Brokerage Account Singapore: Types, Fees, and Benefits

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In Singapore, there are three main types of brokerage accounts: cash accounts, margin accounts, and Islamic accounts. A cash account allows you to buy and sell securities with cash, while a margin account allows you to borrow money from the broker to trade with.

A brokerage account in Singapore can be opened with a minimum deposit, which varies depending on the broker. For example, some brokers may require a minimum deposit of S$1,000.

You can open a brokerage account in Singapore online or in-person at a broker's office. Many brokers also offer mobile apps for easy account management.

Brokerage accounts in Singapore often come with fees, such as trading fees, maintenance fees, and custody fees. Trading fees typically range from S$5 to S$30 per trade.

Opening a brokerage account in Singapore can be beneficial for investors, as it provides a convenient and secure way to buy and sell securities. With a brokerage account, you can also access a wide range of investment products, including stocks, bonds, and unit trusts.

Opening a Brokerage Account

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To open a brokerage account in Singapore, you'll need to start by opening a Central Depository (CDP) account. This is your safekeeping vault for any stocks you purchase, and you can easily set it up online through the Singapore Exchange (SGX) website.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a bank account with one of the following banks in Singapore: Citibank, DBS/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, Standard Chartered Bank, and UOB.

Next, you'll need to choose a brokerage firm that meets your needs. You can find a list of licensed brokerage firms on the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) website.

Once you've chosen a brokerage firm, you can open a brokerage account online via the firm's website. You'll need to provide personal details such as your name, address, and contact information, as well as your CDP account number.

Some brokerage firms may require additional documentation for non-residents, so it's best to check with the firm directly.

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To open a brokerage account, you'll need to follow these steps:

  • Open a CDP account
  • Choose a brokerage firm
  • Open a brokerage account online via the firm's website
  • Provide personal details and CDP account number
  • Complete customer account review

You can also consider opening an account with a local bank in Singapore, such as UOB, DBS, or OCBC, which have their own brokerage divisions.

Here's a list of the banks that have their own brokerage divisions in Singapore:

  • UOB
  • DBS
  • OCBC

Remember to also understand the charges and risks associated with opening a brokerage account, and to fund your account once you've completed the application process.

Understanding Brokerage Accounts

Opening a brokerage account in Singapore is a crucial first step to start investing in the country's financial markets.

You can choose between a CDP-linked account or a custodian account, depending on your investment needs. A CDP-linked account is suitable for purchasing Singapore stocks, while a custodian account is required for buying or selling overseas stocks.

To get started, you'll need to open a brokerage account with a licensed brokerage firm, and you can do so with as little as S$1,000. Most brokerages offer online account opening, making it easy and convenient to start investing.

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Types of

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In Singapore, you can choose between two main types of brokerage accounts: CDP-linked and custodian accounts. CDP-linked accounts are the most popular type of brokerage account in Singapore, offering lower fees and greater control over your investments.

CDP-linked accounts are linked to a Central Depository (CDP) account, which means you can directly hold and manage your securities. This type of account is suitable for purchasing Singapore stocks.

Custodian accounts, on the other hand, are held by a third-party custodian, which means your securities are held in trust by the custodian. This type of account is typically used by foreign investors who are not eligible for a CDP account.

Here's a summary of the two main types of brokerage accounts:

Whether you choose a CDP-linked or custodian account, it's essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each type to make an informed decision.

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In addition to CDP-linked and custodian accounts, there's also a CFD trading account, which allows you to trade in various financial markets with leverage. CFD trading accounts are suitable for trading in the short and medium term, and can be used to trade the spot price, futures, and options across a range of markets.

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Tax and Interest Handling

You'll need to be aware of the taxes and interest that come with investing in Singapore. Capital gains tax may be applied to any profits you make from your investments.

It's essential to consult with a tax professional to understand your tax obligations and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

You may be subject to interest charges if you borrow money to invest. This is something to keep in mind when making investment decisions.

By considering these tax and interest factors, you can make informed decisions and avoid any potential pitfalls.

Considerations for Investors

Opening a brokerage account in Singapore can be a great way to start investing, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

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Commission fees can eat into your returns, so it's essential to choose a broker with low commission rates. For example, CGS-CIMB Securities charges 0.275% for trades below $50,000.

Understanding the charges and risks associated with trading is crucial. With CFDs, you pay an initial margin that gives you increased exposure at a fraction of the full market value of the underlying asset.

Be aware of the taxes and interest you may be subject to when investing in Singapore. You may be subject to capital gains tax on any profits you make from your investments.

A brokerage account is an account that allows you to buy and sell your stocks, ETFs, certain bonds, and REITs. It acts as a middle-man trading platform, allowing you to invest through them to get what you want in exchange for a commission.

CFDs are leveraged products, which means that losses can exceed your deposits. It's essential to understand the risks involved and ensure you can afford to lose your investment.

To maximize your investments, consider setting up a regular savings plan. This allows you to invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, which can help you take advantage of dollar-cost averaging.

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Here are some additional factors to consider when opening a brokerage account in Singapore:

  • Commission fees: Look for a broker with low commission rates to minimize your costs.
  • Charges and risks: Understand the direct charges and risks associated with trading, including the spread and leverage.
  • Taxes and interest: Be aware of the taxes and interest you may be subject to when investing in Singapore.
  • Product range: Consider the range of products available, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and REITs.
  • Trading platforms: Look for a broker with a user-friendly and customizable trading platform.
  • Demo account: Consider a broker that offers a free demo account for practice.
  • Minimum deposit: Check if there's a minimum deposit required to open an account.
  • Withdrawal fees: Look for a broker with no withdrawal fees.
  • Commission fee: Check the minimum commission fee charged by the broker.

Note: The information provided is not a comprehensive list, and it's essential to do your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Nominee vs. CDP-Linked

A CDP-linked account is the most popular type of brokerage account in Singapore, offering lower fees and greater control over your investments.

You'll have direct ownership of the shares you buy with a CDP-linked account, which is linked to your Central Depository (CDP) account. This means you'll have more control over your investments.

On the other hand, a nominee account means your shares will be held in the name of the brokerage firm, and you won't have direct ownership of the shares.

Some brokerage firms may require a minimum deposit for a CDP-linked account, so be sure to check with your chosen brokerage firm to see what their requirements are.

CDP-linked accounts are typically used by investors who want more control over their investments, while nominee accounts are often used by foreign investors who are not eligible for a CDP account.

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Choosing a Broker

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Choosing the right brokerage firm is crucial to your investment journey. A brokerage firm acts as an intermediary between you and the stock market, allowing you to buy and sell shares.

Consider the fees charged by different brokerage firms, as they can vary greatly. Some charge a flat fee per trade, while others charge a percentage of the trade value. Choose a firm that offers competitive fees that fit your budget.

Look for a brokerage firm with a good reputation. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who invest.

Different brokerage firms offer different services. Some offer research and analysis tools, while others offer educational resources. Choose a firm that offers the services you need to make informed investment decisions.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a brokerage firm:

  • Fees
  • Investment products available
  • Market access
  • Perks given through promotions
  • Tools and indicators provided
  • Investment insights and educational materials available
  • Platform interface and user experience

Ultimately, the best brokerage firm for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to do your research and choose a firm that aligns with your investment goals.

Investing and Fees

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Investing through a brokerage account in Singapore offers several benefits, including access to a wide range of investment products and greater control over your investments.

Commission fees can have a significant impact on your returns, so it's essential to choose a broker that offers low commission rates, especially if you plan to make frequent trades.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) charges a trading fee of 0.0075% of the trade value, and custodian fees can also apply.

Here are some estimated trading fees for online brokerage accounts:

Remember to also consider other fees and charges, such as platform fees, which can add up quickly.

Benefits of Investing

Investing through a brokerage account in Singapore offers several benefits. It allows you to access a wide range of investment products, such as stocks, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

You can choose which securities to buy and sell, giving you greater control over your investments. This freedom can help you tailor your portfolio to your individual financial goals and risk tolerance.

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Investing through a brokerage account also allows you to take advantage of different investment strategies. For example, you can use dollar-cost averaging to invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals.

This approach can help you reduce the impact of market volatility on your investments and avoid the pitfalls of market timing. Many brokerage firms also offer automated investing services, where you can set up a portfolio and let the firm handle the rest.

By investing through a brokerage account, you can start investing with as little as S$1,000. This makes it relatively easy and affordable to get started with investing in Singapore's financial markets.

Comparing Fees

Commission fees can have a significant impact on your returns, so it's essential to consider them when choosing a brokerage firm. Commission fees vary from broker to broker, with CGS-CIMB Securities charging 0.275% for trades below $50,000 and 0.22% for trades between $50,000 and $100,000.

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Trading fees are another cost to consider, with the Singapore Exchange (SGX) charging a trading fee of 0.0075% of the trade value. This fee can add up quickly, especially for frequent traders.

Other fees to watch out for include custodian fees, platform fees, and minimum commission fees. Custodian accounts, for example, may have lower trading fees but incur an additional custodian fee or platform fee.

To make the most of your investment, compare the fees and charges of different brokers. Look for a broker that offers low commission rates, especially if you plan to make frequent trades. Consider the following fees when comparing brokerage account fees:

By considering these fees and comparing brokerage account fees, you can make informed decisions and maximize your investment potential.

Leveraged

Leveraged trading can be a powerful tool for investors, but it's essential to understand the risks involved. You'll need to put down a deposit, called 'margin', which is a fraction of the full market value of the underlying asset.

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Trading with leveraged products like CFDs means you can get exposure to thousands of markets, including shares, forex, commodities, and indices. You can trade on the price movements of these assets to predict short-term rises and falls.

The margin deposit required for trading CFDs is much less than your full position size, making it possible to trade with a relatively small amount of money. For example, with some online brokers, you can trade with a margin deposit that's a fraction of the full market value of the asset.

Here are some markets you can trade with a leveraged trading account:

  • Shares
  • Forex
  • Commodities
  • Indices

Trading on financial markets using a leveraged trading account can be a complex and risky business, so make sure you understand the costs and risks involved. With some online brokers, creating an account comes at no charge, but once you open or trade a position, there will be costs involved, such as the spread and direct charges.

Diversifying Your Portfolio

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Diversification is key to managing risk and achieving long-term investment success. You can spread your risk and potentially earn higher returns by investing in a variety of financial instruments and markets.

Your brokerage account in Singapore can help you achieve this by providing access to a wide range of investment options. This includes stocks, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

By understanding the Singapore Exchange and exploring global markets, you can potentially grow your wealth over time. Consider long-term goals when aligning your investment strategy, whether it's retirement planning, saving for a child's education, or building a nest egg.

To diversify your portfolio, you can use dollar-cost averaging to invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals. This can help you reduce the impact of market volatility on your investments.

Here are some products you can invest in with an online brokerage:

  • Stocks
  • Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
  • Bonds
  • CFDs
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities
  • Derivatives

Most brokerages offer online account opening, and you can start investing with as little as S$1,000. This makes it relatively easy and affordable to get started with diversifying your portfolio.

Getting Started

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To get started with a brokerage account in Singapore, you must open a brokerage account with a licensed brokerage firm. This is the first step to begin trading stocks in Singapore.

You'll also need to open a Central Depository (CDP) account with the Singapore Exchange (SGX). This will allow you to buy and sell stocks through your brokerage account.

As a student, you can open a brokerage account with a licensed brokerage firm, but be sure to research and choose a firm that suits your investment needs and budget. Some firms may offer lower commission rates or special promotions for students.

If you're new to investing, consider a popular choice for beginners like DBS Vickers Cash Upfront, which has a low minimum investment amount and low commission rates.

Opportunities

To start trading stocks in Singapore, you must open a brokerage account with a licensed brokerage firm. You'll also need to open a Central Depository (CDP) account with the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

You can buy and sell stocks through your brokerage account once you have both accounts.

You can diversify your portfolio with a variety of investment products available in Singapore, including stocks and equities, bonds and fixed-income products, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and derivatives.

Getting Started

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To begin trading stocks in Singapore, you must open a brokerage account with a licensed brokerage firm and a Central Depository (CDP) account with the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

Opening a brokerage account is a straightforward process, but it's essential to research and choose a brokerage firm that suits your investment needs and budget, especially as a student.

You can open a brokerage account with a licensed brokerage firm, and some firms may offer lower commission rates or special promotions for students.

If you're new to investing, consider the fees, commission rates, and platform features when choosing a brokerage account.

A popular choice for beginners is DBS Vickers Cash Upfront, which has a low minimum investment amount, low commission rates, and a user-friendly platform.

It's crucial to only enter what you can afford to lose when investing in the stock market, and do background research on the companies before investing in them.

You can check everything from articles, past stock quotes, and other forms of media to make informed investment decisions.

Setting up a local broker based in Singapore can help you bypass transaction fees and diversify your offshore assets, especially if you're making trades worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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Offer Available

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As you start your investing journey, you'll be excited to learn about the offers available to you.

You can choose from a range of options, including cash rewards, premium products, and even miles. For example, one offer provides a choice between S$400 cash via PayNow, a Dyson Micro 1.5kg, or a The Morning Machine + 20 Capsules Bundle.

You can also get commission-free trades on US, HK, SG, and China A stocks, which is a huge plus for beginners. This means you can start investing without worrying about additional fees eating into your returns.

Another great option is the Tiger Brokers platform, which offers instant account opening and 24/7 support. It's licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which gives you peace of mind.

Here are some key features of the Tiger Brokers platform:

  • Commission-free trades on US, HK, SG, and China A stocks
  • US Fractional Shares available
  • Supports auto-invest in US stocks and ETF
  • In-app community of millions of global investors
  • Real-time market data and detailed analysis to make informed decisions

DBS Vickers Cash Upfront is another popular choice for beginners, with a low minimum investment amount and low commission rates. It's definitely worth considering if you're new to investing.

Brokerage Platforms

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Brokerage platforms in Singapore offer a range of features to suit different investment needs. Many online brokerages in Singapore offer trading platforms that allow you to buy and sell stocks, such as DBS Vickers Online, POEMS, and iFAST.

To choose the best online brokerage for your investment needs, consider the fees, commission rates, and platform features. Some popular platforms include Interactive Brokers, which offers a trading fee of 0.08% of trade value for SG stocks, and CMC Invest, which offers a complimentary upgrade to the 'Invest' tier for 12 months.

Brokerage platforms can also offer advanced charting tools, real-time market data, and customizable watchlists to help you make informed investment decisions. For example, Interactive Brokers offers advanced charting tools, and OANDA offers a rate data currency calculator with real-time rates for major FX pairs.

Platforms and Tools

To invest in the stock market, you need a platform that allows you to buy and sell stocks. This platform is called a trading platform, and there are many online brokerages that offer trading platforms in Singapore.

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A good trading platform should offer real-time market data, customizable watchlists, trading alerts, and advanced charting tools.

If you have plans to make frequent trades, you can consider a brokerage that offers the lowest fees to save money on your trades. This is especially important if you're looking to trade often, as the fees can add up quickly.

Some popular trading platforms in Singapore include DBS Vickers Online, POEMS, and iFAST. Each of these platforms has its own unique features and benefits, so it's essential to consider the fees, commission rates, and platform features when choosing a platform that suits your investment needs.

Here are some key features to look for in a trading platform:

  • Real-time market data
  • Customizable watchlists
  • Trading alerts
  • Advanced charting tools

Interactive Brokers, for example, offers real-time market data, customizable watchlists, and advanced charting tools. They also offer competitive fees, with a trading fee beginning at 0.08% of trade value for SG stocks.

Ultimately, the best trading platform for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to do your research and choose a platform that offers the features and benefits that are most important to you.

Revolut

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Revolut is a brokerage platform that makes investing in US stocks a breeze. You can start trading with as little as S$1 or US$1, making it accessible to new investors.

One of the standout features of Revolut is its user-friendly experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, you'll find it easy to navigate the platform.

Revolut provides real-time market data, so you can stay up-to-date on market trends. You can also access stock research, stock charts, and even price alerts to help you make informed investment decisions.

One of the limitations of Revolut is that it only offers trading in US stocks. If you're interested in trading in other markets, you may want to consider another platform.

Here's a quick rundown of Revolut's key features:

  • Fractional trading starting at S$1 and US$1
  • Real-time market data and stock research
  • Stock charts and price alerts
  • Global market news

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brokerage to use in Singapore?

For Singaporean investors, Moomoo SG and Tiger Brokers offer the lowest trading fees at 0.06% commission, while Saxo Gold offers a competitive rate of 0.05% with a minimum fee of S$2 per trade. Consider these options for the most cost-effective trading experience.

Can foreigners open a brokerage account?

Yes, foreigners can open a brokerage account, but they may need to consider their tax status and residency when choosing an account type.

Colleen Boyer

Lead Assigning Editor

Colleen Boyer is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling storytelling. With a background in journalism and a passion for complex ideas, she has built a reputation for overseeing high-quality content across a range of subjects. Her expertise spans the realm of finance, with a particular focus on Investment Theory.

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