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Share Trading · 23 platforms tracked

Compare Australian share trading platforms

Whether you are buying your first ASX stock or managing a portfolio across global markets, the right trading platform makes a big difference to your returns and peace of mind. We track 23 Australian share trading platforms, from low-cost online brokers to full-service bank-owned options. The two biggest things to get right are the ownership model (CHESS-sponsored versus custodian) and the total cost, including brokerage, percentage fees and any monthly account fees. This page breaks down what each platform offers so you can compare them side by side.

By Investmatch Research Team · Last updated 15 May 2026

What to look for

  • ›CHESS sponsorship: your shares held under your own HIN on the ASX, not pooled in a custodian account
  • ›Brokerage costs: the minimum fee per trade plus any percentage fee, especially for larger trades
  • ›Monthly or inactivity fees: some platforms charge a flat fee even if you don't trade
  • ›International shares: access to US and other global markets, and whether fractional shares are offered
  • ›Auto-invest and DRP: set-and-forget investing and automatic dividend reinvestment into more shares
  • ›Account types: whether the platform supports SMSF, kids or minor accounts for family investing

Share Trading platforms in Australia

23 tracked. Click any platform for the full data breakdown including fees, account types, and source citations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is CHESS sponsorship and why does it matter?
CHESS is the ASX's settlement system. A CHESS-sponsored broker holds your shares under your own Holder Identification Number (HIN), meaning you are the direct legal owner. Custodian brokers pool client shares under their own HIN. CHESS sponsorship gives you direct ownership and faster transfer if you switch brokers.
Which Australian brokers offer CHESS sponsorship?
Most traditional brokers and bank-owned platforms offer CHESS sponsorship, including CommSec, nabtrade, Westpac Online Investing, CMC Invest, moomoo, Webull, Tiger Brokers and Bell Direct. Some newer platforms like Superhero and Sharesies use a custodian model instead. Check each platform's disclosure before opening an account.
What is the cheapest ASX broker in Australia?
Several platforms offer zero or very low brokerage on ASX trades, including Vanguard Personal Investor (zero on ASX shares), eToro (zero), IG Australia (zero) and Sharesies (from $1). Webull charges from $1 per trade. However, check for percentage fees, currency conversion costs and any monthly platform fees that could add up.
Can I trade US shares with an Australian broker?
Yes, most Australian brokers now offer US share trading. Some, like Stake, moomoo, Webull and Tiger Brokers, offer low or zero US brokerage and fractional US shares. Currency conversion fees apply when you trade US stocks, so factor those into your total cost.
What is the difference between a brokerage fee and a percentage fee?
A brokerage fee is a flat dollar amount per trade, such as $5 or $10. A percentage fee is a small slice of the trade value, such as 0.10%. Some platforms charge both. For large trades, a percentage fee can cost more than a flat fee, so compare the total cost for your typical trade size.
Do Australian brokers charge monthly or inactivity fees?
Most mainstream brokers do not charge monthly platform fees. Exceptions include Halo Technologies ($159 per month) and Marketech Focus ($20 per month). Always check the fee schedule before signing up, as inactivity fees can also apply on some international platforms.
Are SMSF and kids accounts available on share trading platforms?
Many platforms support SMSF accounts, including CommSec, nabtrade, Westpac, SelfWealth, Pearler, CMC Invest and Bell Direct. Kids or minor accounts are offered by Pearler, SelfWealth, nabtrade, Westpac, CommSec, Sharesies, Superhero and Vanguard Personal Investor. Check each platform's product page for eligibility.

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