
With CommSec, you can manage your shares online 24/7, and even set up automatic dividend reinvestment to make the most of your investments.
You can access a range of markets, including Australian and international shares, options, and warrants, all in one place.
CommSec offers a mobile app for on-the-go trading, so you can stay on top of your portfolio wherever you are.
With CommSec, you can also set up a watchlist to track your favourite stocks and receive alerts when prices move.
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Features and Tools
CommSec offers a range of useful features for both novice and advanced investors. The platform is simple enough to use that new investors won't be too overwhelmed.
One of the key features of CommSec is its trading tools, which include advanced charting, creating personalised watchlists, and live prices, research and market data. These tools can help you make informed investment decisions.
CommSec also offers a long list of conditional orders, margin trading, and charting tools, which can be very helpful for advanced traders. Plus, you can access broker analysis on stocks, company announcements, and regular markets updates.
Here's a summary of CommSec's features and tools:
Debuts Global Platform
CommSec has made it easier for Australians to start investing by launching a new global share trading platform. This platform allows users to access 13 international equity markets, including the US, Canada, Japan, and UK, with brokerage rates starting from USD$5.
The platform is available online through CommSec's website and will soon be accessible via the CommSec app, as well as the CommBank app. This means users can trade international shares on the go.
With the new platform, users can enjoy a fast account set-up process and seamless access to online share trading. The platform is particularly popular with younger investors, who make up over half of CommSec's new account openings.
The brokerage fee for Australian equities has also been reduced to $5 for trades of up to $1,000, with competitively tiered pricing for higher value trades. This means users can trade on both the Australian and international share markets from just $5.
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Here are the markets you can trade in with a CommSec share trading account:
- Australian shares: Buy shares in Australian companies listed on the ASX.
- International shares: Buy shares in international companies listed on 13 global stock exchanges, including the NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and TYO.
- Options trading: Trade Australian exchange traded options by opening a margin account.
- ETFs: Buy and sell listed funds such as ETFs and other exchange-traded products traded on the ASX.
Advanced Tools
CommSec offers a range of advanced tools to help you make informed investment decisions.
One of the standout features is advanced charting, allowing you to visualize market trends and patterns.
You can also create personalised watchlists to keep track of your favourite stocks and companies.
Live prices, research, and market data are readily available, giving you up-to-date information to inform your decisions.
Research tools are also at your fingertips, providing in-depth analysis and insights to help you make informed choices.
Portfolio health checks help you stay on top of your investments, ensuring you're on track to meet your financial goals.
Margin and trading tools give you the flexibility to trade with confidence.
Weekly stock recommendations from experts provide valuable guidance to help you navigate the market.
Create Personalized Lists
With CommSec, you can create personalized watch lists that view live pricing, research and data points. This feature is a game-changer for investors who want to stay on top of their portfolio.
You can use these lists to track your favourite stocks, ETFs, and other securities. This way, you'll always have the latest information at your fingertips.
CommSec's platform is designed to be user-friendly, so you can easily create and manage your watch lists. This feature is available to all CommSec share trading account holders.
Account Key Features
With a CommSec share trading account, you can enjoy a range of convenient features. You can open an Australian share trading account and a CommSec International share trading account, allowing you to trade on both the Australian and international share markets.
One of the standout features of CommSec is its low brokerage fees. For Australian equities, the fee has been cut to $5 for trades of up to $1,000, with competitively tiered pricing for higher value trades. This means you can trade on the Australian market from just $5.
CommSec also offers a range of research and education tools, including broker analysis on stocks, company announcements, and regular markets updates. This will help you make informed investment decisions and stay up-to-date with market news.
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If you're looking to invest in a select range of ETFs, you can open an account through the CommSec Pocket App. This app offers a convenient way to invest in a range of ETFs, including the new 'Global Diversified', 'Aussie Sustainability', and 'Aussie Corporate Bonds' funds.
Here are some of the key features of CommSec's trading tools:
- Advanced charting
- Create personalised watchlists
- Live prices, research and market data
- Research tools
- Portfolio health checks
- Margin and trading tools
- Weekly stock recommendations from experts
You can also use a CommSec CDIA as a trade settlement account, which can be viewed alongside your bank balances in NetBank. This can help you keep all your finances in one place.
Account and Fees
CommSec offers a range of account types, including Australian share trading accounts and CommSec International share trading accounts. You can also open an account through the CommSec Pocket App for investing in select ETFs.
The brokerage fee for buying and selling ASX shares is 0.1% of the transaction value, with a minimum of $19.95 and maximum of $29.95 per trade. This fee applies to trades via your own cash account.
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You can also trade using a CommSec CDIA, your own account, or through margin loans. For international shares, the fees are US$65, or 0.75% of the option premium–whichever is of greater value.
Here's a breakdown of the CommSec fees:
Account Types
You can open a CommSec share trading account in a few different ways. There are three main account types available: an Australian share trading account, a CommSec International share trading account, and an account through the CommSec Pocket App.
The CommSec Pocket App allows you to invest in a select range of ETFs.
You can also trade using a CommSec CDIA, your own account, or margin loans for trade settlement.
Here are the details on each account type:
Using Your Own Cash Account
You can choose to trade with CommSec using your own cash account, but be aware that you'll be charged a higher brokerage fee, starting at $29.95.
This option gives you more control over your funds, but it's essential to understand the fees involved.
You can select from two account options if you want to trade global stocks: International Shares (standard account) or International Shares Plus.
If you opt for your own cash account, you'll need to consider the higher fees and whether they outweigh the benefits of having more control over your funds.
You can still access all the same tools and features as with a CommSec cash account, but be prepared for the higher fees.
To give you a better idea of the fees, here's a comparison of the two options:
Keep in mind that these fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the CommSec website for the most up-to-date information.
If you're unsure about which option is best for you, it's worth considering the fees and features of each account type before making a decision.
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Brokerage Fee
The brokerage fee is a crucial aspect to consider when trading with CommSec. It's a flat fee that's charged for buying and selling shares, and it's $19.95, with a maximum of $29.95 per trade.
If you're trading with your own cash account, you'll be charged this fee, which is higher than other account options. The fee is calculated as 0.1% of the transaction value.
For buying and selling ASX shares, the brokerage fee is the same as for ETFs. You won't be charged a different fee for these types of investments.
The brokerage fee for international shares is a bit more complex, with a fee of US$65, or 0.75% of the option premium, whichever is greater. There's also a $US1.10 charge per contract, which can vary depending on market performance.
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Investment Options
With a CommSec share trading account, you've got access to a range of investment options.
You can trade Australian shares, buying shares in companies listed on the ASX.
International shares are also on the table, with the option to buy shares in companies listed on 13 global stock exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ.
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To trade options, you'll need to open a margin account, which allows you to trade Australian exchange traded options.
ETFs are another option, allowing you to buy and sell listed funds such as ETFs and other exchange-traded products traded on the ASX.
Here are the markets you can trade in with a CommSec account:
- Australian shares
- International shares
- Options trading
- ETFs
Surges 37% YoY, Nears 3 Million Users
CommSec has seen a significant surge in new accounts, lifting 37 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to almost 3 million users.
This growth is driven by a younger demographic, with investors under 40 making up nearly half of all CommSec customers, and 75 per cent of those on CommSec Pocket.
Mobile trading is also on the rise, with 48 per cent of trades now made via mobile.
CommSec Pocket has been particularly popular, with new accounts on the app up 50 per cent over the year to June 30.
The international trading platform has also seen significant growth, lifting 96 per cent year-on-year.
This increased demand for digital investment platforms points to a desire for a simple, accessible, and low-cost trading experience.
With almost 3 million users, CommSec is well-positioned to meet the needs of the next generation of investors.
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Markets for Share Account Investments
With a CommSec share trading account, you can invest in a range of markets to diversify your portfolio.
You'll have access to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to buy shares in Australian companies.
CommSec also provides access to international markets, allowing you to trade in 25 markets across the US, UK, Europe, and Asia.
If you're interested in options trading, you can trade Australian exchange-traded options with a margin account.
You can also buy and sell listed funds such as exchange-traded products (ETFs) traded on the ASX.
Here are some of the markets you can access with a CommSec share trading account:
- Australian shares: Buy shares in companies listed on the ASX.
- International shares: Buy shares in companies listed on 13 global stock exchanges, including the NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and TYO.
- Options trading: Trade Australian exchange-traded options with a margin account.
- ETFs: Buy and sell listed funds such as ETFs and other exchange-traded products traded on the ASX.
Customer Support Options
CommSec offers a range of customer support options to help you with any queries or problems you may have.
You can start by checking out their FAQ page, which is fairly in-depth and covers a lot of common questions. You can also download product disclosure statements and information guides throughout the site.
If you need to speak to someone, CommSec has two English-speaking phone numbers for clients within Australia and overseas, as well as a Cantonese/Mandarin number for use within Australia.
For those who prefer to communicate via email, CommSec's support email address allows you to articulate your problems via text, and questions are usually answered within one business day.
Unfortunately, CommSec doesn't currently offer a live chat option, which can be frustrating for clients with short questions. However, they do have a Twitter handle, @CommSecSupport, which can be used to supplement their customer service.
Here are the details of CommSec's customer support options:
Pros and Cons
CommSec is Australia's largest and best-known broker, with over 20 years of share trading experience. Its platform is relatively easy to use, making it a solid choice for most investors.
The research tools are excellent, and the range of educational content is decent. This makes it a great option for those just starting out.
CommSec has higher fees, especially for US and global stock trades, compared with some of the lower-cost options.
Cons

The not-so-great things about CommSec. Let's face it, no broker is perfect, and CommSec has its downsides.
One of the main cons is the high international trading fees. You'll pay more to trade shares outside of Australia.
Another drawback is the currency conversion fees. This can add up quickly, especially if you're trading frequently.
Limited intro-offer discounts are also a con. You won't find many deals or promotions to sweeten the deal.
And, you'll need to be willing to invest at least $500 to get started with CommSec. This is the minimum trade amount, so you'll need to have some capital to begin trading.
The CommSec Pocket app is a game-changer for newer investors. It allows you to start trading with as little as $50.
This is a significant advantage over traditional brokers, which often require a minimum of $500 to begin trading.
With CommSec Pocket, you'll gain access to 10 themed ETFs and pay just $2 per trade.
Fees and Discounts
The fees associated with CommSec are relatively straightforward, with a brokerage fee of 0.1% of the transaction value for buying and selling ASX shares, with a minimum of $19.95 and maximum of $29.95 per trade.
This fee applies to trading ETFs as well. However, if you're a new user, you can take advantage of a promotion that waives the brokerage fee on your first 10 trades, up to a maximum trade value of $50,000 each, until October 31, 2023.
It's worth noting that while CommSec's fees might be higher than some discount online brokers, its tools, features, and ease of use might make it worth the additional expense for some investors.
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Margin
Margin trading offers more flexibility with your investments, allowing you to trade shares from as little as $5.
You can also use borrowed funds to trade shares and invest in managed funds, giving you more opportunities to grow your portfolio.
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One thing to keep in mind is that margin trading comes with higher brokerage fees, but you'll have access to risk management and portfolio monitoring tools to help you stay on top of your investments.
Here are the key benefits of margin trading at a glance:
- Trade shares from $5
- Trade shares and invest in managed funds using borrowed funds.
- Access risk management and portfolio monitoring tools.
Fees Explained
CommSec's fees are relatively straightforward, especially for stock market trades. The brokerage fee for buying and selling ASX shares is 0.1% of the transaction value, with a minimum of $19.95 and a maximum of $29.95 per trade.
For example, if you're buying a share worth $100, the fee would be $0.10, which is within the minimum and maximum range. This fee structure applies to ETF trades as well.
International share trades come with additional fees, including a US$65 charge, or 0.75% of the option premium, whichever is greater. There's also a $US1.10 charge per contract, but this can vary depending on market performance.
You'll also need to consider a foreign currency conversion fee of 0.60% for all international share trades. This fee is applied in addition to the other charges.
The minimum fee for buying or selling ASX shares is $19.95, which is a relatively low cost compared to other online brokers.
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Discounts and Benefits
CommSec is currently offering a $0 brokerage fee on the first 10 trades for new users, with a maximum trade value of $50,000 each, until October 31, 2023.
This is a great opportunity for new investors to try out CommSec without incurring any fees.
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Who Is It For?
CommSec is designed for anyone, but its ease of use makes it perfect for those newer to the market. It's great for total novices who want to start investing small amounts of money.
You can trade a range of assets through a basic CommSec account, but signing up for direct investment has some advantages. For serious traders, there are CommSec One, option accounts and margin loan accounts available.
CommSec has been rated as a top choice for Australian investors by Forbes Advisor, thanks to its access to international markets and educational tools. However, this also means higher fees than independent competitors.
CommSec is best suited to investors who want to access the global trade market, or new investors who want to learn more. Its beginner features can help those who are just starting out feel more confident and in control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy US stocks on CommSec?
Yes, you can buy US stocks on CommSec, with access to a range of global share markets, including the US. Explore the CommSec International Shares Account for more information on global investment opportunities.
What is the minimum trade on CommSec?
The minimum trade on CommSec is $500 for the initial purchase of shares. You can then top up your existing shareholdings with smaller amounts.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CommSec
- https://www.finder.com.au/share-trading/commsec-share-trading-account
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/au/investing/commsec-review-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.mi-3.com.au/index.php/09-10-2024/commsec-nears-3-million-users-after-digital-investment-platform-surges-37-yoy
- https://www.miragenews.com/commsec-debuts-new-global-share-trading-platform-1056588/
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