Looking to invest in the ASX or international stocks from Australia?
Choosing the right share trading platform can make a huge difference in your investment journey. In this guide, we compare the top platforms for Australian investors in 2025 based on brokerage fees, platform costs, market access, and usability.
Whether you’re a beginner investor or an experienced trader, finding the right broker with low fees and access to global markets like NASDAQ and NYSE is crucial.
📌 Table of Contents
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Overview of Trading in Australia
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Comparison Table of Top Share Trading Platforms
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Platform Reviews
• CommSec
• SelfWealth
• CMC Markets
• Stake
• Pearler
• Superhero -
Final Recommendation
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FAQs
1. Overview of Trading in Australia
In Australia, investors can access both domestic (ASX) and international markets via online brokers. Some platforms charge flat brokerage fees, while others offer zero commission for US shares.
When comparing platforms, consider the following:
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Brokerage fees for Australian and international shares
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Monthly account or platform fees
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Access to global markets (NASDAQ, NYSE, etc.)
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Ease of use & features (mobile app, reporting, tax statements)
2. Comparison Table: Australian Share Trading Platforms (2025)
| Platform | ASX Brokerage | US Brokerage | Monthly Fee | Market Access | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CommSec | From $10.00 | $19.95 | $0 | ASX, limited US | Trusted, owned by CBA |
| SelfWealth | Flat $9.50 | US: USD $0 | $0 | ASX, US (NASDAQ/NYSE) | Low-cost, CHESS sponsored |
| CMC Markets | From $0 (conditions apply) | USD $0 | $0 | ASX, UK, US, Canada, more | Advanced tools, global access |
| Stake | No ASX access | USD $3/trade | Free/Stake Black: $9/month | US (NYSE, NASDAQ), soon UK | Commission-free US trades |
| Pearler | $6.50–$9.50 | USD $0 | $0 | ASX, US | Long-term investing, auto-invest |
| Superhero | $5.00 | USD $0 | Free/Live: $9/month | ASX, US | Great UX, fractional shares available |
Note: All prices in AUD unless otherwise specified. Data updated for September 2025.
3. Platform Reviews
🔹 CommSec
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Brokerage (ASX): $10.00 (up to $1,000)
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US Shares: $19.95 per trade
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Markets: ASX, limited access to US stocks
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Best For: Beginner investors who bank with Commonwealth Bank
CommSec remains one of the most trusted brokers in Australia. It’s CHESS-sponsored, fully integrated with CBA accounts, and provides strong customer support. However, its fees are relatively high, especially for international trades.
🔹 SelfWealth
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Brokerage (ASX): $9.50 flat
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US Shares: $0 (USD trades only)
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Markets: ASX, NASDAQ, NYSE
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Best For: Low-cost Australian and US share investing
SelfWealth offers some of the lowest fees in the market, with a flat rate for ASX and free US trading. It’s CHESS-sponsored and offers portfolio comparison tools. It’s ideal for investors who want a simple, low-cost solution with access to the US market.
🔹 CMC Markets
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Brokerage (ASX): $0 (first 10 trades/month under $1,000), then from $11
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US Shares: USD $0
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Markets: ASX, US, UK, Canada, and more
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Best For: Active traders and international investors
CMC offers one of the widest ranges of global markets and powerful charting tools. Active traders may qualify for $0 brokerage offers, but the platform can feel overwhelming for beginners.
🔹 Stake
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Brokerage (ASX): Not available
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US Shares: $3 per trade (free on basic plan)
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Monthly Fee: Free plan available; Stake Black: $9/month
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Markets: US stocks only (ASX coming soon)
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Best For: US stock investors, fractional share trading
Stake is designed for Australians investing in the US market. It offers an intuitive app and fractional shares, ideal for those wanting exposure to US tech stocks. ASX trading is not available as of late 2025 but is on the roadmap.
🔹 Pearler
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Brokerage (ASX): $6.50–$9.50
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US Shares: $0 (via DriveWealth)
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Monthly Fee: $0
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Markets: ASX, NASDAQ, NYSE
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Best For: Long-term investors, FIRE community
Pearler is popular among long-term investors thanks to its auto-investing feature and FIRE-friendly interface. It supports ETF investing and goal tracking, with low brokerage and no monthly fees.
🔹 Superhero
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Brokerage (ASX): $5.00
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US Shares: $0
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Monthly Fee: Free or $9/month (Live account with advanced data)
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Markets: ASX, US
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Best For: New investors, fractional investing
Superhero is one of the most affordable platforms in Australia, especially for beginners. It offers both Australian and US shares, fractional investing, and a slick user interface. It is not CHESS-sponsored, which may be a downside for advanced investors.
4. Final Recommendation
If you’re investing primarily in Australian shares and want low-cost, CHESS-sponsored trades, SelfWealth is hard to beat. For international diversification, CMC Markets offers broad access, while Stake and Superhero are excellent for US stock trading.
| Investor Type | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| Beginner (ASX only) | CommSec or Superhero |
| Low-cost all-rounder | SelfWealth |
| Global market access | CMC Markets |
| US-focused investor | Stake |
| Long-term ETF investor | Pearler |
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I trade US stocks from Australia?
Yes, platforms like SelfWealth, Stake, CMC Markets, and Superhero allow Australians to trade US shares (NASDAQ, NYSE).
Q2: Are there any CHESS-sponsored brokers with international access?
Yes, CMC Markets and SelfWealth offer CHESS sponsorship and access to US markets.
Q3: Is Stake good for beginners?
Yes, Stake is very user-friendly and ideal for those looking to invest in big-name US stocks like Apple, Tesla, or Google.
Q4: What’s the cheapest platform for ASX shares?
Superhero ($5.00 brokerage) and Pearler (from $6.50) are among the lowest-cost options.