

It's not unusual.

Compare the FX commission rates of competitors - can be up to 1%, which is 2% if you're going to sell at some point.

Thanks, I keep seeing the "free" share platforms like eToro / Trading 212 / Freetrade mentioned in the online searches I've done which have no commission and fairly reasonable exchange rates for currency, but just seems a bit too good to be true!?

TheAble

You may just as well tuck them into your existing S&S ISA if they do stockbroking? Not sure it's worth opening another account. Typically those "free" providers make their money by loading the bid/offer spread, as well as other things.

[Deleted User]

That’s right and reminds me - don’t buy before 14:30 when Wall St opens - the spreads would be wide.