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10 Best Share Trading Platforms For Australians
By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025
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CommSec
CommSec requires a minimum first trade of $500, giving new investors an accessible entry point. It provides market access to the ASX along with 25 international markets across the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Asia. With no monthly account or subscription fees, it’s a cost-effective option for both beginners and experienced traders.
Why We Picked It
CommSec is Australia’s largest online trading platform, giving investors access to the ASX and 25 global markets with no monthly account-keeping or subscription fees. It requires a $500 minimum initial trade, which aligns with industry standards, and provides extensive educational resources to help beginners and experienced investors make informed decisions.
Investment options include shares, ETFs, options, and fixed income products, supported by market research and data. CommSec seamlessly connects with Commonwealth Bank accounts, enabling quick transfers between bank and trading accounts. This built-in connection adds convenience, particularly for existing Commonwealth Bank customers.
The platform caters to all experience levels, with CommSec Pocket for entry-level investing and the main platform for advanced strategies. While brokerage fees are higher than some rivals, CommSec’s stability, customer support, and reliable mobile and desktop platforms make it a trusted choice for many traders.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Direct access to the ASX and global markets
- Backed by Commonwealth Bank for added security
- Strong research tools and educational resources
- Seamless integration with bank accounts
- Reliable mobile and desktop platforms
Cons:
- Brokerage fees are higher than some competitors
- Interface may feel complex for complete beginners
- Limited low-cost options compared to micro-investing apps
- Some features are restricted unless you meet minimum trade amounts
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CMC Invest
CMC Invest requires a minimum first trade of $500, making it accessible for new investors. It offers market access to the ASX and 15 international markets, giving users opportunities both locally and globally. With no monthly account or subscription fees, it provides a cost-effective way to trade.
Why We Picked It
CMC Markets gives Australian investors access to diverse trading options, from ASX-listed shares to CFDs, crypto, and international equities. Trading is accessible in 15 global markets, including the US, UK, Japan, and Hong Kong, making it a great option for global transactions. A tiered pricing model also lowers fees for frequent traders.
The platform delivers advanced charting, market data, and detailed research reports to help guide decisions. Available on both desktop and mobile, it allows you to manage trades and portfolios seamlessly. Investment options include ETFs and other instruments, offering flexibility in shaping your strategy.
For education, CMC Markets provides a knowledge hub, demo accounts for practice, and even junior accounts for younger investors. These tools support learning while encouraging long-term engagement with financial markets. Together, they make CMC a practical option for traders of all experience levels.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to ASX and many global markets
- Competitive brokerage fees with tiered pricing
- Advanced charting and research tools
- Mobile and desktop platforms available
- Wide range of products including shares, ETFs, and options
Cons:
- Platform may feel complex for beginners
- Some research features require paid subscriptions
- No micro-investing option for very small amounts
- Customer support can be slower during peak times
- Minimum trade costs may not suit casual investors
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Nabtrade
Nabtrade requires a minimum initial purchase of $500 to begin trading. It provides access to the ASX and international markets in the US, UK, Hong Kong, and Germany. While entry-level accounts have no monthly or subscription fees, higher-level account tiers come with additional charges.
Why We Picked It
Nabtrade gives Australian investors access to the ASX and four major international markets: the US, UK, Hong Kong, and Germany. There are no monthly or subscription fees, but higher service tiers with premium charting, comparisons, and instant alerts are available at added cost, offering flexibility for both casual and advanced traders.
Backed by National Australia Bank, Nabtrade combines stability with detailed market research, analyst insights, and company data to support investment decisions. Investors can select from individual, joint, SMSF, or company accounts, all of which connect easily to a NAB cash account for simple transfers and management.
Its pricing is most competitive for larger trades, though smaller trades may carry higher costs. The platform’s global access, research tools, and optional premium features make it ideal for both beginners and active traders seeking an advanced trading experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to both Australian and international markets
- Backed by National Australia Bank for added security
- Strong research resources, including market reports and analyst insights
- Multiple account types available, including SMSF and company accounts
- Easy integration with NAB cash accounts for transfers
Cons:
- Brokerage fees can be higher for small trades
- Platform interface may feel complex for beginners
- Limited free research compared to some low-cost competitors
- No cryptocurrency trading options
- International trades may involve additional currency conversion costs
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Saxo Markets
Saxo Markets has no minimum trade requirement, making it flexible for investors at any level. It offers access to the ASX along with more than 50 international markets. While there are no monthly account or subscription fees for a classic account, live pricing comes at an additional cost.
Why We Picked It
Saxo Markets has removed its $1,000 minimum investment, making it more accessible while still offering assets such as shares, bonds, forex, crypto, and CFDs. With access to over 50 international markets, it appeals to investors seeking global diversification. The platform also provides extensive research, webinars, articles, and guides to support informed trading decisions.
Account tiers unlock different features, with higher levels offering lower fees and advanced tools in exchange for larger deposits. This setup benefits active or well-capitalized traders who value competitive pricing and premium services. However, real-time market prices require a subscription, while standard users see data delayed by 20 minutes.
Saxo’s desktop and mobile platforms cater to serious traders, offering professional-grade tools like customizable workspaces and advanced order types. While casual investors may find these features overwhelming, they provide flexibility and depth for those looking for a comprehensive and highly customizable trading experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to over 40,000 financial instruments across global markets
- Strong research tools, including in-depth analysis and market insights
- Advanced trading platforms with customizable layouts and charting options
- Tiered account structure that rewards higher deposits with lower fees
- Regulated in Australia and backed by a large, established broker
Cons:
- Higher minimum deposit compared to many competitors
- Complex features may overwhelm beginners
- Lower-tier accounts face higher fees and fewer perks
- Limited customer support options compared to some local brokers
- Not the cheapest choice for small or infrequent traders
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eToro
eToro requires a low minimum trade of $50, making it accessible for beginners. It provides market access to the ASX and 17 international markets across the US, UK, Europe, and Asia. While there are no monthly fees, inactive accounts are charged a fee after 12 months.
Why We Picked It
eToro allows investors to trade thousands of global shares and ETFs with no brokerage or commission fees, making it attractive for budget-conscious users. It also supports crypto, commodities, forex, and indices for broad market access. However, non-trading fees like withdrawals, inactivity, conversion, and overnight charges can accumulate, so users should remain cautious.
A key feature is its social trading tools, which let you view, follow, and copy strategies of experienced traders. This appeals to beginners wanting to learn from others and investors seeking a more hands-off approach. The platform further supports skill-building with accessible educational resources for traders at all levels.
By combining traditional investing and crypto in one account, eToro offers flexibility to diverse investors. Still, its layered fee structure can be confusing for newcomers, making it better suited to users who take time to understand costs. Overall, it balances affordability, innovation, and variety for those open to learning.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Commission-free trading on global shares
- Access to stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies in one account
- Social trading tools that let you copy other investors
- Easy-to-use platform suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Withdrawal and currency conversion fees can be high
- Limited research tools compared to some competitors
- Customer service response times may be slow
- Fewer advanced features for professional traders
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Moomoo
Moomoo requires a minimum trade of $500, giving you access to the ASX, U.S., and Hong Kong markets. It’s a cost-effective option with no monthly account or subscription fees. This makes it appealing for investors seeking international exposure without ongoing costs.
Why We Picked It
Moomoo gives investors access to ASX shares along with U.S. and Hong Kong markets, making it a convenient choice for global diversification from one account. It now supports CHESS-sponsored trades for added security and allows trading across shares, ETFs, currency pairs, options, and futures within the same platform.
The platform includes advanced features like real-time market data, charting tools, and technical analysis indicators to support informed trading. Beginners can also practice safely with paper trading, testing strategies risk-free using virtual funds before committing real money.
Moomoo’s “set-and-forget” automatic investing tool helps traders place orders on autopilot, saving time and effort. Paired with low commission fees and an intuitive mobile app, it provides powerful trading tools in a simple format, making it accessible without relying on a desktop setup.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to Australian, U.S., and Hong Kong markets
- Low trading fees compared to many brokers
- Advanced charting and analysis tools
- Paper trading feature for practice
- Mobile app with strong functionality
Cons:
- Limited access to managed funds or ETFs compared to some rivals
- Tools may feel overwhelming if you are a beginner
- Customer support options are not as broad as larger banks
- No integration with other banking services
- Some features focus heavily on active traders, less on long-term investors
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Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers has no account minimums for individual, joint, trust, or organizational accounts, making it highly accessible. It provides market access to the ASX and more than 150 international markets across 33 countries. With no monthly account or subscription fees, it’s a flexible choice for global investors.
Why We Picked It
Interactive Brokers gives access to over 150 global markets, making it a top choice for international exposure. You can trade stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, CFDs, and forex from a single account. Its transparent, low-cost brokerage model stands out, with no account minimums or subscription fees, appealing to both casual and active investors.
For Australian users, ASX trades are not CHESS-sponsored and operate under a custodial model. Live pricing data requires a premium account, and cryptocurrency trading isn’t available locally. However, competitive commissions, tight spreads, and fractional share support make it efficient for investing, even in high-priced global stocks.
The platform also includes advanced research tools such as detailed screeners, charting options, and real-time data for premium users. The features may require some learning, but they give experienced traders the flexibility to effectively implement and refine various global investment strategies.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to over 150 global markets
- Low trading fees and competitive pricing
- Wide range of products including stocks, ETFs, options, and forex
- Fractional shares available for easier entry into expensive stocks
- Advanced research, charting, and trading tools
Cons:
- Platform can feel complex for beginners
- Inactivity fees may apply depending on your account type
- Customer support is not always as quick as local brokers
- Some features require a steep learning curve
- Funding and withdrawals may take longer than with Australian-based platforms
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Stake
Stake requires an initial minimum trade of $500, with subsequent trades starting at just $20, making it accessible for ongoing investments. It offers market access to both the ASX and U.S. exchanges, giving investors opportunities in local and global markets. With no monthly account or subscription fees, it’s a cost-effective option for budget-conscious traders.
Why We Picked It
Stake is designed for low-cost trading with a simple brokerage structure that makes fees transparent. After an initial minimum trade of $500, investors only need $20 per trade, with brokerage fees set at $3 for U.S. transactions or 0.01% for trades over $30,000. Shares are CHESS-sponsored, giving Australian investors added security.
The platform focuses on U.S. and Australian markets, limited to shares and ETFs, which may not suit those seeking broader international exposure. However, it supports fractional shares, allowing you to buy into expensive U.S. stocks with smaller amounts.
Stake’s clean, user-friendly app makes it ideal for beginners or cost-conscious investors who want simplicity over advanced research tools. With funding available in Australian dollars and automatic conversion for U.S. trades, it offers a seamless and accessible way to invest.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Commission-free U.S. stock trades
- Access to both U.S. and ASX markets
- Fractional shares available
- Simple, user-friendly mobile app
- Easy funding in Australian dollars
Cons:
- Limited to U.S. and Australian markets
- Currency conversion fees apply for U.S. trades
- Fewer research and analysis tools compared to full-service brokers
- No access to other asset classes like ETFs outside the U.S. and ASX
- Customer support options are more limited than some larger brokers
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Pearler
Pearler requires a $500 minimum for the first Australian share trade and $100 for subsequent ones, while U.S. shares have no minimum. Offering access to both ASX and U.S. markets, it’s versatile for local and global investing. With no monthly fees, Pearler is a simple, cost-effective option for long-term investors.
Why We Picked It
Pearler is built for long-term investors, encouraging consistent, recurring investments rather than short-term trading. You can create automated investment plans for your selected stocks or ETFs to help you stay disciplined without the stress of timing the market.
The platform provides access to both Australian and U.S. markets, including shares and ETFs, with a flat $6.50 brokerage fee per trade and a 0.5% currency conversion fee between AUD and USD. This simple pricing model makes costs transparent and easy to manage.
While research tools are limited compared to larger platforms, Pearler stands out with its social investor community, podcast, and even features for kids investing. Its clean, straightforward interface makes it especially approachable for beginners looking to build wealth steadily over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Flat brokerage fee structure that is easy to follow
- Automation tools for recurring investments
- Access to ASX shares and a wide range of ETFs
- Beginner-friendly interface with a focus on long-term growth
- Community features that let you see how others invest
Cons:
- No access to international markets outside the ASX
- Limited advanced trading tools for active traders
- Research resources are more basic compared to larger brokers
- Mobile app features are still developing
- Less suitable if you want frequent, short-term trades
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GO Markets
GO Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 AUD to open an account, making it one of the more accessible platforms for new investors. It provides trading access exclusively to the ASX, focusing on the Australian market. With no monthly account or subscription fees, it’s a cost-effective option for those who want straightforward ASX trading.
Why We Picked It
GO Markets is a regulated broker licensed by ASIC, giving traders confidence in its reliability and compliance. It offers access to the ASX with a flat $7.70 fee per trade up to $100,000, along with forex, commodities, crypto, and more for broader trading opportunities.
The broker provides over 600 CFDs, including shares and indices, making it easier to diversify within one account. While it doesn’t offer stock research from fund managers, it does include educational tools like webinars, tutorials, and a trading glossary to support learning.
You can also trade on MT4 and MT5 platforms, which are popular for their speed, automation features, and advanced charting. These tools are especially valuable if you rely on technical analysis or want customizable trading setups.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ASIC regulation ensures compliance and oversight
- Access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- Wide range of CFDs across multiple asset classes
- Competitive spreads and low trading costs
- Strong educational resources for traders at all levels
- Responsive customer support with local presence
Cons:
- Limited product range compared to full-service brokers (no direct stock ownership)
- No proprietary trading platform beyond MT4/MT5
- International shares only available via CFDs, not actual ownership
- May not suit passive investors who prefer long-term stock holding
Frequently Asked Questions
Which share trading platform should I use?
The right platform depends on factors such as the types of investments you want, the fees charged, customer service, access to overseas markets, ease of use, and whether ASX shares are CHESS-sponsored. Considering these points can help you find a platform that aligns with your trading goals.
What features should I consider when choosing a share trading platform in Australia?
You should look at brokerage fees, available markets, research tools, and mobile app performance. Check if the platform gives you access to both Australian and global stocks. Some platforms also provide educational resources and demo accounts, which can help if you are still learning.
Which type of share trading is best?
Some investors believe intraday trading, which involves buying and selling shares within the same day, offers the best profit potential. However, this requires perfect timing and stock-picking skills, which few achieve. For most people, a long-term approach—staying invested through market dips—is the most reliable way to build returns.
Can I access international markets from Australia?
Yes, many platforms allow trading beyond the ASX, including U.S., U.K., Hong Kong, and European markets. If global diversification matters, ensure the platform provides international shares and supports various currencies or affordable foreign exchange rates.
What are the security measures implemented by leading share trading platforms in Australia?
Top platforms use encryption, two-factor authentication, and account monitoring to protect your data. They are also regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which sets standards for investor protection. Always confirm that the platform is properly licensed before opening an account.