I currently use Fidelity as a Broker, and Active Trader Pro as a Platform to Day Trade, Swing Trade, and Manage my Retirement and Investment Accounts. I Day Trade 4 days a week on average, have Active Trader Status and Mark to Market Accounting (475f) with the IRS. In 2 Years, I am planning to move to Northern Thailand to live. I may decide to move elsewhere, like Portugal. I called Fidelity and found out that Trading from most places overseas is not allowed per an internal policy they have. So, it seems I must look for a different Broker. I have a passive income stream, and another that kicks in in 2 years allowing me to retire. I always loved Thailand and SE Asia so I am going to try and live there. I am not interested in Bangkok, but love Chiang Mai area, I digress. I like Day Trading, so I would like to keep doing it. It does generate a good added income stream (20k or so a year). I am interested in hearing from anyone else who Day Trades/Trades actively from outside a US Territory. What Broker do you use? I am sure there may be something I need to be aware of that I did not think of. What do I need to know?
These guys recommend IB and Schwab. Not having made the move yet myself overseas (thinking maybe in about 3 years time) I have no opinion. https://usexpatinvesting.com/educat...x-pats/what-is-the-best-brokerage-for-expats/
This post is on reditt "Good news, in most cases, you can access all Fidelity platforms (Fidelity.com, Active Trader Pro (ATP), and the mobile app) while out of the country. When accessing our platforms on a foreign IP address, you'll be prompted to agree to the International Usage Agreement. Note, if you are traveling to a country that has been sanctioned by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and attempt to access any Fidelity platform, your profile may be restricted."
Per Fidelity directly, what you say is true, when on vacation, or short stays. If you relocate to outside US territories, they will not permit usage and your account will be restricted. The usage agreement probably states this as well. Now, using a VPN, etc, I can try and fool them into thinking I am still in the US, but that is not my goal. Per Fidelity this is an internal Fidelity Policy. IB, and Schwab are ok options, I just did not want to change unless I had to.
in my experience, Fidelity is the worst broker in comparison to Schwab, Etrade, TD Ameritrade, Merrill Edge. their help desk is a pathetic virtual assistant, who keys in your words, then provides irrelevant, mechanical answers. it's been quite frustrating. they don't provide a means for you to send emails. years ago, there was a guy did a series of videos on day trading from SE Asia (kinda pros and cons type of videos). you might want to search for it on youtube. Day Trading in the Phi Phi Islands | Thailand Travel - YouTube
You can Google platforms promoted in Thailand. You will need to ensure they accept US citizens on their platform, if you are. All else regarding taxes and filing will remain the same.
TY for the information. I have never had an issue with CS at Fidelity. In fact I find it great and very fast. Call in, get identified with voice, state why calling, get connected. I am a Premium Service client so I may get faster treatment, not sure. You can send emails, use chat, call on phone. They are very conservative as far as legal things go, and this is one of those things I feel. Schwab bought TD Ameritrade in 2019 FYI. I have called IB, they offer more than anyone I feel is going to be the case. They offer trading on foreign exchanges too. I just started the planning on this, so much to consider.
TY! I am a US Citizen. I have googled that and just have not had time to explore them yet. I may opt to have both a US and a local broker if that works best. A lot has to do with FATCA it seems Why US Brokerage Accounts of American Expats are Being Closed (creativeplanning.com)
Yes FATCA is a problem for financial institutions around the world and they'd rather not deal with US citizens. I've had that experience with Thailand and Europe.