How to buy AI stocks.
Buying AI stocks works the same as buying any public stock. You need a brokerage account with access to the exchange where the stock trades, funds to invest, and the correct ticker symbol. This guide covers the full process.
Step-by-step: how to buy an AI stock.
Decide which AI stock you want to buy.
Most major AI stocks trade on US exchanges (NASDAQ or NYSE). Nvidia (NVDA), AMD (AMD), TSMC (TSM), and the hyperscalers (AMZN, GOOGL, MSFT) are the most liquid. Smaller names may trade on other exchanges or have wider spreads. See our best AI stocks list for a starting point.
Choose a broker.
Pick a regulated broker with access to the exchange where your target stock trades. Factors to compare: commission rates, minimum deposit, available markets, and whether fractional shares are supported. We compare the main options below.
Open and fund your account.
Most online brokers complete identity verification in under 15 minutes. You will need a government-issued ID and proof of address. Funding is typically via bank transfer or debit card. Minimum deposits vary by broker.
Search for the ticker symbol.
In your broker's search, enter the ticker symbol (e.g. NVDA for Nvidia). Always confirm the exchange in the search result to make sure you are buying the right instrument. Some international exchanges list different shares under similar symbols.
Place your order.
A market order executes at the current price. A limit order lets you set a maximum price. For fractional shares, you enter a dollar amount instead of a share count. Review the order summary, including any commission or spread, before confirming.
Which broker should you use?
The right broker depends on your location. eToro is available to investors in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Robinhood is US-only. Interactive Brokers has the widest international coverage. See our full broker comparison.
eToro
Europe, Middle East, Australia (not US/Canada)
Buy Nvidia, AMD, TSMC, and the wider AI stock universe on a multi-asset platform with fractional shares and zero commission on US stocks where available.
- US and global stocks
- Fractional shares from $10
- Zero commission on stocks*
- Copy trading and social features
Robinhood
US only
Commission-free US stock trading with fractional shares and an easy-to-use mobile app. Good for US investors buying AI names like Nvidia and AMD.
- Zero commission trades
- Fractional shares
- Options and crypto available
- US investors only
Interactive Brokers
Global
Professional-grade broker with global market access including Korean Exchange stocks (SK Hynix, Samsung) and competitive commissions for active traders.
- Global market access
- Low commissions for active traders
- Fractional shares available
- US and international investors
DEGIRO
Europe
Low-cost European broker with access to 50+ exchanges including US, Korean, and Dutch-listed AI stocks. Popular with investors in the EU.
- Low flat-rate commissions
- 50+ global exchanges
- No monthly fee account
- EU and European investors
Capital at risk. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Australian residents: eToro Service (ARSN 637 489 466). Capital at risk. See PDS and TMD. Zero commission on stocks does not apply to short or leveraged positions; other fees may apply. Some links on this page are partner or affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up. This never affects our analysis or recommendations. See our affiliate disclosure.
What about pre-IPO AI stocks?
Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI, Mistral, and other frontier AI labs are still private. You cannot buy their shares through a standard broker. Options for accredited investors include secondary-market platforms that facilitate trades of existing private-company shares.
These transactions are higher risk than buying public stocks. Liquidity is limited, minimum investments are high, and there is no guarantee the company will ever list.
See our full pre-IPO AI companies guide.
What to consider before buying AI stocks.
- Concentration risk. AI spending is currently dominated by a handful of hyperscalers. A slowdown in their capex plans affects Nvidia, AMD, and the supply chain simultaneously.
- Valuation. Many AI names trade at high earnings multiples, pricing in years of future growth. If revenue growth slows, re-rating risk is significant.
- Geopolitics. Export controls on advanced chips, particularly to China, directly affect the revenue of Nvidia, TSMC, and others.
- Competition. Nvidia's market position is strong but not guaranteed. AMD, Google TPUs, and custom chips from hyperscalers are all eating into its total addressable market over time.
- Diversification. Buying an AI ETF spreads risk across many names. A single stock concentrates your exposure to one company's execution.
This guide covers mechanics, not investment advice. All AI investments carry significant risk. Read our full disclaimer.