Compare Investing & Brokerage in Australia

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25 live offers compared from 17 providers, from 0.10% /yr. Updated daily.

What is investing in Australia?

Investing in Australia usually means buying shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or managed funds through an online broker or trading platform. Most retail investors access the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) plus major overseas markets such as the US, either directly or through internationally focused ETFs. Alongside your compulsory superannuation, a personal brokerage account is the main way Australians build wealth outside the family home, and low-cost online platforms have made it accessible to almost anyone with a few hundred dollars to start.

How the Australian market works

The ASX is the primary domestic exchange, and trades settle through the CHESS system, which records legal ownership under a Holder Identification Number (HIN). Brokers fall into two broad camps: CHESS-sponsored brokers, where shares are registered directly in your name, and custodial platforms, where the broker holds the shares on your behalf in a pooled arrangement. This distinction affects portability and what happens if a platform fails, so it is worth understanding before you sign up. The Australian market is relatively concentrated in banks and miners, which is one reason many investors diversify offshore.

Benefits of investing

Long-term growth — Australian and global equities have historically outpaced cash and term deposits over long horizons, though returns are never guaranteed and values can fall.

Franking credits — Many ASX-listed companies pay franked dividends, passing on company tax already paid, which can reduce or offset the tax you owe and even generate a refund for lower earners.

Low-cost diversification — Broad-market ETFs let you hold hundreds of companies in a single trade, spreading risk cheaply and removing the need to pick individual stocks.

How to choose a platform

Compare brokerage per trade, whether CHESS sponsorship is offered, the range of ASX and international markets available, and any inactivity or foreign-exchange fees. Frequent traders prioritise low per-trade cost, while beginners may value a clean interface, fractional investing and educational content. Check that the provider holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and read the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide before funding an account. Consider whether the platform supports automated investing or dividend reinvestment plans if you intend to invest regularly.

Leading providers in Australia

CommSec, backed by CommBank, is the largest retail broker and offers CHESS-sponsored trading integrated with everyday banking. nabtrade is NAB's equivalent, while Westpac and ANZ also run share-trading arms. Lower-cost challengers include SelfWealth, which offers flat-fee CHESS-sponsored trades, plus Stake and Superhero, which focus on low-cost ASX and US market access. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritise flat pricing, direct ASX ownership through CHESS, or the cheapest possible access to overseas shares.

What it costs

Brokerage on this comparison ranges from around A$0.10 to A$50 per trade depending on the platform and trade size. Flat-fee brokers typically charge a single figure regardless of trade value, which favours larger trades, while bank-owned brokers often scale fees with the amount invested. International trades usually attract a currency-conversion spread on top of brokerage. There is no stamp duty on ASX share purchases, but capital gains are taxable when you sell, so record-keeping matters at tax time.

Protections and regulation

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) licenses brokers and enforces market-conduct rules, while the ASX operates market surveillance. Investing carries the risk of capital loss and is not covered by the Financial Claims Scheme that protects bank deposits. Licensed platforms must belong to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for dispute resolution. CHESS sponsorship gives you clearer legal title than a pooled custodial arrangement, which can matter if a broker becomes insolvent.

Common questions

Do I pay tax on my gains? — Yes. Net capital gains are added to your assessable income, though assets held longer than 12 months may qualify for a 50% capital gains tax discount.

Is my money safe? — Share values fluctuate and can fall; there is no government guarantee on invested capital, so only invest money you can leave untouched for the long term.

Investing & Brokerage in Australia — FAQ