share trading alternatives

Alternatives to Bell Direct

Bell Direct is a CHESS-sponsored broker offering ASX trades from $5, US fractional shares, options trading and SMSF accounts. It's a solid all-rounder, but you might want an alternative if you're after lower brokerage on smaller trades, a more modern mobile experience, automated investing features, or a platform that doesn't charge a percentage fee on ASX trades. We've picked six alternatives that each offer something different from Bell Direct, whether that's cheaper trades, auto-invest tools, or a different ownership model.

By Investmatch Research Team · Last updated 18 May 2026

#1 alternative

Stake

CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $3, plus US shares with fractional ownership.

ASX trades from $3 (cheaper than Bell Direct's $5) with a modern app and US shares included.

ASX brokerage minimum: $3(Bell Direct: $5)
ASX ETFs supported: Yes
CHESS sponsorship model: mixed(Bell Direct: chess)

Full Stake breakdown →Side-by-side with Bell Direct

#2 alternative

moomoo

CHESS-sponsored ASX trading from $3, US from $0.99. Fractional US shares, no platform fee.

ASX trades from $3 plus US from $0.99, with options and auto-invest features built in.

ASX brokerage minimum: $3(Bell Direct: $5)
ASX ETFs supported: Yes
CHESS sponsorship model: chess

Full moomoo breakdown →Side-by-side with Bell Direct

#3 alternative

Pearler

Community-focused CHESS-sponsored investing from $6.50. Auto-invest, kids accounts, US fractional shares.

Community-focused platform with auto-invest and kids accounts, though ASX brokerage is $6.50.

ASX brokerage minimum: $6.5(Bell Direct: $5)
ASX ETFs supported: Yes
CHESS sponsorship model: mixed(Bell Direct: chess)

Full Pearler breakdown →Side-by-side with Bell Direct

#4 alternative

Superhero

Custodian-held ASX & US trading from $2 brokerage. Fractional US shares, no platform fees.

ASX trades from $2 with fractional US shares, but uses custodian ownership not CHESS sponsorship.

ASX brokerage minimum: $2(Bell Direct: $5)
ASX ETFs supported: Yes
CHESS sponsorship model: custodian(Bell Direct: chess)

Full Superhero breakdown →Side-by-side with Bell Direct

#5 alternative

Webull

CHESS-sponsored ASX trading from $1, plus zero-commission US shares and fractional US shares.

ASX trades from just $1 and zero-commission US shares, with CHESS sponsorship and options.

ASX brokerage minimum: $1(Bell Direct: $5)
ASX ETFs supported: Yes
CHESS sponsorship model: chess

Full Webull breakdown →Side-by-side with Bell Direct

#6 alternative

SelfWealth

CHESS-sponsored ASX & US trading from $9.50. Auto-invest, DRP, kids & SMSF accounts.

Flat $9.50 brokerage with auto-invest, DRP and kids accounts, but no percentage fee on trades.

ASX brokerage minimum: $9.5(Bell Direct: $5)
ASX ETFs supported: Yes
CHESS sponsorship model: mixed(Bell Direct: chess)

Full SelfWealth breakdown →Side-by-side with Bell Direct

Common questions

Is Bell Direct CHESS sponsored?

Yes, Bell Direct is CHESS sponsored, which means your ASX shares are held in your own HIN under your name. This is the standard for Australian share ownership and gives you direct access to the ASX settlement system.

Does Bell Direct have a monthly account fee?

No, Bell Direct does not charge a monthly platform or account fee. You only pay brokerage when you trade, plus any applicable government taxes or exchange fees.

Can I trade US shares with Bell Direct?

Yes, Bell Direct offers US share trading including fractional shares. US trades have a $0 minimum brokerage, though you should check their currency conversion fees and any other costs involved.

What alternatives exist if I want lower brokerage than Bell Direct?

Several Australian brokers offer ASX trades below Bell Direct's $5 minimum, with some charging as little as $1 to $3 per trade. Others offer zero brokerage on US shares. Compare the features that matter to you, such as CHESS sponsorship and auto-invest.

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