Alternatives to Vanguard Personal Investor
Vanguard Personal Investor is known for offering zero-brokerage trading on ASX shares and Vanguard ETFs, with no platform fees and a low $200 minimum. It's a solid choice for cost-conscious investors who want to buy Vanguard products. But it's a custodian model (not CHESS-sponsored), doesn't support US shares, and lacks dividend reinvestment. If you want direct CHESS ownership, access to US markets, or features like DRP and options trading, you'll need to look elsewhere. Here are 7 alternatives worth considering.
CHESS-sponsored with a community focus, auto-invest, kids accounts, and US fractional shares from $6.50.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $6.5(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(Vanguard Personal Investor: custodian)
CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $3 and US shares with fractional ownership at low cost.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $3(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(Vanguard Personal Investor: custodian)
CHESS-sponsored ASX trades from $1 and zero-commission US shares with fractional options.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $1(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess(Vanguard Personal Investor: custodian)
Custodian-held ASX and US trading from $2 brokerage with fractional US shares and auto-invest.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $2(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- custodian
CHESS-sponsored ASX trading plus commission-free US shares and access to 14 global markets.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $11(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess(Vanguard Personal Investor: custodian)
CBA-owned CHESS-sponsored broker with ASX trades from $5 and a full suite of features.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $5(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- chess(Vanguard Personal Investor: custodian)
CHESS-sponsored flat-fee trading at $9.50 with DRP, auto-invest, and kids accounts.
- ASX brokerage minimum
- $9.5(Vanguard Personal Investor: $0)
- ASX ETFs supported
- Yes
- CHESS sponsorship model
- mixed(Vanguard Personal Investor: custodian)
Common questions
Why would I switch from Vanguard Personal Investor?
Vanguard uses a custodian model, meaning shares are held in Vanguard's name, not yours. If you want direct CHESS ownership on the ASX, or need access to US shares, dividend reinvestment, or options trading, you'll need a broker that offers those features.
Does Vanguard Personal Investor have CHESS sponsorship?
No. Vanguard Personal Investor is a custodian-held platform. Your ASX shares are held in Vanguard's name on your behalf, not under your own HIN. If CHESS sponsorship is important to you, look for a broker that offers it as a standard feature.
Can I trade US shares with Vanguard Personal Investor?
No. Vanguard Personal Investor only supports ASX-listed shares and ETFs. If you want to buy US stocks or ETFs directly, you'll need a broker that offers US market access, many of which also offer fractional US shares.
Are there any fees to leave Vanguard Personal Investor?
Vanguard does not charge exit fees, but you may need to sell your holdings or transfer them to another broker. Transferring custodian-held shares can be more complex than transferring CHESS-sponsored holdings, so check with your new broker first.