How to Buy Stocks in Malaysia
Open an account, get verified, fund it, and place your first trade — in days. Step by step, with moomoo as the example. Tap any step to see the app screen.
Educational guide, reviewed June 2026. Not financial advice — always verify current terms on the broker's official site.
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📈 Step-by-step (with moomoo)
Tap a step to expand it. The same flow works for most SC-licensed digital brokers — only the screens differ.
1Pick a regulated broker▾
Use an SC-licensed broker. We'll use moomoo — low fees, fully app-based. Compare the others first.
2Download the app & sign up▾
Install the moomoo app and sign up with your email or phone. You must be 18+ with a NRIC or passport.
3Verify your identity (eKYC)▾
Snap your MyKad (front & back) and take a selfie. Approval is usually 1–3 working days.
4Your CDS account is opened▾
moomoo opens your Bursa CDS account during sign-up (one-time RM10). For US stocks, sign the W-8BEN in-app.
5Fund your account▾
Transfer Ringgit via FPX / DuitNow from a bank account in your own name. Start small.
6Decide what to trade▾
Don't buy blindly — see what's moving on the Rates.my Trending Stocks heat list, then research the company.
7Place your first order▾
Search the ticker, tap Buy, set the quantity. A limit order only fills at your price; a market order fills now. The order book shows live buyers (green) and sellers (red).
8Track & keep learning▾
Watch your portfolio, set price alerts, reinvest dividends, and diversify. Invest only what you can afford to lose.
🔥 Not sure what to trade?
Before you buy, see what the market is actually trading. The Rates.my Trending Stocksheat list ranks the most active Bursa Malaysia and US stocks live — a great starting point to spot what's moving and research from there.
See Trending Stocks live →📄 Documents required
- ✓MyKad (NRIC) — clear photos of the front and back. Non-citizens: a valid passport.
- ✓A selfie / facial verification for the eKYC liveness check.
- ✓A Malaysian bank account in your own name (for deposits and withdrawals).
- ✓For US or foreign shares: a W-8BEN tax form — signed digitally inside the app.
- ✓Some brokers may also ask for proof of address (e.g. a utility bill or bank statement).
- ✓You must be at least 18 years old.
Exact requirements vary by broker — confirm on the broker's official app or website before signing up.
Educational information, not financial advice.Trading shares carries risk and you can lose money. Fees, promotions and account terms change frequently — always verify the current terms on each broker's official website. Rates.my is an independent information site, is not affiliated with these brokers, and is not a licensed financial advisor.
More from Rates.my
Beginner stock trading — FAQ
How much money do I need to start trading stocks in Malaysia?▾
Very little. Digital brokers like moomoo and Webull have no minimum deposit, so you can start with the cost of one share plus fees. A common beginner approach is to deposit a small amount (e.g. RM100–RM500) to learn the mechanics before committing more. Always invest only what you can afford to lose.
Do I need a CDS account, and how do I get one?▾
Yes — to trade Malaysian shares on Bursa Malaysia you need a Central Depository System (CDS) account. You don't open it separately: your broker opens it for you during the online sign-up (Bursa charges a one-time RM10). Digital brokers like moomoo, Webull and Rakuten Trade do this through their fully-online eKYC process.
Is moomoo safe and regulated in Malaysia?▾
Yes. moomoo operates as Moomoo Securities Malaysia and holds a Capital Markets Services Licence from the Securities Commission Malaysia. Webull, Rakuten Trade and the bank-backed brokers (Maybank, Kenanga, CGS) are also SC-licensed. Interactive Brokers isn't SC-regulated but is regulated overseas. Always confirm a broker's licence before depositing money.
What documents do I need to open a stock trading account?▾
For most Malaysian brokers you need your MyKad (NRIC) — front and back — and a selfie for the eKYC liveness check, plus a Malaysian bank account in your own name for funding. To trade US stocks you also sign a W-8BEN tax form digitally in the app. Some brokers may request proof of address. You must be 18 or older.
How do I know which stocks to buy?▾
Start by seeing what's active and moving — the Rates.my Trending Stocks page ranks the most-traded Bursa Malaysia and US stocks live by a 'heat' score. Use it to spot what's getting attention, then do your own research on the company's business and financials. Trending isn't the same as a buy recommendation — never chase hype, and consider diversifying.
What's the difference between a market order and a limit order?▾
A market order buys (or sells) immediately at the best available current price — fast, but the exact price isn't guaranteed. A limit order only executes at the price you set or better, giving you price control but no guarantee it fills. Beginners often use limit orders to avoid overpaying on volatile stocks.