You can buy Netflix stock through a brokerage account in the same way you buy any other publicly traded company's shares
Netflix trades on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol NFLX. To own shares, you open a brokerage account with a firm that lets you trade stocks, deposit money, and place a buy order for Netflix at the current market price. You do not need to contact Netflix directly or go through any special process — the stock market handles the transaction automatically.
The price of Netflix stock changes throughout each trading day based on what buyers and sellers are willing to pay. When you place an order, your broker executes it at the best available price at that moment. You then own the shares outright and can hold them as long as you want, sell them whenever you choose, or receive any dividends Netflix declares (though Netflix historically has not paid dividends).
Key Takeaways
- You need a brokerage account with a firm like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, or others to buy Netflix stock.
- Netflix stock trades under the ticker NFLX on the NASDAQ exchange and can be bought during market hours at the current market price.
- You can buy as few as one share through most brokers, so you do not need a large amount of money to start.
- Buying individual stocks carries risk — Netflix's share price can rise or fall based on company performance and market conditions.
Opening a brokerage account
A brokerage account is an account with a financial firm that gives you access to buy and sell stocks. You can open one online in minutes with most major brokers. You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information. The broker will verify your identity and ask you to agree to their terms.
Popular brokers for individual investors include Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, TD Ameritrade, Robinhood, and Webull. Each charges different fees and offers different tools, but all let you buy Netflix stock. Some brokers offer commission-free stock trades, meaning you do not pay a fee when you buy or sell. Compare a few to see which fits your needs and comfort level.
Once your account is open and verified, you link a bank account to deposit money. Most brokers let you transfer funds electronically, and the money usually arrives within one to three business days. You can then use that cash to buy Netflix stock.
How to place a buy order for Netflix stock
After your account is funded, you search for Netflix by its ticker symbol NFLX in your broker's trading platform. You will see the current price, recent price history, and basic company information. You then decide how many shares you want to buy and place a market order (buy at the current price right now) or a limit order (buy only if the price drops to a specific level you set).
A market order executes when ready at whatever the stock is trading for at that exact moment. A limit order sits in the system and only fills if Netflix stock reaches your target price — it may never fill if the price does not drop that low. Most new investors use market orders because they are straightforward and execute right away.
Once you confirm your order, the broker buys the shares and deposits them into your account. You now own Netflix stock. Your broker sends you a confirmation showing the number of shares, the price you paid per share, and the total cost including any fees.
Understanding the cost and minimum investment
Netflix stock price varies day to day. As of the time you are reading this, one share costs whatever the current market price is — you can check this on any broker's website or financial news site. If Netflix is trading at $250 per share and you want to own 10 shares, you would need $2,500 plus any trading fees (though most brokers now charge zero commission).
The good news is that most brokers let you buy fractional shares, meaning you can own part of one share. If you have $100 to invest and Netflix costs $250 per share, you can buy 0.4 shares instead of waiting until you have $250. This makes it possible to invest any amount you are comfortable with, whether that is $50 or $5,000.
What happens after you buy Netflix stock
Once you own shares, you can watch the price move every trading day. Your broker shows you the current value of your holdings. If the price goes up, your investment is worth more on paper. If it goes down, your investment is worth less. You do not make or lose real money until you sell.
You can sell your Netflix shares anytime the market is open by placing a sell order through your broker. The cash from the sale lands back in your brokerage account, and you can withdraw it to your bank account or use it to buy other stocks. Keep in mind that if you held the stock for less than a year and made a profit, you may owe short-term capital gains tax on that profit.
Risks of owning individual stocks
Buying Netflix stock means your money is tied to how well Netflix performs as a company. If Netflix loses subscribers, faces new competition, or has management problems, the stock price can fall significantly. You could lose some or all of your investment. Individual stocks are riskier than diversified investments like index funds or ETFs, which spread your money across many companies.
Stock prices also move based on overall market conditions, investor sentiment, and economic news — not just Netflix's actual performance. A market downturn can drag down Netflix stock even if the company is doing well. Before you invest, think about whether you can afford to lose the money you are putting in and whether you have the patience to hold through price swings.
Alternatives to buying individual Netflix stock
If you want exposure to Netflix but prefer not to pick individual stocks, you can buy an index fund or ETF that includes Netflix as one of many holdings. These funds own pieces of hundreds of companies, so Netflix is just one small part of your investment. This spreads your risk and requires less research on your part.
You can also invest through a 401(k) or IRA if your employer or brokerage offers funds that hold Netflix stock. These accounts have tax advantages that can save you money over time. A financial advisor can help you decide whether individual stocks, funds, or a mix of both makes sense for your situation and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lot of money to buy Netflix stock?
No. Most brokers let you buy fractional shares, so you can invest as little as $1 or $10 if you want. You only need enough to cover the price of the shares you are buying plus any fees, though most brokers now charge zero commission on stock trades.
Can I buy Netflix stock directly from Netflix?
No. Netflix does not sell stock directly to individual investors. You must go through a brokerage account. The brokerage handles the transaction on the stock exchange on your behalf.
What is the difference between a market order and a limit order?
A market order buys Netflix stock when ready at whatever price it is trading for right now. A limit order only buys if the price drops to a specific level you set. Market orders fill right away but at an unpredictable price. Limit orders may never fill if the price does not reach your target.
Do I have to pay taxes on Netflix stock I own?
You do not owe taxes just for owning the stock. You owe capital gains tax only when you sell and make a profit. If you held the stock for more than a year, you pay long-term capital gains tax, which is usually lower than short-term rates. Your broker sends you tax documents at the end of the year.
What if Netflix stock price drops after I buy it?
Your investment loses value on paper, but you do not lose real money unless you sell. You can hold and wait for the price to recover, sell and take the loss, or buy more shares at the lower price. Stock prices move up and down — this is normal and expected.