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Netflix has evolved from a streaming platform into a global entertainment and technology business. It’s a global studio, a data-savvy tech firm, and one of the most watched companies on Wall Street. For UK investors, it offers a way to gain exposure to America’s fast-moving entertainment and technology sectors. Still, investing in Netflix involves more than just tapping ‘play’.
If you want to learn how to invest in Netflix and earn money, this guide is tailored for you. Note that UK investors can access Netflix shares through regulated platforms. But there are several practical and financial considerations to weigh before making a decision.
In This Guide
The Basics of How to Invest in Netflix Shares
When you buy Netflix shares, you’re becoming a part-owner of the business. Not the shows, but the company behind them, the teams, the strategy, the data, and the global expansion.
As an investor, you make money in one of two ways:
- Share price growth: If Netflix gains in market value, your shares may rise accordingly. This is the main route to returns.
- Dividends: Netflix doesn’t currently pay any. Instead, it reinvests its earnings into new content and international growth.
If you’re considering investing in Netflix, the focus is on long-term growth prospects rather than immediate returns. You’re backing its ability to keep subscribers engaged, outpace rivals, and stay ahead in a fast-moving industry.
How to Access Netflix Shares from the UK
Netflix is listed on the NASDAQ exchange in the United States under the ticker NFLX. While you won’t find it on the London Stock Exchange, UK investors can still buy shares through platforms that offer access to US stock markets.
These UK-based brokers allow you to invest in Netflix shares:
- Interactive Investor – a flat-fee platform offering access to US stocks, including Netflix
- Hargreaves Lansdown – supports US share trading, including NASDAQ-listed companies like Netflix
- eToro – a commission-free platform popular with beginners, offering fractional Netflix shares
- Freetrade – lets UK users buy US stocks with a simple app interface
- DEGIRO – low-cost access to international markets, including the US
Before choosing a platform for buying NFLX stocks, check whether it offers:
- Access to the NASDAQ stock exchange
- Reasonable trading and account fees
- Clear terms for currency conversion from pounds to dollars
- Transparent FX spreads (even when no direct fee is charged)
Buying Netflix from the UK is straightforward. However, the platform you use can significantly affect your costs and experience.
How to Buy Netflix Shares in the UK
Once you’ve chosen a platform that gives access to the NASDAQ exchange, buying Netflix shares is a relatively simple process, but a few important steps are worth noting.
Here’s how to invest in Netflix UK:
- Set up your account
Register with a trading platform that supports US stocks. This will involve verifying your identity and linking a UK bank account. - Add funds and prepare for currency conversion
You’ll typically deposit money in pounds, but Netflix trades in US dollars. Most brokers handle the conversion automatically, though fees and rates vary. Ensure you check them before funding. - Find the stock
Search for Netflix using its ticker symbol: NFLX. Make sure you’re viewing the listing on the NASDAQ exchange. - Place your order
You can choose a market order (buy at the current price) or a limit order (set a price you’re willing to pay, and the trade executes only if it reaches that level). The latter gives you more control, especially in volatile markets. - Track your investment
Once your order is confirmed, you’ll see the shares in your portfolio. You can monitor performance, view price history, and decide whether to hold, sell, or buy more over time.
Keep in mind: most platforms let you buy fractional shares, so you don’t need hundreds of pounds to get started. Even £10 can be enough to take a position.
What’s the Minimum Required Investment for Netflix?
Netflix shares are not cheap in absolute terms. As of mid-2025, one share costs over £850. But most UK brokers allow fractional investing, meaning you can invest in part of a share – say, £10 or £50 worth.
That said, watch out for minimum funding requirements on your chosen platform. Some brokers require a starting balance of £50 or £100 before you can begin trading. Settle for what you can afford.
What Makes Netflix an Attractive Investment
Netflix occupies a rare space in the global entertainment landscape. Active in over 190 countries, it’s more than a streaming platform. It’s a producer, a tech firm, and a data-driven business with enormous reach.
For UK investors, its steady subscription model stands out. Monthly payments from millions of users offer a degree of income predictability that few media firms can match.
Original series like The Crown and Stranger Things have helped build strong brand loyalty. And behind the content, Netflix uses viewing data to inform its investment decisions, giving it a strategic edge.
Even so, competition is intense, and producing standout content comes at a high cost. As rivals expand and viewer habits shift, Netflix must constantly adapt. Long-term growth remains possible, but never guaranteed.
Costs, Taxes and Risks of Buying Netflix Shares
Investing in Netflix from the UK involves more than just picking a stock investment platform. Between currency exchange, tax rules and market volatility, it’s worth understanding what you’re getting into.
Costs and charges come first. Most UK brokers convert your pounds into US dollars to complete the trade, and they rarely do it for free. Expect a currency conversion fee of around 0.5% to 1.5%, plus a potential spread that gives you a weaker exchange rate.
On top of that, some platforms charge a trading fee per deal. This is either as a flat rate (like £9.99) or a small percentage of the transaction amount.
Even if Netflix doesn’t currently pay dividends, there are tax implications to consider. US-listed shares are subject to withholding tax on any income. Filing a W-8BEN form through your broker can reduce this from 30% to 15%, which is useful if you later buy other dividend-paying US stocks.
And don’t forget UK capital gains tax. If your profits exceed the current allowance (£3,000 for 2025–26), they may be taxable.
Then come the risks. Netflix is part of the tech and media sector, where share prices can move sharply in response to news, trends or quarterly results. The company also faces intense competition from giants like Disney and Amazon, rising production costs, and the challenge of retaining subscribers in mature markets.
Add to that Netflix’s substantial debt, used to finance its original programming, and it’s clear that this isn’t a low-risk investment. Anyone buying shares should be comfortable with short-term swings and focused on long-term outcomes.
Risk Factors in Investing in Netflix
Netflix is a well-known brand, but its shares remain exposed to the swings and pressures common in the tech and media. The stock often reacts sharply to earnings updates, subscriber numbers, or shifting market sentiment.
Competition is intensifying. Platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime continue to invest heavily in content and global expansion, making it challenging for Netflix to maintain its edge. Producing standout shows isn’t cheap, and Netflix carries significant debt to keep content flowing.
Subscriber growth, once explosive, is slowing in mature markets. Further expansion may depend on raising prices or entering new regions, both of which bring challenges.
Netflix can be part of a long-term portfolio, but it’s not immune to risk. Investors should expect volatility and have a clear view of why they’re holding the stock.
How to Gain Exposure to Netflix Through a Fund
Buying individual shares isn’t the only way to invest in Netflix. If you prefer a broader, more diversified approach, you can access the stock through certain US or global index funds.
These funds, often called ETFs (exchange-traded funds), hold dozens or even hundreds of companies in a single investment package. Netflix is included in several widely available options, such as:
- iShares S&P 500 UCITS ETF (CSP1)
- Vanguard U.S. Equity Index Fund
- Invesco QQQ ETF
By investing in one of these, you get partial exposure to Netflix alongside other large US firms. This spreads your risk and reduces reliance on any single company.
It’s a more hands-off option, especially suited to those building a long-term portfolio without managing individual stocks.
FAQs
Can I buy Netflix shares using pounds?
Yes. Most UK stock brokers convert your GBP to US dollars automatically when placing the trade. This often includes a currency conversion fee.
Do I need to buy a full share?
No. Many UK share investment platforms support fractional investing. This allows you to buy a portion of a Netflix share with as little as £10 or £20.
Can Netflix be part of a beginner’s portfolio?
Yes. Netflix may suit some portfolios, but investors should understand the risks and consider how it aligns with their objectives. The company is high-profile, but share prices can fluctuate sharply. Some beginners prefer broader funds that include Netflix as part of a larger mix.
Is it possible to hold Netflix shares in a UK ISA?
Yes. Certain platforms let you hold US-listed stocks within a Stocks and Shares ISA, which protects your gains from UK tax.
Final Thoughts
Investing in Netflix isn’t just about picking a popular name. It’s about weighing up a business model built on global reach, constant innovation, and intense competition. Netflix is a company that has reshaped the entertainment industry, but it also operates in a fast-moving, capital-intensive industry.
Whether you invest in Netflix UK directly or through a fund, understanding the business and your own financial goals is essential. Consider how this type of exposure fits within your broader investment strategy. For UK investors, getting started is easier than ever, but success still depends on patience, discipline, and informed decisions.
