share trading alternatives

Alternatives to Halo Technologies

Halo Technologies is known for offering access to 30 global exchanges alongside ASX and US trading, but it charges a $159 monthly platform fee and uses a custodian model rather than CHESS sponsorship. If you're paying that monthly fee but only trade a handful of times per month, or if you prefer direct CHESS ownership of your ASX shares, switching could save you money. We've listed 7 alternatives that offer different approaches — from zero-fee brokers to CHESS-sponsored platforms — so you can compare what fits your situation.

By Investmatch Research Team · Last updated 18 May 2026
#1 alternative
Pearler
Community-focused CHESS-sponsored investing from $6.50. Auto-invest, kids accounts, US fractional shares.

CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $6.50 with no monthly fee, plus auto-invest and kids accounts built in.

ASX brokerage minimum
$6.5(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
mixed(Halo Technologies: custodian)
#2 alternative
Stake
CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $3, plus US shares with fractional ownership.

CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $3 and US shares with fractional ownership, zero monthly platform fee.

ASX brokerage minimum
$3(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
mixed(Halo Technologies: custodian)
#3 alternative
Superhero
Custodian-held ASX & US trading from $2 brokerage. Fractional US shares, no platform fees.

Custodian-held trades from $2 with no monthly fee, but no CHESS sponsorship if that matters to you.

ASX brokerage minimum
$2(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
custodian
#4 alternative
Interactive Brokers Australia
Custodian-held ASX trading from $6, plus 30+ global markets and US fractional shares.

Access over 30 global markets with US trades from $1 and no monthly platform fee.

ASX brokerage minimum
$6(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
custodian
#5 alternative
SelfWealth
CHESS-sponsored ASX & US trading from $9.50. Auto-invest, DRP, kids & SMSF accounts.

CHESS-sponsored ASX and US trades from $9.50 with no monthly fee, plus DRP and SMSF support.

ASX brokerage minimum
$9.5(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
mixed(Halo Technologies: custodian)
#6 alternative
CMC Invest
CHESS-sponsored ASX trading from $11, plus commission-free US shares and 14 global markets.

CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $11 plus commission-free US shares across 14 global markets.

ASX brokerage minimum
$11(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
chess(Halo Technologies: custodian)
#7 alternative
Vanguard Personal Investor
Custodian-held Vanguard ETFs and ASX shares with zero brokerage, no platform fee, from $200.

Zero brokerage on ASX shares and Vanguard ETFs with no platform fee, ideal for long-term investors.

ASX brokerage minimum
$0(Halo Technologies: $15)
ASX ETFs supported
Yes
CHESS sponsorship model
custodian

Common questions

Why would I switch from Halo Technologies?

The main reason is the $159 monthly platform fee. If you don't trade frequently or across many global markets, that fee can eat into your returns. Many alternatives charge no monthly fee and offer lower per-trade brokerage.

Does Halo Technologies use CHESS sponsorship?

No. Halo is a custodian-held broker, meaning shares are held in Halo's name on your behalf. If you want direct ownership of ASX shares under your own HIN, you'd need a CHESS-sponsored broker instead.

Are there brokers with lower fees than Halo Technologies?

Yes, plenty. Several Australian brokers charge zero monthly platform fees and offer ASX trades from as low as $1 to $9.50. Some even offer zero brokerage on US shares or certain ETFs.

Can I still trade US and international shares without Halo's monthly fee?

Absolutely. Several brokers offer US share trading with no monthly fee, and some provide access to 14 or more global markets. You'll pay per-trade brokerage instead of a flat monthly charge.