General Information

1. What are the key characteristics of GIFT IFSC?

GIFT IFSC (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre. It enables global investment and international stock trading under a unified regulatory environment governed by IFSCA. GIFT IFSC offers tax benefits, liberal regulations, and access to global financial markets.

Bonanza IFSC provides a platform for global investments, including access to the US stock market and international financial instruments. Services include Derivatives Trading via NSEIX and India INX, portfolio advisory, and account opening for US stocks. Indian residents (under LRS) can get access to the US market only. NRIs and OCIs can avail the full range of services offered by Bonanza IFSC.

Clients can trade on top global exchanges including NYSE, NASDAQ, NSEIX (NSE International Exchange), and India INX (India International Exchange). This ensures broad market access through regulated exchange platforms operating from within GIFT City.

Yes, Bonanza IFSC provides personalized research and advisory services on international investments, including insights on best US stocks to invest in, top global stocks, and current market trends.

Any eligible Indian resident under LRS, NRI, or OCI can open an international investment account. Account opening is completely online and includes KYC and compliance as per IFSCA rules.

Yes, video KYC is mandatory as per IFSCA’s digital onboarding guidelines.

Trades are settled in USD or other freely convertible currencies, making it a true global investing gateway from India.

Investor issues are resolved under the IFSCA grievance redressal framework, providing international investors with transparent dispute resolution.

Currency fluctuations can affect global investment returns. You would be hedged against INR depreciation and hence can avail full benefit of the generated returns.

Investing via GIFT IFSC exempts you from Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT), GST on brokerage, and Stamp Duty. These exemptions make GIFT IFSC one of the most cost-effective routes for global investing from India.

Trading sessions (6:30 AM to 15:40 PM and 16:05 PM to 2:45 AM IST for NSEIX, For India Inx Sensex and Other Instrument Timing Is 4:30 Am To 17:00 PM 1st Session and for 2nd Session Time Is 17:00:01 To 2:45 AM ; 19:00 PM to 1:30 AM IST for US markets).

You can trade in Indian Index Derivatives via NSEIX and India INX, invest in US stocks, global ETFs, and Depository Receipts. Investments can also be made in Mutual Funds, AIFs, and Insurance schemes operating from GIFT IFSC.

GIFT IFSC is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), which provides a unified and liberal framework for international financial activity.

SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) is a US-based nonprofit that protects clients of member brokerages in the event of a firm’s insolvency. Investments made in US markets through Bonanza IFSC are covered under SIPC protection up to USD 500,000, which includes up to USD 250,000 for cash claims. This protection applies in the event of broker failure and provides an important safety net for investors holding US equities. This coverage applies to both Indian residents and NRIs investing in US stocks.

Yes. Bonanza IFSC allows fractional investing, which means you can buy a portion of any high-value US stock with as little as USD 5. You do not need to purchase a whole share of companies like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, or Google. This makes global investing accessible to everyone regardless of capital size and helps you build a well-diversified portfolio without large upfront investment.

Bigul Global Investment has integrations with leading Indian banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Bank. Through partnerships with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, clients benefit from zero platform fee for INR to USD conversion, making it one of the most competitively priced platforms available. Clients using these banks are required to pay only GST and applicable Forex Markup Fees. For Kotak Bank and other banks, standard bank charges apply in addition. Fund transfers can be initiated through any bank that supports international fund transfers under LRS.

For NRIs and IFSC entities, intraday trading is permitted. For Indian resident investors under LRS, the system allows you to sell shares purchased on the same trading day. However, margins remain blocked until settlement (T+2) as the RBI does not permit leverage-based or margin trading for resident Indian investors under the LRS framework.

The Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) is an RBI framework that allows Indian residents to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permissible purposes including investments in overseas stocks and ETFs. All investments made by Indian residents through Bonanza IFSC in the US market fall under the LRS framework. Funds are remitted in USD from an LRS-enabled Indian bank account to your investment wallet, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

To close your account, you must first ensure there is no negative balance, sell all existing holdings, withdraw any remaining cash balance, and download all required reports including trade confirmations, ledger, and P&L statements. Submit a formal closure request through the registered email or support channel. Account closure is typically processed within 2 working days. Please note that any residual dividends or corporate action proceeds credited after closure may not be recoverable.

Yes. Bonanza IFSC clients can invest and manage their portfolio through the Bigul Global Investment App, available on both the App Store and Google Play Store. The app offers real-time access to 12,000+ US stocks and ETFs, live portfolio tracking, fund transfer capabilities, and order execution. NRI clients can also trade on NSEIX and India INX exchange platforms through the dedicated mobile and web platform.

Indian Residents

1. Are Indian residents allowed to invest through GIFT IFSC?

Yes. Under the RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can invest up to USD 250,000 per financial year in the US stock market through Bonanza IFSC. Indian residents can access the US market including 12,000+ US stocks and ETFs. Please note that Derivatives trading on NSEIX and India INX is available for NRIs and is not within the LRS product scope for Indian residents.

Funds can be transferred from any LRS-enabled Indian bank that supports international outward remittance. For the most competitive INR to USD conversion rates, it is recommended to use HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, or Axis Bank. Transfers through these banks attract only GST and applicable Forex Markup Fees with no additional bank charges on the platform. For Kotak Bank and other banks, standard bank remittance charges of approximately INR 500 to 2,000 may also apply. Funds are typically credited to your investment wallet within 1 to 3 business days.

Certain incomes are tax-exempt in GIFT IFSC under Section 80LA. No STT, CTT, GST or Stamp Duty is levied.

No, DDT is not applicable. Dividends are taxed in the hands of the investor as per their income slab.

Yes, income from international investments needs to be reported in your ITR, as per Indian tax laws.

Yes. Indian residents can invest in a wide range of global ETFs including those tracking major US indices such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average. Thematic investment baskets across sectors like technology, healthcare, clean energy, and electric vehicles are also accessible. Investments are made through the Bigul Global Investment App and are fully compliant with RBI’s LRS framework.

Under the RBI’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for overseas investments. This limit applies cumulatively across all LRS purposes including education, travel, gifts, and investments. For example, if you have already spent USD 80,000 on overseas education in the same financial year, only USD 170,000 remains available for investment purposes.

Account opening is fully online and paperless.

  • Step 1: Download the Bigul Global Investment App or visit the web platform.
  • Step 2: Complete your KYC by submitting PAN card, Aadhaar, and address proof digitally.
  • Step 3: Complete the Video KYC process as mandated by IFSCA.
  • Step 4: Set up your LRS-enabled bank account for fund transfer.
  • Step 5: Fund your account in USD and start investing. The entire process takes as little as a few minutes and requires no branch visit.

No. There is zero Annual Maintenance Charge (AMC) for accounts opened with Bonanza IFSC. Account opening is also completely free. You will not be charged any periodic fixed fees for simply holding an account, ensuring that your investment returns are not diluted by recurring charges.

Dividends declared by US companies are credited directly to your investment wallet. For fractional shareholdings, dividends are credited proportionately. A US withholding tax of 25% is deducted before the dividend is credited. The net dividend can be reinvested in more US stocks or transferred to your linked Indian savings account. The withheld tax amount can be claimed as a foreign tax credit when filing your Income Tax Return in India.

The system allows Indian resident investors to sell shares purchased on the same trading day. However, margin will remain blocked until settlement (T+2) since the RBI does not permit margin or leverage-based trading for resident Indians under LRS. This means intraday trading is possible but must be backed by actual funds, not borrowed capital.

Yes. Your investments are protected on multiple levels. First, Bonanza IFSC is fully regulated by IFSCA, the statutory authority established by the Government of India. Second, your US stock holdings are protected by SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) up to USD 500,000, including up to USD 250,000 for cash, in the event of broker insolvency. Third, all transactions are conducted through regulated banking partners and compliant international brokerage infrastructure. These layers ensure a high standard of safety and transparency for every investor.

NRIs

If you hold an Indian passport but reside at an overseas address, you are classified as an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) as per FEMA regulations. You are fully eligible to open an investment account with Bonanza IFSC. You will need to submit NRI-specific KYC documents including your Passport, PAN Card, valid Visa, overseas address proof, recent bank statement, and photographs. Our onboarding team will guide you through the process from start to finish.

The following documents are required for NRI account opening:

  1. PAN Card
  2. Passport (First & Last Pages)
  3. OCI Card (For foreign passport holders only)
  4. Latest Immigration Stamp Page (Last India arrival/departure stamp)
  5. Foreign Address Proof (Any one):
    • Utility Bill
    • OCI
    • Driving License
    • Foreign ID
    • Latest 3-month Bank Statement
  6. Foreign ID Proof (Any one)
    • Visa
    • Work Permit
    • OCI
  7. Income Proof (Any one):
    • Last 3 months’ Salary Slips
    • Net Worth Certificate
    • Form 16
    • ITR
    • Last 6-month Bank Statement
  8. Tax Proof (Applicable for countries under FATCA regulations)
  9. Nominee ID Proof: PAN Card
  10. Nominee Address Proof: Aadhaar Card or Passport

You can repatriate funds via authorized dealer banks after submitting necessary documentation and transaction proof.

There are no prescribed limits by IFSCA. However, banks may have internal thresholds for due diligence.

Income earned may be subject to TDS in India, but exemptions may apply under DTAA.

Yes, NRIs can claim benefits under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement by submitting a Tax Residency Certificate.

Investing through GIFT IFSC offers NRIs several clear advantages over domestic Indian exchanges. Firstly, NRIs gain direct access to US stocks, global ETFs on Bigul Global investment App and Derivatives on NSEIX and India INX in USD, with no LRS limits applying to NRIs. Secondly, GIFT IFSC provides significant tax benefits including exemptions from STT, CTT, GST on brokerage, and Stamp Duty. Thirdly, investments are settled in USD, providing a natural currency hedge. Fourthly, the entire account management, trading, and fund transfer process is available online through a dedicated mobile and web platform. Additionally, investments in US markets are protected under SIPC up to USD 500,000.

Yes. NRIs can fully manage their account online through a dedicated mobile app and web platform. This includes trading on NSEIX and India INX exchange platforms, portfolio tracking in real time, fund transfers, and 24/7 customer support. The platform is accessible from anywhere in the world. A dedicated Relationship Manager is also assigned to every NRI client for personalized assistance.

All corporate actions including dividends, bonus shares, stock splits, and rights entitlements are processed and credited directly to your investment account. For dividends on US stocks, applicable US withholding tax is deducted before crediting. The net dividend amount can be reinvested or repatriated to your overseas bank account. Bonus shares and other entitlements are reflected in your holdings automatically. You will be notified of all corporate actions through your registered contact details.

You must inform Bonanza IFSC of any change in residency status to ensure compliance.

Yes. The NRI account opening process with Bonanza IFSC is completely digital and paperless. You can complete the entire process online including document submission, Video KYC, and account activation without visiting any branch. The process typically takes a few minutes to submit and your account is activated subject to verification. Our onboarding team provides step-by-step guidance throughout the process.

Yes. NRIs can trade in Derivatives including Indian Index Futures and Options available on NSEIX and India INX. This enables NRIs to take directional positions on Indian markets in USD, hedge their existing portfolios, and participate in global derivative products. Derivative trading for NRIs is permitted under IFSCA regulations and is subject to the applicable norms of the country of residence.

Yes. Every NRI client at Bonanza IFSC is assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager who assists with account opening, fund transfers, product understanding, and portfolio support. In addition to personalized relationship management, Bonanza maintains pan-India branch support across 350+ outlets and provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring NRI clients always have access to expert assistance regardless of time zone.

Yes. NRI investments in US stocks through Bonanza IFSC are protected under SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) up to USD 500,000, including up to USD 250,000 for cash claims, in the event of broker insolvency. Additionally, Bonanza IFSC is regulated by IFSCA and operates as an authorized trading member on NSEIX and India INX, providing a fully regulated and compliant investment environment for NRIs.

NRIs can fund their account by transferring funds from their overseas bank account or NRE/NRO account in USD or other IFSCA-permitted foreign currencies. There are no prescribed investment limits by IFSCA for NRIs. The fund transfer process is digital and the funds are typically credited within 1 to 3 business days. Our team provides complete assistance with the remittance process and required documentation.

Yes. Through NSEIX and India INX, NRIs can trade Indian Index Derivatives including GIFT Nifty and India INX Sensex Derivatives in USD. This allows NRIs to gain exposure to Indian market movements and hedge their India-linked portfolios, all from within a fully regulated GIFT City framework and settled in foreign currency. This is one of the key advantages of investing through GIFT IFSC compared to domestic Indian exchanges.

Bank & Other Charges

1. In which currencies can I fund my account?

You can fund your account in USD and other IFSCA-permitted foreign currencies.

If you transfer funds via HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, or Axis Bank, there are no bank charges on the platform. Only GST and applicable Forex Markup Fees will apply. For transfers via Kotak Bank or any other bank, an additional charge of approximately INR 500 to INR 2,000 per transaction may be levied by the bank for LRS processing, over and above GST and Forex Markup. Fund transfers can be initiated from any bank that permits international outward remittance under LRS.

Yes, Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 annually under LRS. No limit for NRIs within FEMA bounds.

Generally 1-3 business days, depending on the remitting bank and currency.

Bonanza IFSC does not mandate a minimum trading balance, though a minimum funding may be advised to start trading.

Account opening is completely free. There are no Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) applicable to your account, regardless of activity level or the size of your holdings.

No, Bonanza IFSC does not charge custody fees for holding international securities.

Currency conversion charges include GST and a Forex Markup fee applied at the time of INR to USD conversion. The exact markup depends on the bank you use. Using preferred banking partners such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, or Axis Bank ensures the most competitive conversion rates available on the platform, with no additional bank charges. The goal is to make INR to USD conversion as cost-effective as possible for all clients.

Withdrawals back to your Indian savings account are processed at zero charges on the platform. Fast and free withdrawal is one of the core features of Bonanza IFSC. There are no platform-side fees for transferring your funds back to India.

Brokerage is charged on executed trades in US stocks and ETFs. For Indian Index Derivatives traded on NSEIX and India INX, standard exchange-determined fees apply. There are no hidden commissions or additional advisory fees. All applicable charges are transparently disclosed at the time of order placement. For a full and current fee schedule, please refer to the Pricing page on the Bonanza IFSC website.

No. Bonanza IFSC follows a fully transparent fee structure with no hidden charges. The charges you will encounter are: brokerage on executed trades, GST and Forex Markup on INR to USD conversion (varies by bank), and standard regulatory levies such as exchange fees where applicable. There are no account opening fees, no Annual Maintenance Charges, no custody fees, and no withdrawal charges on the platform. All charges are disclosed upfront so you always know the true cost of your investment.

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