The best ETF trading platforms in Australia (2024)

We've selected 5 top ETF brokers for Australians based on fees, features and available funds.

If you're looking to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), you'll need to be signed up to the right trading platform.

That means finding a platform or online broker that offers a great range of ETFs, low ETF trading fees and the right tools to match your trading strategy.

Best ETF trading platforms in Australia

These are the 5 best ETF platforms in Australia, based on Finder's analysis of 40 trading platforms across more than 4,000 data points, including things like fees, available markets, trading features and research tools:

  1. CMC Invest (2024 Finder Award winner)
  2. Webull
  3. Syfe
  4. Interactive Brokers
  5. EasyEquities

Finding the best ETF trading platform in Australia

Our investment experts have analysed more than 40 trading platforms available in Australia to make it easier for you to select the right one as an ETF investor. The 5 brokers featured here achieved the highest scores for Finder's Best ETF Broker award in the 2024 Finder Awards. Keep in mind that these picks are suggestions and that the best platform for you will depend on your individual needs. There may be other products on the market not included in our picks. You can read more on our Best ETF platform methodology here.

Why you can trust our research

40

Trading platforms analysed

4,370

Data points

300+

Hours of research

    1. CMC Invest - Australia's best ETF broker (2024 Finder Award winner)

    CMC Invest logo
    5/5 ★★★★★
    Go to site Read review
    Capital at risk
    $0 brokerage for global stocks
    $0 brokerage on ASX buy orders
    Sophisticated research tools
    CMC Invest was rated the best ETF trading platform in Australia (overall) again in 2024 thanks to its quality ETF trading tools and low costs. The platform offers excellent ETF screeners that allow you to filter hundreds of funds that best suit your investment strategy. It also gets points thanks to its $0 brokerage offering for ASX trades of less than $1,000. This means you can regularly invest smaller amounts into your ETF of choice without paying high trade fees. Check out CMC Invest if you want an excellent all-rounder.
    • Trade Australian and global ETFs
    • Low trade fees on stocks and ETFs
    • ETF filters and screeners
    • $0 brokerage on ASX ETF trades of under $1,000
    • Only 4 global markets are commission-free to trade. Other global markets cost $59 per trade in brokerage while ASX stock trading starts at $0.
    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

    2. Webull - Best for US and AU ETFs

    Webull logo
    4/5 ★★★★★
    Compare Read review
    Capital at risk
    Advanced technical tools
    ASX and global stocks
    US options trading
    Webull is one of the best ETF trading platforms in Australia because of its $0 brokerage on all US and Australian ETFs. While it only offers support for a few markets, its ETF fee structure is hard to beat and still gives you access to many of the most popular ETFs around.
    • $0 brokerage on US and AU ETFs
    • Fractional trading
    • No account or inactivity fees
    • Limited 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

    3. Syfe - Best trading platform for beginners

    Syfe logo
    N/A ★★★★★
    Compare Read review
    Capital at risk
    ASX and US stocks
    Low minimum trades
    Portfolio investing
    Syfe is one of the first trading platforms in Australia to offer a robo-advice feature with its diversified portfolios (smart baskets) tailored to your risk tolerance and time horizon. Plus, with a low minimum investment of just $1 and low fees there's no need to break the piggy bank to start. Syfe also gives you the option to directly purchase Australian and US stocks and ETFs. With its simple-to-use platform, we think Syfe is a great choice for new investors.
    • Invest from just $1
    • Trade ASX and US stocks plus crypto
    • User-friendly platform
    • Ready-made portfolios available
    • Few advanced features
    • Only access to Australian and US stocks at this stage
    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

    4. Interactive Brokers - Best for global markets

    Interactive Brokers Australia logo
    5/5 ★★★★★
    Compare Read review
    Capital at risk
    Advanced trading features
    Trade Australian and global shares
    Trade OTC stocks from global markets
    Interactive Brokers offers access to 150 global markets, including zero commission on more than 90 ETFs. In also offers competitive brokerage across a huge range of investments.
    • Advanced trading platform
    • Huge range of investments
    • May not suit beginners
    • Tiered pricing favours active traders
    Brokerage fee per trade:
    AU stocks: $5 or 0.08% (whichever is greater) for trade values up to $3,000,000
    US stocks: US$0.0035 cents per share capped at 1.0% of trade value
    UK stocks: £1.00 or 0.050% (whichever is greater) for trade values up to £40,000,000
    Options:
    AU: $0.33/contract, min $1.10
    US: US$0.25 - US$0.65/contract, min US$1.00
    Inactivity fee: $0
    Currency conversion fee: 0.20% (Flat US$2 for transactions below $10,000 or 0.2% for amounts above $10,000)

    5. EasyEquities - Hassle-free investing

    EasyEquities Share Trading logo
    3/5 ★★★★★
    Compare Read review
    Capital at risk
    Invest in AU and US stocks for less
    No minimum trades
    No platform fees
    EasyEquities is a low-cost, beginner-friendly platform offering access to Australian, US, UK and European ETFs and stocks with no minimum investments.
    • No inactivity fees
    • Low commissions
    • Limited trading tools
    Brokerage fees
    AU stocks: 0.10% of the trade size
    US stock: 0.25% of the trade size
    Inactivity fee: $0
    Currency conversion fee: 2.50%

    Compare Australian ETF brokers

    Still not sure which ETF trading platform to go with? Compare your options in the table below by ETF brokerage fees and available assets.

    Product AUFST Brokerage on AU ETFs Inactivity fee Asset class Offer
    $3
    $0
    ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs
    Unlock up to AUD$4,000 AND US$4,000 in $0 brokerage over 60 days. T&Cs apply.
    Tiger Brokers
    Finder AwardExclusive
    Tiger Brokers logo
    $2.99
    $0
    ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs
    Get 4 brokerage-free trades and pay no FX fees on the first $2,000 you exchange each month with first deposit of any amount + plus get an $80 cash voucher when you deposit up to $2000. T&Cs apply.
    CMC Invest
    Finder AwardExclusive
    CMC Invest logo
    $0
    $0
    ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs
    Get $100 trading credit when you transfer $10k+ of either Australian or international stocks to CMC Invest. Only available for the first 50 new clients to participate. Use promo code “100CMC”. T&Cs apply.
    $2
    $0
    ASX shares, US shares, ETFs
    Sign up with code ‘finder24’ and get US$10 of Nvidia stock when you fund your account with $100 or more within 30 days. T&Cs apply.
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    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.

    How ETF platforms work in Australia

    To invest in ETFs, you need to be signed up to a share trading platform or online broker. Because ETFs are listed on a stock exchange, you invest in them the same way you buy and sell stocks. Instead of buying and selling stocks, you'll be buying ETF units.

    However not all share trading platforms are catered to ETF investors. For instance, some trading platforms offer only a small range of ETFs or feature tools better suited to active stock traders. Trading platform eToro, for example, only offers US-listed ETFs and Australian shares, it does not support ASX-listed ETFs.

    In Australia, ETF investors typically choose ASX-listed ETFs. This means the funds are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Australia's main stock exchange. To date, there are over 200 ASX-listed funds.

    Just because an ETF is listed in the Australian market, doesn't mean that you're only investing in Australian assets. ASX-listed funds allow you to invest in stocks and other assets from right around the world, including the US market, emerging markets like India, UK stocks and even global commodities.

    For more information on the types of ETFs available in Australia, check out our guides:

    How to pick the best ETF trading platform

    The best ETF platform for you will depend on your investment strategy, the types of ETFs you plan to invest in and whether you also want to buy other types of securities such as stocks.

    If you plan to make small regular deposits into your ETF of choice, look for a platform that charges a low brokerage fee per trade and allows you to invest small, recurring amounts. It's worth noting that many platforms require a minimum deposit of $500 per trade, so make sure you check this before signing up.

    If you only plan to deposit funds into your ETF once or twice a year, the brokerage fee is less important and you may instead prefer to find a platform that offers quality filtering or research tools that will help you select the best ETF for you.

    Here are a few factors to consider:

    • ETF trading fees: When you buy ETF units, you typically need to pay an ETF brokerage fee to the trading platform you use. This is usually the same as the stock brokerage fee, but some platforms will charge a different fee for ETFs. Opt for platforms with low brokerage fees in line with your strategy.
    • Range of ETFs: Make sure to check the range of ETFs your platform has access to. For instance, some platforms will only offer US-listed ETFs while others might only offer a small range of ASX-listed ETFs.
    • User experience: If you're new to investing, look for a platform with a user-friendly interface. Most platforms will allow you to sign up for free so you can trial the interface before depositing any funds.
    • ETF filters: Some platforms, such as CMC Invest and CommSec offer ETF screeners that let you filter ETFs based on the underlying market or asset class, management fees, size of the ETF and types of ETFs. For instance, if you're looking for a low-cost index fund that tracks the US market, you can filter for this too.
    • Auto-investment options: If you're planning to make recurring investments into your ETF of choice, you might want to look for a platform that offers an auto-investment option. Auto-investing features let you invest a set amount at regular intervals of your choosing so you can set and forget.
    • Customer support: If something goes wrong, you'll want to make sure you can easily access the support you need. Check whether support can be contacted via phone, email or live chat.
    • Regulation: Make sure you sign up to a platform that is ASIC regulated and holds an AFS licence. This will ensure you and your funds are protected under Australian law.
    • Mobile access: Some platforms specialise in desktop trading while others are mobile first. Desktop platforms and their affiliate mobile apps can be quite different. For instance, you won't always get all the features you need via mobile. A good way to gauge is check out user ratings in the App or Play stores

    Choosing the perfect ETF trading platform boils down to personal preference and trading style. Consider your unique needs and goals, then select a platform that aligns. Here's to successful trading!

    Thomas Stelzer's headshot
    Our expert says: Why pay ETF trading fees when you don't have to?

    "Did you know some ETF platforms actually charge no brokerage fees when you invest in ETFs? While trading fees might not seem like a lot, they can quickly add up over time, especially if you are making regular investments."

    Publisher

    What return can you expect on an ETF?

    Many ETFs have averaged an annualised return of more than 15% over the last 5 years, however this has been during a period of relatively high growth for the stock market. Like with any investment, the value of an ETF can go up or down.

    ASX Code Type Fund Name Fund Name Fee 5-Year Return 3-Year Return 1-Year Return
    NDQ Global equity Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF 0.48% 21.05% 11.91% 32.90%
    GGUS Global equity Betashares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) 0.80% 20.08% 8.68% 69.13%
    HACK Global equity Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF 0.67% 17.05% 9.48% 29.11%
    ETHI Global equity Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF 0.59% 16.54% 9.89% 29.78%
    SPY Global equity SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust 0.09% 16.38% 13.78% 35.79%
    IOO Global equity iShares Global 100 ETF 0.40% 16.25% 14.60% 31.21%
    IVV Global equity iShares S&P 500 ETF 0.04% 16.22% 13.73% 36.06%
    VTS Global equity Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF 0.03% 15.95% 12.92% 37.13%
    WCMQ Global equity (MF) WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (Quoted Managed Fund) 1.25% 15.78% 10.27% 48.38%
    QUAL Global equity VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF 0.4% 15.58% 11.61% 30.00%
    Source: ASX | Period ending: 30 November 2024 | SP = Structured Product, MF = Managed Fund, Fees = %p.a.

    Frequently asked questions

    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.
    Jason Loewenthal's headshot
    To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.
    Kylie Purcell's headshot
    Written by

    Investments analyst

    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:
    • Investment strategies
    • Financial platforms
    • Stockbrokers
    • Robo advisors
    • Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
    • Ethical investing
    • ASX stocks
    • Stock and forex markets

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