Alternatives to Pearler
Pearler is known for its community-driven approach to long-term investing, with CHESS-sponsored ASX and US trades from $6.50, auto-invest features, kids accounts, and SMSF support. It's a popular choice for buy-and-hold investors who value social features and dividend-focused strategies. But you might want an alternative if you're looking for lower brokerage on ASX trades, zero-commission US shares, options trading, or a different ownership model (custodial or full CHESS). We've listed 6 alternatives worth considering, each with a distinct angle.
CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $3 and US from $0.99, plus options trading that Pearler doesn't offer.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $3(Pearler: $6.5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess(Pearler: mixed)
Cheaper ASX brokerage at $3 and US fractional shares, though it lacks auto-invest and kids accounts.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $3(Pearler: $6.5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed
Similar all-rounder with kids and SMSF accounts, but higher ASX brokerage at $9.50 per trade.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $9.5(Pearler: $6.5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed
Custodian-held model with ASX trades from $2 and fractional US shares, but no CHESS sponsorship.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $2(Pearler: $6.5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian(Pearler: mixed)
Commission-free US shares and 14 global markets, with CHESS sponsorship on ASX trades from $11.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $11(Pearler: $6.5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess(Pearler: mixed)
CBA-backed micro-investing with CHESS ownership and trades from $2, but limited to ASX only.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $2(Pearler: $6.5)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess(Pearler: mixed)
Common questions
What are the best Pearler alternatives for lower brokerage fees?
Several brokers offer cheaper ASX trades than Pearler's $6.50 minimum. Some charge as little as $1 to $3 per trade, while others offer zero-commission US share trading. Compare the brokerage rates for the markets you plan to trade most often.
Does Pearler offer CHESS sponsorship for ASX shares?
Pearler uses a mixed model where ASX shares are held under your HIN (CHESS-sponsored), while US shares are custodian-held. If you want full CHESS sponsorship for all holdings, look for brokers that confirm CHESS ownership on every trade.
Can I trade options on Pearler?
No, Pearler does not support options trading. If you need options capability for US or Australian markets, you'll need a broker that offers options trading alongside standard share trading.
Are there Pearler alternatives with better US share trading features?
Yes. Some competitors offer US trades from $0 commission or as low as $0.99, and several provide fractional US shares. Pearler charges $6.50 for US trades, so frequent US traders may find cheaper options elsewhere.