If you’re based in the UK and want to buy Amazon stock, you’ll need to do so through a share dealing platform or investment app that gives access to US markets. Amazon, listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol AMZN, is a US company, so you can’t buy its shares through the London Stock Exchange. However, many UK-based brokers offer access to international stocks, including Amazon, with just a few taps or clicks.
Before investing, you’ll need to set up an investment account with a trusted broker, fund your account, and then place a trade for Amazon shares. The process is simple once you're registered, and most platforms offer tools to guide beginners.
Where Can You Buy Amazon Shares in the UK
UK investors can buy Amazon shares through various FCA-regulated brokers. These include well-known platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor, eToro, Trading 212, and Freetrade. These platforms provide access to US stocks and often allow you to buy fractional shares, meaning you don’t need to purchase a full share if you don’t want to. This can be helpful given Amazon’s share price, which is typically higher than many UK-listed companies.
Make sure to check for any foreign exchange fees, trading commissions, or account costs before placing a trade. These vary depending on the broker and can affect your total investment return.
How to Fund Your Investment Account
Once you’ve chosen a broker and set up your account, the next step is to fund it. This is usually done by linking a UK bank account or debit card. Some investment platforms offer instant deposits, while others may take one or two business days to process funds. Most accounts are held in GBP, but since Amazon trades in USD, your broker will convert the currency during the transaction. Be aware of the exchange rate used and any conversion fees.
Do You Need a US Trading Account to Buy Amazon Stock
You don’t need to open a US-based trading account to invest in Amazon from the UK. Reputable UK investment platforms handle all the cross-border regulatory and currency exchange processes for you. All you need is a standard investment or trading account with international access. Some investors choose to open a Stocks and Shares ISA if they want to shelter any gains from capital gains tax, although ISAs don’t always allow access to US stocks, depending on the provider.
Can You Buy Fractional Shares of Amazon
Yes, many platforms now offer the ability to buy fractional shares, which means you can invest in Amazon without needing the full share price. This allows you to invest as little as £1 or £10, depending on the platform’s minimum. It’s a great option for first-time investors or those who want to diversify across multiple stocks without committing large amounts of money to one company.
Fractional investing gives more people access to big-name stocks like Amazon without requiring thousands of pounds up front.
Can You Earn Dividends from Amazon Shares
Amazon does not currently pay dividends. This means if you invest in the company, your potential earnings would come from capital growth — the rise in the value of Amazon’s share price — rather than regular dividend income. Amazon has historically reinvested its profits back into the business to fuel expansion, so it appeals more to growth investors than income seekers. If your goal is long-term capital gains rather than short-term income, Amazon remains a strong contender in the tech sector.
Is It Safe to Invest in Amazon Stock from the UK
Buying Amazon shares from the UK is safe if done through an FCA-regulated broker. These firms are required to follow strict rules to protect investors, including keeping client funds in segregated accounts and offering access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in some cases. As with any investment, stock prices can go up or down, and you may not get back the full amount you invested. It's important to invest based on your financial goals and risk tolerance, and to do your research or seek financial advice if needed.
How to Track the Performance of Your Amazon Shares
Once you’ve purchased Amazon stock, your investment platform will show you the current value of your shares and your gains or losses. Most platforms offer real-time charts, performance summaries, and news updates specific to your holdings. If you’re serious about monitoring your investment, you might also want to use financial news apps like Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, or even Google Finance to stay updated on Amazon’s share price and earnings reports.
For a more hands-on approach, some investors also set up alerts that notify them when Amazon’s stock hits certain price targets — useful if you plan to buy more shares or sell based on performance.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Amazon Stock
There’s no perfect time to buy Amazon shares — or any stock, for that matter. Some investors prefer a “buy and hold” approach, purchasing stock regardless of short-term market conditions and holding it long-term to ride out any dips. Others try to “time the market” by buying during pullbacks or price corrections.
For UK investors, the timing may also be influenced by currency exchange rates. Because Amazon stock is priced in US dollars, the strength of the pound against the dollar can slightly impact your buying cost. If the pound is strong, you’ll get more for your money when converting to dollars.
Tax Considerations for UK Investors
If you hold Amazon stock in a general investment account, you may be liable for capital gains tax when you sell your shares for a profit. You may also need to pay tax on foreign dividends — although Amazon doesn’t currently pay dividends. To reduce your tax exposure, consider using a Stocks and Shares ISA, which allows for tax-free gains and income. However, not all ISA providers offer access to US shares, so you'll need to check before setting one up.
Keep in mind that even with an ISA, currency conversion fees still apply, and your investment is still subject to market risk.
What to Know About Currency Risk
Since Amazon trades in US dollars, UK investors are also exposed to currency risk. This means that even if Amazon’s share price stays the same, fluctuations between GBP and USD could affect the value of your investment. If the pound weakens, your US shares are worth more in pounds. If the pound strengthens, your shares might be worth slightly less when converted. Most platforms convert your money at the point of trade, but it’s a factor to be aware of when calculating your real returns.
What Happens If Amazon Does a Stock Split
Amazon has done stock splits in the past, and more could happen in the future. A stock split increases the number of shares in circulation while reducing the price per share, without changing the overall market value. If Amazon does another split and you already own shares, your number of shares would increase proportionally, but your total investment value would stay the same.
Stock splits don’t affect your actual ownership or the company’s fundamentals — but they can make the stock more accessible to smaller investors, especially those not using fractional share platforms.
Summary
To purchase Amazon stock from the UK, you’ll need to open an account with a broker that offers access to US markets. Once your account is funded, you can place an order for Amazon shares directly. Whether you’re buying whole shares or just a fraction, the process is straightforward — and accessible to both beginners and experienced investors. Just be sure to understand the fees involved, and consider using a regulated, reputable platform to manage your investment safely.