This is a list of share trading platforms that offer a similar service to CommSec including fee structure, CHESS-sponsporship, availability of Australian and global shares, as well as a good selection of trading and research tools.
This listed was last updated on 19 September 2024.
CommSec is Australia's largest and most well known online broker, but in 2024, there's dozens of share trading platforms in Australia for you to choose from.
Each broker has its pros and cons when it comes to available markets, trading tools and costs. So it's a good idea to compare your options before deciding on the trading platform that meets all your investment requirements and offers the best value for money.
For the purposes of this comparison, we're using a CommSec account with a Commonwealth Direct Investment Account CDIA, which offers lower trading fees than a non-CDIA account. We're also assuming all trades are done online.
For our top picks, we compared our Finder partners using a proprietary algorithm in 2024. Keep in mind that our top picks may not always be the best for you. You're encouraged to compare for yourself to find one that works for you. Read our full methodology here to find out more.
IG is our top pick for low costs because it has among the lowest fees across the board for ASX, US and other global stocks. It also has consistently low brokerage fees whether you're investing a few hundred or several thousand dollars at a time, plus a competitive currency exchange fee of 0.70%.
Practice with $20K of virtual funds
Improve trading skills on IG Academy
Switch to real trading of ASX and global stocks
Trade on desktop or mobile
Not suitable for casual investors. The IG app is targeted more towards active traders than casual investors.
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: $5 or 0.05% if you make 3 or more trades in the previous month. $8 or 0.1% of your trade (whichever is higher) US stocks: US$0 UK stocks: £0 Other markets available: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $5 or 0.05% if you make 3 or more trades in the previous month. $8 or 0.1% of your trade (whichever is higher) US ETFs: US$0 UK ETFs: £0 Other markets available: Details here Inactivity fee: if you make fewer than 3 trades during that time. Currency conversion fee: 0.70% of trade value
CommSec vs IG Markets
IG Markets has a similar trading fee to CommSec on Australian shares, charging $5 per trade if you make 3 or more trades each month, or $8 if you make less than 3 trades.
However, IG offers zero brokerage on UK, US, German and Irish stocks, whereas CommSec charges varying fees on all international stock trades. Both also charge currency conversion fees when buying international stocks, as do all other platforms we've compared in this guide.
CommSec offers CHESS-sponsored ASX shares, while IG uses a custodian model.
CMC Invest was rated the best trading platform in Australia (overall) for 2024 thanks to its impressive range of trading tools and low costs. The platform is intuitive enough for new investors but has the tools and product range to keep experienced traders satisfied. If you sign up to the pro account, you'll also get access to currencies, commodities and options. Check out CMC Invest if you want an excellent all-rounder.
Trade Australian and global stocks
Low trade fees on stocks and ETFs
Suitable for new investors and advanced traders
High-quality trading and research tools
Limited global markets. Only 4 global markets are commission-free to trade. Other global markets cost $59 per trade in brokerage while ASX stock trading starts at $11.
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
CommSec vs CMC Invest
CMC Invest has zero brokerage on trades up to $1,000 (each asset, each day), compared to the $5 fee charged by CommSec. CMC then charges $11 for any trade beyond that, which means it would still be more cost effective than CommSec in almost every situation.
Like IG, CMC offers free brokerage on certain international markets, including the US and UK compared to the higher fees charged by CommSec.
Selfwealth offers a flat-fee structure for investing across a number of markets including in Australia, Hong Kong and the US. The platform gives investors access to several tools including market analysis, a stock screener tool and access to a community to help find opportunities. While the platform can suit beginners with education and research features, other capabilities such as the ability to open your own SMSF cater to more sophisticated traders.
Flat-fee brokerage
Research and education tools
Community access
SMSF setup capability
Limited markets
No access to other trading types such as crypto
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: $9.50 flat fee US stocks: US$9.50 flat fee Other markets available: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $9.50 flat fee US ETFs: US$9.50 flat fee Other markets available: Details here Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 60 bps of trade value
CommSec vs Selfwealth
Selfwealth has a flat $9.50 brokerage fee per trade, which means it will be more expensive than CommSec on ASX trades under $1,000, but cheaper on all other trades.
In terms of US stocks, the same flat $9.50 fee applies, which means Selfwealth will be cheaper than CommSec on trades above $8,000, but more expensive on smaller trades.
Saxo Invested is designed for seasoned traders, giving access to a wide range of Australian and international stocks, ETFs, bonds, and other trading instruments such as CFDs. You can also access a wealth of research and trading tools to inform your investment decisions such as market trends, stock lists and news feeds. Brokerage fees start from an affordable $3 with a minimum funding of AUD$1,000.
Australian and international stocks
Access a large range of trading options
Educational resources and tools
Market analysis and investment ideas
Rewards for active traders
May not suit beginner investors
No automated trading tools
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks (Issuer sponsored): $3 or 0.08%, whichever is higher AU stocks (Chess sponsored): $14.9 or 0.1%, whichever is higher US stocks: US$1 or 0.08% UK stocks: £3 or 0.08% ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs (Issuer sponsored): $3 or 0.08%, whichever is higher AU ETFs (Chess sponsored): $14.9 or 0.1%, whichever is higher US ETFs: US$1 or 0.08% UK ETFs: £3 or 0.08% Options: US: US$2 Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 0.25% of trade value
CommSec vs Saxo
Saxo has a minimum trading fee of $14.90 on CHESS-sponsored ASX shares, or 0.1%, whichever is higher, meaning it will be more expensive than CommSec on trades under $3,000.
On US stocks, Saxo charges a minimum US$1 fee, or 0.08%, whichever is higher. This means it's more cost-effective than CommSec, which charges a minimum of US$5 a trade.
Arguably best known for its social trading features, it's no surprise eToro comes out on top for this category. eToro offers several social trading features, such as copy trading, which allows users to copy the trades and portfolios made by other top traders. And if you fit the bill as a top trader yourself, you can get rewarded if others on the app choose to follow you.
Copy trading features
Demo account with $100K of practice money
Social forums within the app
US$2 brokerage on ASX, US and global stocks
$200 minimum investment required to copy trade
AUD must be converted to USD to trade with eToro
Limited equities available for some global markets
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
CommSec vs eToro
eToro was famous for its zero brokerage trading, but now charges a US$2 fee on both ASX and US stocks. However, this means it is still cheaper than CommSec, which charges a minimum $5 or US$5 fee, depending on the size of the trade.
CommSec offers CHESS-sponsored ASX shares, while eToro does not.
nabtrade offers a well-rounded platform for investors looking to get started or continue building up their portfolios. Investors can access over 10,000 instruments including shares, bonds and managed funds as well as tailored solutions such as setting up their own SMSF. You can purchase shares in Australia, the US, the UK, Hong Kong and Germany through nabtrade. There are also educational tools and insights on offer for those looking for stock and investment tips, including market commentary.
Purchase shares in the US, the UK, Hong Kong and Germany
Linked cash account that earns interest
Competitive fee structure for larger trades
Access over 10,000 securities including shares, bonds and managed funds
Limited international share trading
24/7 support is not available
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%
CommSec vs nabtrade
nabtrade charges $9.95 on ASX trades up to $1,000, making it more expensive than CommSec on trades of that size. On trades between $10,000 and $20,000 nabtrade charges $19.95, making it cheaper than CommSec's $29.95 fee. It is also slightly cheaper on trades above $25,000.
On US stocks, nabtrade also has a $9.95 on trades up to $1,000, and more for larger trades. It is only more cost effective than CommSec on trades above $20,000.
Westpac’s online investing platform lets you invest in Australian shares, ETFs and warrants as well as more than 25 international share markets. You can start investing through Westpac with just $500. The app offers a number of tools to help you make investment decisions, including ESG ratings, watchlists, live prices, email and SMS alerts as well as tools such as conditional trading.
Access Australian and international markets
Active investors with a spend over $5,000 receive premium rewards through Trader Advantage
Trading tools and education
Conditional trading
No 24/7 customer support
Brokerage fees start higher than other brokers
Brokerage fee per trade: AU stocks: $4.95 (trades up to $1,000); $9.95 (trades $1,000 - $3,000); $19.95 (trades $3,000 - $10,000); $29.95 (trades $10,000 - $28,000); and 0.11% of trade volume (trades over $28,000). US stocks: USD$19.95 (trades up to USD$5,000); USD$29.95 (trades up to USD$10,000); 0.31% of trade volume (trades over $10,000). Other markets: Details here ETF brokerage fees: AU ETFs: $4.95 (trades up to $1,000); $9.95 (trades $1,000 - $3,000); $19.95 (trades $3,000 - $10,000); $29.95 (trades $10,000 - $28,000); and 0.11% of trade volume (trades over 28,000). US ETFs: USD$19.95 (trades up to USD$5,000); USD$29.95 (trades up to USD$10,000); 0.31% of trade volume (trades over 10,000). Other markets: Details here Inactivity fee: $0 Currency conversion fee: 0.60% of trade value
CommSec vs Westpac
Westpac and COmmSec have almost identical trading fees on Australian shares, with Westpac only marginally cheaper on trades over $28,000. Westpac has a $4.95 fee on trades up to $1,000, while CommSec charges $5 for the same trade.
For US shares, Westpac has a fee of US$19.95 for trades up to US$5,000, US$29.95 on trades up to US$10,000, or 0.31% on larger trades. This makes CommSec more affordable when trading US stocks.
Both platforms offer CHESS-sponsored ASX shares.
Our expert says: Is it worth sticking with CommSec?
"CommSec has long been Australia's most popular share trading platform but the rise of accessible, low cost alternatives means it's not necessarily the best bet for investors."
You'll normally pay anywhere from $0 to $20 in brokerage when trading Australian shares via an online trading platform or broker.
CommSec's brokerage fees start at a relatively competitive $5 for online trades up to $1,000, but increase depending on the size of your trade.
Here's a rundown of what CommSec charges for Australian shares (as of September 2024):
$5 (up to and including $1,000)
$10 (over $1,000 up to $3,000 [inclusive])
$19.95 (over $3,000 up to $10,000 [inclusive])
$29.95 (over $10,000 up to $25,000 [inclusive])
0.12% (over $25,000)
No inactivity fee (on Australian shares platform)
In comparison, Westpac has a very similar fee structure, charging $4.95 on trades up to $1,000, or 0.11% on trades over $28,000.
In terms of cheaper brokerage, CMC Invest charges zero commission on ASX trades up to $1,000 (on the first trade each day), but $11 on any subsequent ASX trades. eToro charges US$2 on ASX trades.
Brokerage and commission fees aside, you should also consider whether the platform charges an inactivity fee. Although IG charges just $$8 per trade, its inactivity fee of won't suit everyone.
How do CommSec's international fees compare?
CommSec has relatively high brokerage fees for international stocks and ETFs compared to others.
Here's a basic breakdown of CommSec's fees (last updated 19 September 2024) on a standard International Shares account:
United States: USD$5.00 or 0.12%, whichever amount is greater
Canada: CAD$40.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands: EUR€12.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Hong Kong: HKD$130.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Japan: JPY¥1,500 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Norway: NOK175.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Singapore: SGD$25.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Sweden: SEK155.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Switzerland: CHF₣17.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
United Kingdom: GBP£12.00 or 0.40%, whichever amount is greater
Inactivity fee: $0
Aside from CommSec, eToro, Westpac, IG, nabtrade, Saxo Invested, Selfwealth and CMC Invest all offer global share trading options. Among these, IG and CMC Invest offer $0 brokerage for global stocks.
IG offers similar brokerage fees at $US US$0 for US stocks, £10 or 0.1% for UK and €10 or 0.1% for Germany.
Currency exchange fees: It's also worth noting that when you trade international shares, your trading platform will need to perform a currency exchange for you. For example, nabtrade's foreign exchange transaction services are provided by NAB, so when you place an order for international shares you will be quoted an estimated exchange rate that includes fees and margins to protect NAB against exchange rate fluctuations. Once your trade is executed, NAB then books a foreign exchange transaction on your behalf.
Which trading accounts are the most reliable?
Like CommSec, all of the trading platforms listed on this page can offer secure and reliable trading solutions.
Some people prefer the peace of mind of dealing with an institution they know and trust.
The financial services royal commission not withstanding, a trading platform provided by one of the Big Four banks makes for a convincing argument. However, IG Markets, Selfwealth and Saxo Invested are also well-established and regulated names in the Australian share trading industry.
Each trading platform has a raft of security measures in place to ensure the safety of your funds and your security details. For example, IG Markets and Saxo Invested both keep all client funds fully segregated with top-tier Australian banks as required by the Australian regulator. Westpac Online Investing also offers 128-bit encryption when trading.
Share trading updates: December 2024
December: More records tumble as the S&P 500 hits 6,000 points and the Nasdaq-100 hits 21,000 points for the first time.
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.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading CFDs and forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product on the provider's website.
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
Kylie's expertise
Kylie has written 134 Finder guides across topics including:
Just letting you know, your link to Westpac actually takes you to General Pants Co
Finder
ClarizzaJune 27, 2016Finder
Hi David,
Thanks kindly for your comment. We have now made the corrections.
Cheers
Clarizza
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Just letting you know, your link to Westpac actually takes you to General Pants Co
Hi David,
Thanks kindly for your comment. We have now made the corrections.
Cheers
Clarizza