Alternatives to CommSec
CommSec is Australia's largest broker, known for its CHESS-sponsored trading, bank-grade security through CBA, and access to ASX and US shares from $5 brokerage. It's a solid choice for many, but you might want an alternative if you're after lower fees, automated investing features, fractional US shares, or a platform with a different ownership structure. We've picked 6 alternatives that each offer something distinct from CommSec, whether that's cheaper trades, auto-invest capabilities, or access to global markets.
Cheaper ASX trades from $3 and US trades from $0.99, plus fractional US shares and auto-invest features.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $3(CommSec: $5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess
Built-in auto-invest and community features for long-term passive investors, plus kids accounts at $6.50 per trade.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $6.5(CommSec: $5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(CommSec: chess)
ASX trades from just $3 with CHESS sponsorship, and fractional US shares for smaller investors.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $3(CommSec: $5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(CommSec: chess)
ASX trades from $2 with fractional US shares, though trades are custodian-held rather than CHESS-sponsored.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $2(CommSec: $5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian(CommSec: chess)
ASX trades from $1 and zero-commission US shares, plus fractional US shares and options trading.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $1(CommSec: $5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess
Zero brokerage on ASX trades and Vanguard ETFs, ideal for low-cost index investing with auto-invest.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $0(CommSec: $5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian(CommSec: chess)
Common questions
Are there cheaper alternatives to CommSec for ASX trading?
Yes, several brokers offer lower ASX brokerage than CommSec's $5 minimum. Some charge as little as $1 to $3 per trade, though you should check whether they use CHESS sponsorship or a custodian model, as this affects how shares are held in your name.
Can I set up automatic investments with a CommSec alternative?
CommSec doesn't offer auto-invest or dollar-cost averaging. Several alternatives do, letting you schedule regular buys of ASX shares or ETFs. This is useful if you want to invest consistently without logging in each time.
Do alternatives to CommSec offer US fractional shares?
CommSec lets you buy US shares but not fractional ones. Some alternatives offer fractional US shares, meaning you can invest in companies like Apple or Amazon with as little as a few dollars rather than buying a whole share.
Is CHESS sponsorship important when choosing a CommSec alternative?
CHESS sponsorship means shares are held in your name on the ASX register, not in a custodian's name. Some alternatives use a custodian model instead. Both are legitimate, but CHESS sponsorship gives you direct ownership and faster access to company communications.