Alternatives to Commsec Pocket
Commsec Pocket is CBA's micro-investing platform, offering CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $2 and auto-invest from just $50. It's a simple, low-cost entry point for beginners, but it only supports ASX shares and lacks SMSF accounts, kids accounts, and US market access. If you've outgrown Pocket's limited features or want broader investment options, there are plenty of alternatives. Here are 7 platforms worth considering, each offering something different from what Commsec Pocket provides.
Pearler offers auto-invest and a community focus, plus US shares and kids accounts that Pocket doesn't support.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $6.5(Commsec Pocket: $2)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(Commsec Pocket: chess)
Stake gives you CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $3 and US shares with fractional ownership for a flat fee.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $3(Commsec Pocket: $2)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(Commsec Pocket: chess)
Webull has ASX trades from $1 and zero-commission US shares, plus options trading not available on Pocket.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $1(Commsec Pocket: $2)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess
Superhero offers ASX trades from $2 and fractional US shares, plus SMSF and kids accounts for the same low brokerage.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $2
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian(Commsec Pocket: chess)
Vanguard Personal Investor has zero brokerage on ASX trades and auto-invest into Vanguard ETFs from $200.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $0(Commsec Pocket: $2)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian(Commsec Pocket: chess)
CMC Invest offers commission-free US shares, 14 global markets, and SMSF accounts with CHESS sponsorship.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $11(Commsec Pocket: $2)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess
Raiz Invest uses round-ups and spare change to auto-invest into managed ETF portfolios with no share picking needed.
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian(Commsec Pocket: chess)
- Auto-invest / DCA
- Yes
Common questions
Can I transfer my Commsec Pocket holdings to another broker?
Yes. Commsec Pocket uses CHESS sponsorship, so your shares are held in your own HIN. You can transfer them to another CHESS-sponsored broker via a standard broker-to-broker transfer. The new broker will initiate the process, and it usually takes a few business days.
Are there alternatives to Commsec Pocket that offer US shares?
Yes, several platforms let you buy US shares directly, which Commsec Pocket does not support. Some offer fractional US shares and zero-commission trading. Just check whether the platform uses CHESS sponsorship for ASX holdings or custodian model, as that affects how your Australian shares are held.
What should I look for when switching from a micro-investing platform?
Consider whether you want CHESS sponsorship (your own HIN) or are comfortable with custodian-held shares. Check brokerage fees for your trade size, whether the platform supports auto-invest if you want to keep dollar-cost averaging, and if it offers the markets and account types you need, like SMSF or kids accounts.
Does Commsec Pocket charge fees to close or transfer out?
Commsec Pocket does not charge exit fees for transferring your holdings to another broker. However, your new broker may charge a small fee to process the transfer. Check with both parties before initiating the move to avoid surprises.