Complete Guide to Opening an ETF Account: Latest 2025 Summer Strategy Included!

2025 ETF Account Opening Promotion Summary

• 1. How to open an ETF account
• 2. Compare ETF account fees
• 3. Open online ETF account
• 4. Start investing in U.S. ETFs
• 5. Best ETF account for beginners

Still haven’t opened an ETF account? This summer's investment season might be your last best chance!

Hi everyone, isn't it insanely hot these days? I wanted to do something meaningful while chilling under the AC, so I finally opened my ETF account properly. Honestly, I used to think, "Isn't that just a regular stock account?" But once I looked into it... wow, it's a whole different world! Especially now that summer is approaching, more and more people are opening accounts early to grab tax benefits and high-dividend ETF profits. So today, I've prepared a super easy and practical A to Z on opening an ETF account. I’ll even share some insider tips—don’t miss out!

Contents

What is an ETF Account? Key Differences from a Stock Account 2025 Summer ETF Account Opening Event Benefits Step-by-Step ETF Account Opening Process My Experience & Pro Tips Checklist for Beginners Top 3 ETFs to Buy Right Now

 

What is an ETF Account? Key Differences from a Stock Account

Here’s a common misconception: "ETF is just a stock, so my stock account works, right?" Well… an ETF account isn’t just for basic stock trades. Each brokerage offers unique ETF benefits, such as lower fees, DRIP (dividend reinvestment), or even FX fee discounts for U.S. ETFs. I didn’t know this either—until I did my research and realized: opening a dedicated ETF account is the smart move.

2025 Summer ETF Account Opening Event Benefits

This summer is hot—with event promos! According to high CPC keywords, “U.S. ETF fee discount,” “foreign stock FX benefits,” and “sign-up cashback” are top search terms. Compare the offers below and pick the best brokerage for your needs.

Broker	Fee Discount	Event Period	Notes
Kiwoom Securities	Overseas ETF 0.07%	Until Aug 31, 2025	100% Cashback
Mirae Asset Securities	0% ETF trading fee	Until Sep 15, 2025	95% FX discount

Step-by-Step ETF Account Opening Process

"Isn’t opening an account hard?" I get asked that a lot. But honestly… just remember these 5 steps! Follow this checklist and you'll be all set.

1. Install your chosen brokerage app (e.g., Kiwoom, Mirae Asset, Samsung)
2. Verify identity (via mobile certificate or ID photo)
3. Select account type: check “ETF/Foreign Stock Account”
4. Enter event code (for cashback bonus)
5. Deposit funds and start trading!

 

My Experience & Pro Tips

I opened my ETF account through Mirae Asset’s app, and it was way faster than expected—done in under 10 minutes. The auto FX conversion for U.S. ETFs was already set up by default, which made it super convenient. One catch though:

if you don’t check “Consent to Foreign Stock Services,” you won’t even see U.S. ETFs!

Make sure that’s enabled.

Pro Tip: When buying ETFs, use “USD balance” to minimize FX fees.

Checklist for Beginners

Infographic style for checklist-centric UX design

 

New to ETF investing? Save this checklist! It helped me avoid rookie mistakes when I was starting out.

• Check FX benefit options
• Enable DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan)
• Know U.S. trading hours
• Pre-research top ETF picks

Top 3 ETFs to Buy Right Now

As of summer 2025, here are the top 3 ETFs that beginners are rushing to buy. Understand their traits and see what suits your strategy!

1. VOO – Tracks the S&P 500, low fees, reliable growth
2. SCHD – High-dividend ETF, good for monthly income
3. QQQ – Tech-focused, high long-term potential

 

Q Do I really need a separate ETF account?

You can use a general stock account, but a dedicated ETF account with foreign stock features is far more advantageous.

A For tax benefits and fee discounts, it’s definitely worth it.

Features like auto FX or DRIP are often exclusive to foreign ETF accounts.

Q Can I open the account online?

Absolutely. 100% mobile setup is available. Just install the app and verify your ID.

A Many brokerages even offer better deals for online openings.

New digital customers often get fee waivers, cashback, or FX benefits.

Q Can I invest in both Korean and U.S. ETFs in one account?

Some brokerages allow integrated accounts, but others separate domestic and foreign assets.

A Double-check the account type before trading.

For example, NH and Kiwoom use separate accounts for foreign investments.

Q Are ETFs taxed?

Yes. Dividend and capital gains taxes apply. U.S. ETFs may also trigger global tax reporting.

A If your gains exceed 20 million KRW, get tax advice.

Especially for high-dividend ETFs, plan early to avoid tax shocks later.

Q How can I check ETF performance?

Use your brokerage app, ETF.com, or local finance sites like Naver Finance.

A Always check both annual return and dividend yield separately.

Be sure to distinguish whether returns include dividends or are price-only. It impacts investment decisions!

 

Now is the perfect time to open your ETF account. Summer promos are live, and the market changes fast. If you’ve been hesitant, now’s the time to act. My small start turned into a real asset builder. If you have any questions, drop a comment! Let’s learn and grow together. For us investor bloggers, let’s make 2025 a year of real gains!

 

초보도 가능한 ETF 수익 전략｜2025 여름, 투자 쉽게 시작하기

초보도 가능한 ETF 수익 전략｜2025 여름, 투자 쉽게 시작하기