There are dozens of stock trading apps available for Australians to buy and sell shares, ETFs, digital currencies and more. Many of these platforms now offer mobile apps, making it easier than ever to place a trade from anywhere.
But finding the best trading app for you is about understanding what you want to trade, how often you intend to place a trade and what types of tools are most important.
To make it easier to compare, we've sourced a list of the 10 top trading apps in Australia and highlighted some of their best (and not-so-great) features.
So whether you're Warren Buffett or a wannabe wolf of Wall St you should be able to find the platform that's right for you.
Important: The standard brokerage fee displayed is the trade cost for new customers to purchase $1,000 of either Australian or US shares. Where a platform charges different fees for both US and Australian shares we show the lower of the two. Where both CHESS sponsored and custodian shares are offered, we display the cheapest option.
eToro's popular trading app is designed for both desktop and mobile (Android and iPhone). Its well-known for its copy trading feature where you can imitate the trades of top users or copy a portfolio of stocks selected by eToro.
Low brokerage. Competitive brokerage fee when trading ASX or global stocks.
Range of assets. Using the same account, you can trade stocks, derivatives, currencies and cryptocurrency.
Copy trading. You can copy the trades of top eToro traders as well as stock portfolios.
CFDs are risky. To access leverage, you're trading with CFDs, which are risky and complicated investment products.
Brokerage fees: AU stocks: US$2 US stock: US$2 UK stocks: US$2 ETF brokerage fees: AU stocks: Not available US stock: $0 UK stocks: $0 Inactivity fee: US$10 per month if you don't log in for 12 months or more Currency conversion fee: 1.50% of trade value
2. CMC Invest: Best app for ASX trades (2024 Finder Award winner)
The CMC Invest' mobile app offers all the functionality of its desktop counterpart. You can buy and sell shares from your mobile using all order types, including conditional and linked orders. And you can view your current positions and order history, access market depth and up-to-date charts, and view your watchlists and portfolios.
$0 brokerage on global and ASX stocks. CMC charges no commissions to trade stocks listed in the US, the UK, Canada or Japan as well as standard ASX stock trades (up to $1,000 per security, per day).
A wide range of order types. You can place, buy and sell orders as well as amend and cancel orders and use conditional and linked orders to manage your investments.
Information from the market and experts. Access to an extensive range of useful investment information to help you make the right trading decisions.
Customisable watchlists. It's easy to create and edit watchlists to monitor the performance of stocks.
Limited global markets. Only 4 global markets are commission-free to trade. Other global markets cost $59 per trade in brokerage.
Brokerage fees: AU stocks: $0 brokerage (for buy orders up to $1,000) and $11 or 0.10% (whichever is greater) for all other buy and sell orders. US stocks: US$0 UK stocks: £0 ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $0 brokerage for trades up to $1,000 (applied to the first buy order per ETF per day). $11 fee for trades up to $10,000. $15 fee for trades equal to or greater than $15,000. US ETFs: US$0 Options: ASX: $33/contract US: Not available Other markets available: Details here Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 0.60% of trade value
3. Tiger Brokers: Best mobile trading app (2024 Finder Award winner)
Tiger Brokers couples an easy-to-use app interface with advanced trading and research tools, as well as 24/5 US trading.
CHESS-sponsored ASX stocks. Buy Australian stocks with low brokerage.
Demo account. Start trading with paper money while you get up to speed.
Feature-packed app. Get free market data, customisation options and more.
Limited markets. Tiger Brokers only offers AU, US and Asian stocks.
Brokerage fees: AU stocks: $2.99 per trade US stocks: US$1.99 UK stocks: Not available Other markets available: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU stocks: $2.99 per trade US stocks: US$1.99 UK stocks: Not available Other markets available: Details here Options: ASX: Not available US: US$0.95/contract (Min. US$3 per order) Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 55 pips
Sharesies is a great beginner-friendly trading app offering plenty of accessible features like auto-investing, fractional shares, competitive fees, flexible pricing plans and worthwhile educational resources.
No minimum investment
AU, US and NZ shares
Auto-investing
Limited investment options
Brokerage fees Sharesies offers 2 fee structures to choose from - ‘pay as you go’ and ‘monthly’ plans.
Pay as you go: 1.9% transaction fee on investments, capped. Aussie Shares: $6 AUD per transaction US Shares: US$5 per transaction NZ shares: NS$25
Monthly Plans: $5/month: Covers up to $500 orders with fees included. $10/month: Covers up to $1,000 orders with fees included. $20/month: Covers up to $3,000 orders with fees included.
Other markets: Details here Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 0.60% of trade value
Syfe stands out among other trading apps because it offers ASX stocks, US stocks, investing goals and smart portfolios, all on the one app. While Syfe isn't the cheapest out there for either ASX or US trades, the fees are competitive and the app offers a solid all round experience for investors that favour simplicity.
Ready-made portfolios
Low fees
US and AU stocks
Recurring buys
Limited markets
Brokerage fees: AU stocks: $4.99 for trades up to $20,000 and 0.025% for trades over $20,000 US stocks: US$1.49 ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $4.99 for trades up to $20,000 and 0.025% for trades over $20,000 US ETFs: US$1.49 Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 60 bps of trade value
6. Stake: Best investment platform (2024 Customer Satisfaction Award winner)
Brokerage fees: AU stocks: $3 (Up to and including $30,000); 0.01% (Over $30,000) US stocks: US$3 (Up to and including $30,000); 0.01% (Over $30,000) Other markets: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $3 US ETFs: US$3 Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 70 pips (US$0.70 for every AUD$100 exchanged)
CommSec is the highest-rated bank-linked trading platform, with extensive research and trading tools, good market access and no inactivity fees. If you sign up with a Commonwealth direct investment account (CDIA) you'll get convenient access to share trading and competitive brokerage fees.
CHESS-sponsored shares. All new accounts are automatically CHESS-sponsored for ASX shares.
Real-time prices and market data. CommSec offers up-to-date data, analysis and news.
Higher brokerage fees. CommSec doesn't have the most competitive fees on global stocks.
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: $5.00 (up to $1,000 trade value); $10.00 (over $1,000 up to $3,000); $19.95 (over $3,000 up to $10,000); $29.95 (over $10,000 up to $25,000); 0.12% (over $25,000) US stocks: US$5 for trades up to USD$5,000; USD$29.95 for trades up to USD$10,000; 0.31% for trades above USD$10,000 USD$39.95 or 0.40% (whichever is greater) Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 0.55% of trade value
Fintech specialist Revolut allows you to trade the US stock markets, metals and crypto for a low cost through its app. With incredibly low minimum deposits and 3 free trades a month before it starts charging brokerage, the app boasts some of the lowest costs around. The Revolut app .
First 3 trades are free, Cheap brokerage after that
You can invest in gold and silver
Easy to use app
Very limited trading tools
Lacks educational resources
No Australian stocks or ETFs
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: Not available US stocks: 0.25% of the trade value (minimum $1.99). Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: No fee (0%), up to AUD$2,000 per rolling 30-day period (excludes transactions outside of exchange market hours). A 0.5% high-frequency fee applies for exchanges above this level
9. nabtrade: For the 4.5% p.a. high-interest cash account
nabtrade offers a host of research and educational tools to help traders stay ahead through their mobile devices. With a link to its banking product, nabtrade also makes it easier to move money from your investment account to an interest-earning cash account.
Strong research and educational tools
Earn interest on cash in a high-interest cash account
Invest in Australian and global shares
Not the cheapest broker around
Lacks some of the more advanced trading tools
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: $9.95 fee for trades up to $1,000 $14.95 for trades $1,000.01 - $5,000 $19.95 for trades $5,000.01 - $20,000.00 0.11% of trade value for trades over $20,000.00 US stocks: $9.95 for trades up to $1,000 $14.95 for trades between $1,000.01 - $5,000 $19.95 for trades between $5,000.01 - $20,000.00 0.11% of trade value for trades over $20,000.00 UK stocks: $9.95 for trades up to $1,000 $14.95 for trades between $1,000.01 - $5,000 $19.95 for trades between $5,000.01 - $20,000.00 0.11% of trade value for trades over $20,000.00 Other markets: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $9.95 fee for trades up to $1,000 $14.95 for trades between $1,000.01 - $5,000 $19.95 for trades between $5,000.01 - $20,000.00 0.11% of trade value for trades over $20,000.00 US ETFs: $9.95 for trades up to $1,000 $14.95 for trades between $1,000.01 - $5,000 $19.95 for trades between $5,000.01 - $20,000.00 0.11% of trade value for trades over $20,000.00 UK ETFs: $9.95 for trades up to $1,000 $14.95 for trades between $1,000.01 - $5,000 $19.95 for trades between $5,000.01 - $20,000.00 0.11% of trade value for trades over $20,000.00 Other markets: Details here Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 0.50% - 0.80%
Webull's intuitive app lets you trade ASX and US ETFs with no brokerage, as well as no brokerage on your first 20 trades. You can also trade US options and Asian stocks with competitive fees.
US options
24/5 trading
No other global markets
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: $0.0003 per trade value (min $4.90) US stocks: US$0.00025 per trade value UK stocks: Not available Other markets available: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU stocks: $0 US stocks: US$0 UK stocks: Not available Other markets available: Details here Options: ASX: Not available US: US$0.50 Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 50 bps of trade value
Our best trading app methodology
We analysed 40 trading platforms that were available to Australians in 2024 to come up with the highest-rated investment apps. Finder's proprietary "best trading app" algorithm rates platforms by the following criteria:
Average user ratings on the App and Play Stores
Platform and brokerage fees
User-friendliness
Access to ASX and US markets
Live chat support
Average app sign-up time
Availability on iOS and Android devices
Biometric login option
Availability of PayID
Availability of advanced order types via the app
Access to company financial details via the app
App stock alerts
Only trading apps with more than 50 reviews in the App Store and Google Play stores were included in our list. For more information about how our algorithm works, head to our full methodology explainer.
"I use Interactive Brokers as my primary trading platform. It allows me to manage accounts AUD, CAD and USD, as well as trade stocks, options and funds on global markets."
Stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are listed on various stock exchanges around the world. To buy stocks from these exchanges, you’ll need a stock broker to act on your behalf. This is where trading platforms come in.
Trading platforms and apps let you enter buy or sell orders of stocks, which are then executed by a broker.
It’s worth noting that stock brokers and trading platforms partner with different exchanges, so the types of stocks you’ll be able to trade depend on which platform you choose to go with.
Some trading platforms partner with just 1 or 2 exchanges such as Wall Street’s NYSE or NASDAQ, while others like Interactive Brokers connect you to dozens.
Here in Australia, we have the aptly named Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), but there are many others around the world, including the New York (NYSE) and London (LSE) stock exchanges.
In Australia, most trading apps let you trade Australian stocks on the ASX while others only offer US-listed stocks. There are also a few global trading apps that offer stocks listed in other markets and these include Interactive Brokers, CMC Invest and eToro.
Finder survey: What do Australians of different ages use to invest in the stock market?
Response
75+ yrs
65-74 yrs
55-64 yrs
45-54 yrs
35-44 yrs
25-34 yrs
18-24 yrs
An online broker or share trading platform
31.34%
24.57%
23.46%
25.56%
26.1%
25.81%
12.63%
Full-service stock broker
5.97%
2.86%
2.47%
1.11%
1.61%
0.46%
1.05%
Managed fund
5.97%
0.57%
1.23%
2.78%
2.41%
1.84%
2.11%
Other
1.49%
2.29%
0.62%
2.22%
0.8%
0.46%
1.05%
Micro-investment app
1.14%
2.47%
3.33%
1.61%
4.61%
1.05%
Robo-advisor
0.62%
0.56%
1.2%
1.84%
1.05%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1145 Australians, December 2023
How to find the best trading app for you
When it comes to choosing a trading app, there's no one best option that'll suit everyone's needs.
Instead, it's best to compare fees and features, choosing the app that aligns with your personal needs at the lowest price.
Here's what to consider when choosing a new trading app:
ASIC-regulated (see below)
User-friendliness
What investments do you want to trade: shares, ETFs or options
Where you want to trade: apps will only grant you access to specific markets, so keep where you want to trade in mind when choosing an app
"Investors should prioritise simplicity, security and cost-effectiveness when choosing a trading platform. This might involve researching a platform's user interface and security features, as well as its fees and commission structures."
Before you do anything else, you'll want to make sure the trading app you are signing up to is regulated by The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and holds an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL).
Unfortunately, fake or scam trading platforms that can appear legitimate are a growing problem. According to consumer watchdog ACCC, Australians lost $3.1 billion to investment scams in 2023 alone.
The best measure you can take to protect yourself is to check the trading app you're signing up to has an AFSL number that is registered with ASIC. At Finder, we only feature AFSL licensees in our investment guides and comparison tables.
Fractional shares – although if you want to buy CHESS-sponsored shares, you won't be able to buy them in fractions
User-friendly features
Auto or micro-investing features
Copy trading
What fees do trading apps charge?
The cost of investing in stocks can be very different depending on which exchange the stocks are listed in. For example, stocks listed in Australia can be more expensive to trade than stocks listed in the United States, where greater competition has seen fees drop dramatically over the last few years.
Here are the main fees to look out for when buying and selling stocks through a trading app:
Brokerage (aka commission) fees: This is charged by the broker every time you place a buy or sell order and normally ranges from 0% to 1% of your trade. Some platforms will have a flat fee, while others will have a percentage fee based on the size of your trade.
Custody fees: Some brokers (typically in the US) charge an annual custody fee to hold stocks under your name.
Currency conversion fee: If you are trading stocks listed in foreign currencies, you'll typically be charged a fee for converting your funds into the currency of the stock you wish to trade. So while you might pay $0 brokerage to trade international stocks on some platforms, you'll want to keep an eye on how much you'll pay to convert your AUD.
Inactivity fee: Some brokers charge a fee if your account has been inactive for a certain length of time.
Subscription fees: Some brokerage firms in Australia charge an account maintenance or subscription fee to access advanced features.
There are many other types of fees you can be charged, such as an account closure fee, a money transfer fee and even a fee if you don’t place enough trades in any given month. Make sure to do your homework before signing up.
Share trading updates: November 2024
November: The Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500 hit new all-time highs following the results of the US election.
October: The ASX 200 posted a new all-time high in October, passing 8,300 points for the first time ever.
September: The ASX 200 and S&P 500 hit new all-time highs in late September as global stock markets continued their strong showing in 2024.
August: Australian and US markets recovered from a sudden crash in early August to return to near all-time highs.
Frequently asked questions
There are many great apps that do not allow you to place trades but still offer a wide range of useful features for Australian share market investors, such as share market news, company reports, financial analysis and much more. However, all the apps listed above do allow you to place trades.
The application process varies between trading platforms, but you will typically have to provide your name, contact details, proof of ID and bank account information. You can sign up via the share trading app or the provider’s online trading website.
You can sign up to some of Australia's best rated trading apps by clicking on the 'Go to site' buttons above and following the steps. Signing up through Finder does not cost you anything and you may also receive exclusive deals through the Finder site.
Most share trading apps are free to download and some even have demo accounts that you can practice on before trying the real deal (such as eToro and IG). Typically when you trade stocks, you'll be charged a brokerage fee. However, some investment apps now offer $0 brokerage deals, such as CMC Invest, Webull and IG. This doesn't mean they're entirely free – you'll typically still need to pay a currency conversion fee for overseas trades and sometimes account fees.
Neither answer is wrong as it all depends on your own needs. Generally speaking, if you're looking for a new broker, you can compare based on fees, features, ease of use and addressable markets.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by David Gregory as part of our fact-checking process.
Kylie Purcell is the senior investments editor and analyst at Finder. She has completed a Certificate of Securities and Managed Investments (RG146) and specialises in investment products including online brokers, robo-advisors, stocks and ETFs. See full bio
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Which app is the best for trading shares in Australia? What app lets me choose my own bank to withdraw funds from and cheaper broker fee?
Finder
RonMarch 9, 2018Finder
Hello Rod,
Please note that we are unable to suggest personalized recommendation as to which trading share app is the best for you as each app has their own functionalities and each user has their own preferences. You may read forums and reviews instead on the most helpful trade sharing app people have been using.
Our page discusses a comprehensive guide you may refer to in choosing a share trading app and it also has some reviews on the available mobile trading apps you can choose from. Kindly go through this page to review the pros and cons of some apps.
— CommSec app
— nabtrade IRESS mobile
— Westpac Online Investing
— CMC Markets Stockbroking Mobile Platform
— Bell Direct Mobile App
— IG trading app
— HSBC Online Share Trading
Additionally, you may check the reviews on play store or app store for each app to see their users’ feedback.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Ron
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Which app is the best for trading shares in Australia? What app lets me choose my own bank to withdraw funds from and cheaper broker fee?
Hello Rod,
Please note that we are unable to suggest personalized recommendation as to which trading share app is the best for you as each app has their own functionalities and each user has their own preferences. You may read forums and reviews instead on the most helpful trade sharing app people have been using.
Our page discusses a comprehensive guide you may refer to in choosing a share trading app and it also has some reviews on the available mobile trading apps you can choose from. Kindly go through this page to review the pros and cons of some apps.
— CommSec app
— nabtrade IRESS mobile
— Westpac Online Investing
— CMC Markets Stockbroking Mobile Platform
— Bell Direct Mobile App
— IG trading app
— HSBC Online Share Trading
Additionally, you may check the reviews on play store or app store for each app to see their users’ feedback.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Ron