How To Buy Tesla Shares (TSLA) UK Investor Guide

How To Buy Tesla Shares UK
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Sammie Ellard-King

I’m Sammie, a money expert and business owner passionate about helping you take control of your wallet. My mission with Up the Gains is to create a safe space to help improve your finances, cut your costs and make you feel good while doing it.

To Buy Tesla shares in the UK, you will need a brokerage account that allows you to invest in the US stock market.

Luckily there are lots of fantastic brokers in the UK that allow you to buy fractional shares and full shares of the electric vehicle manufacturing giant!

Many think Tesla was founded by Elon Musk, but the original founders were American entrepreneurs Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning.

They named the company after the famous Serbian-American Nikola Tesla, famed for the Tesla coil, turbine and neon lamp.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to buy Tesla shares using a broker!

When you invest the value of your shares can go up or down. If you are unsure about your investment decision you should always seek investment advice. Past performance is not a future indicator and always do your own research.

How To Buy Tesla Shares - Quick Guide

  1. If you’re looking to embark on the journey of buying Tesla Inc shares, you’ll first need to set up a trading account that allows US shares. Be prepared with your personal identification, national insurance number, banking details, and proof of residence for this stage.

  2. Next up, you have to set your payment options. This typically involves a direct bank transfer or using a debit card to fund your freshly created trading account.

  3. Now, it’s time to locate the shares of Tesla Inc on your trading platform. To do this, you can use the Tesla Inc stock symbol, which is “TSLA”.

  4. It’s crucial that you dig deep into the specifics of the Tesla Inc shares. Your trading platform should furnish you with the most recent details about these shares.

  5. When buying Tesla stock in the UK you will need to fill out a W8-BEN form and also note that you may have a small foreign exchange fee if the company trades in US dollars.

  6. Finally, once you are confident and at ease with all the information, you can go ahead and acquire your Tesla Inc shares. And just like that, you’ve become a shareholder of Tesla Inc!

Where to buy Tesla stock?

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Tesla Live share price

The company’s stock price is listed below.

The company’s share price will change at points during the day so be sure to check the Tesla share price again before you purchase any stocks.

Are Tesla Shares Overvalued or Undervalued?

Tesla shares are overvalued when you compare the fundamentals to most companies in the S&P500, however, the support for the stock and has seen it consisntely defy logic for the past few years.

The Elon effect is certainly playing it’s part but also many retail investors are jumping on the Tesla bandwagon which makes it a compelling argument to be part of anyone’s portfolio.

Personally, I have held Tesla shares for many years and don’t plan to sell them anytime soon.

Alternative ways of buying Tesla stock?

Index Funds

When you invest in Tesla, you can find them inside most US index funds as they are currently the 7th largest company in the US by market cap.

Investing in index funds allows you to create a diversified portfolio with one single investment and they track an index such as the Nasdaq or S&P500.

Exchange-traded funds

You’ll find Tesla inside lots of ETFs. An exchange-traded fund is a basket of stocks managed by a Fund Manager. 

They can be country, continent and theme based so be sure to do your research into the wider holdings inside the ETF before you invest.

Fractional shares

Fractional shares allow you to invest in a portion of a single share of a company, making it easier to invest in stocks that are priced high, like Tesla. 

With this option, instead of purchasing a whole Tesla share that could be very expensive, you can invest a smaller amount, say $100, to buy a fraction of a Tesla share. 

This way, you can still participate in Tesla’s market performance and own a piece of the company, even with limited funds.

For example, brokers like eToro, Lightyear, and many more in the UK allow you to do this for low cost investing.

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Buying Tesla Shares: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to invest in tesla shares

Select a Reputable Broker

To set sail on your adventure of buying Tesla Inc shares, your initial step is to choose a credible broker. 

Remember, not every broker supports share purchases for all companies listed on different exchanges, and Tesla Inc is listed on the NASDAQ (TSLA).

Online trading platforms such as eToro, Hargreaves Lansdown, and Plum are popular choices, thanks to their user-friendly interfaces and a wide array of listed stocks, including those on the NASDAQ.

Establish an Account

Upon choosing a broker, your subsequent task is to set up an account. 

This generally requires providing some personal details like your address, ID or social security number, and information about your employment. The procedure is quite straightforward, akin to opening a regular bank account.

Do ensure to read the terms and conditions thoroughly to understand the services and fees associated with your account.

Top Up Your Account

Once the account is established, your next step is to deposit funds into it. Putting money into your brokerage account equips you to buy shares. 

This is usually done through a bank transfer, but some brokers might also accept cheques or wire transfers.

The time it takes for the funds to appear in your account can vary, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you want to take advantage of a particular investment opportunity.

Review the Company

Before buying shares in Tesla Inc or indeed any company, it’s vital to carry out comprehensive research. Assess the company’s financial health, recent performance, and its business dealings.

Information about Tesla Inc’s financial records and other investor-related data can be found on their official website. Additionally, you can look at market analyses and expert opinions to get a sense of the company’s stock potential.

Decide Your Investment Amount

Finally, determine the sum you wish to invest. Keep in mind that investing in stocks always carries risk, and it’s important not to invest more than you can afford to lose.

In deciding your investment amount, take into consideration your financial goals, risk tolerance, and the current price of Tesla Inc shares.

For beginner investors, it might be sensible to start with a smaller amount and incrementally increase your investment as you become more comfortable with the process.

Trading costs

Remember when you trade Tesla shares there will most likely be a share trading fee. This differs by broker so please do your research into this before deciding where you’ll invest.

Types of investing accounts

There are two main types of investing accounts in the UK which are:

General Investment Accounts

These are standard investing accounts where you’re liable for capital gains tax on profits above £6,000.

Many use GIAs as a secondary way to invest alongside their Stocks and Shares ISA.

what is a gia

Stocks and Shares ISAs

These accounts allow you to invest up to £20,000 per tax year with profits and interest not liable to capital gains tax.

what a stocks and shares isa is

Tesla Company Overview

Tesla, Inc. is an American-based automotive and clean energy giant with its headquarters now in Austin, Texas. 

Renowned for its pioneering electric vehicles, Tesla also offers a range of clean energy solutions like stationary battery storage devices, solar panels, and solar roof tiles.

As of 2023, Tesla holds the title of the world’s most valuable automaker and is a global market leader in battery electric vehicles, boasting an 18% market share in 2022.

electric cars

Founded in 2003 and spearheaded by Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk since 2008, Tesla has an array of iconic vehicles to its name, starting with its debut Roadster in 2008 to its latest Semi truck rolled out in 2022.

Not just confined to automotive prowess, Tesla Energy is also a major player in the solar and battery storage industry, with 6.5 GWh installed in 2022 alone.

The company’s overarching mission is to “accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” a goal evidenced by their continuous innovation and expansion in the clean energy sector.

Tesla Shares Information

Tesla shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The company IPO’d in 29th June 2010 and raised over $226 million for the company.

If you invested in $10,000 in Tesla stock at the IPO price in 2010 they would be worth over $2.9million today.

Please see live Tesla fundamentals from their latest earnings report below.

You can also read their latest earnings reports in more detail.

Does Tesla pay dividends?

Tesla has never offered a dividend to its shareholders. 

They state on their company website that they are re-investing profit margins to finance future growth so with that in mind I doubt we will see a Tesla dividend any time soon.

What Should I Consider Before I Buy Tesla Shares?

You should consider when buying Tesla shares that the company is volatile and subject to large gains and big losses within 24 hours. 

The company is extremely popular propelling it to extreme valuations at it’s current price levels. 

That being said, the company are innovating into a new sector in electric cars but also pioneering driverless technology which could be a gamechanger to how we drive long term. 

Equally the amount of data Tesla are gathering on through their cars is astonishing. A truly innovative company pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. 

Just remember you’ll be in for a bumpy ride!

Should I buy Tesla Shares?

Buying Tesla shares is certainly attractive when you look at the growth over the past 5-6 years. 

That being said, the valuations are lofting meaning the company could be set for a correction. 

I do however, believe that the companies long term future is very stable and having a CEO in Elon Musk means they will continue to innovate.

How To Sell Tesla Shares?

Selling Tesla shares is much like buying them, is a rather straightforward endeavour. Here’s an easy guide to help you navigate the process:

  1. Enter your trading account: This is the account you used to purchase your Tesla shares. If you haven’t got one, you’ll need to set up a brokerage account with a firm that facilitates trading of international stocks.

  2. Find your shares: Once you’re logged in, navigate to your portfolio page where you’ll find all the shares you currently own. Your Tesla Inc shares should be listed under the ticker symbol ‘TSLA’.

  3. Select ‘Sell’: Next to your Tesla Inc shares, there should be a ‘sell’ option. Give that a click.

  4. Specify the quantity of shares to sell: At this point, you’ll need to specify how many shares you plan to sell. This could range from letting go of a portion of your shares to liquidating your entire holding.

  5. Set your share price: This step is optional. If you choose to set a particular price, referred to as a ‘limit order’, your broker will only execute your shares when they hit this price. Alternatively, if you opt for a ‘market order’, your shares will be sold at the prevailing market price.

  6. Confirm the sale: Once you’re pleased with all the details, confirm the sale. Your broker will then act on your behalf to complete the transaction.

Remember, the process may slightly differ depending on your chosen brokerage platform. Always factor in any transaction fees that your broker may charge when selling shares.

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FAQs

How to buy 1 share of Tesla?

To buy 1 share of Tesla, you’ll need to create a brokerage account with a platform that offers international stock trading. Once your account is set up and funded, search for Tesla’s ticker symbol “TSLA” and proceed to purchase your desired single share.

How much will Tesla stock be worth in 10 years?

Predicting the exact value of Tesla stock in 10 years is speculative and uncertain. However, given its current trajectory and position as a market leader in both electric vehicles and clean energy, there’s potential for significant growth, although this is not guaranteed.

Where is Tesla based?

Tesla is based in Austin, Texas, USA. The American company shifted its headquarters from California to Texas and is known for its electric vehicles and clean energy products, which have captivated the global market.

Can I buy Tesla stock with a debit card?

Yes, you can buy Tesla stock with a debit card on some trading platforms that accept this payment method for depositing funds. Make sure your chosen platform allows debit card transactions for international stocks and that it’s well-regulated to operate in the UK.

Do you need to complete a W8-BEN form if you want to invest in Tesla?

If you’re a UK resident looking to invest in Tesla, you will indeed need to complete a W8-BEN form. This form certifies your foreign status and helps in applying the appropriate tax withholding on any US-based investments, including Tesla shares.

Conclusion - How To Buy Tesla Shares UK

So, we’ve learn how to buy Tesla shares in the UK.

You know now that the process is fairly straightforward for UK investors. Open a brokerage account with international trading capabilities, fund it, and search for Tesla under the ticker “TSLA.” 

Don’t forget your W8-BEN form for tax purposes and keep an eye on any transaction fees.

Whether you’re diversifying with index funds, ETFs, or plunging in with full or fractional shares, Tesla offers a thrilling if volatile investment ride. 

Originating from American ingenuity but captivating the global market, it’s a stock that’s as electrifying as its cars.

Just remember, past performance is no guarantee for the future, so tread carefully and do your homework. Happy investing!

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Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making a financially related decision.

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