{"id":84143,"date":"2022-03-06T05:35:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-06T05:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/?post_type=review&#038;p=84143"},"modified":"2025-01-13T23:45:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T23:45:15","slug":"best-online-broker-australia","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/best-online-broker-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Best Online Brokers In Australia (2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Growing your Australian share portfolio without the right trading tools and support from a good online broker is a mistake. From giving you access to the right investment opportunities to providing market insights via sophisticated fundamental analysis tools, a good online brokerage will become an indispensable partner on your stock trading journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 9 best online brokers in Australia, highlighting my top picks for 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a><\/strong>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall best online broker in Australia.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-etoro-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"best online broker is etoro\" class=\"wp-image-85214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-etoro-1024x569.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-etoro-300x167.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-etoro-768x427.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-etoro.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I tested every part of this trading platform to find out why it has over 20 million users worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Launched in 2007 by Yoni and Ronen Assia, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> impresses with its copy trading features, meticulous commitment to security and a sleek interface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ASIC-regulated broker offers a diverse range of assets, including Australian and US stocks, cryptocurrencies and ETFs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>(Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/etoro-review-australia\/\">eToro Review: Pros, Cons, Fees &amp; Verdict<\/a>).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">e-Toro<\/a>&#8216;s user-friendly interface, intuitive search menu and fast deposit process, the sign-up and onboarding process is surprisingly painless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its proprietary WebTrader 2.0 desktop trading platform has a very good UI, while a user-friendly mobile trading app allows you to continue executing fast trades and monitoring your successes (or failures, ha!) on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>The mobile app gives you 100% of the desktop platform&#8217;s features.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A major issue with many online stock brokers is that they throw a lot of information in your face at once. This overwhelms beginners and annoys experienced investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Not eToro.<\/strong> You get a sleek experience throughout &#8211; from the moment you sign up until you withdraw funds.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As a pioneer in copy trading, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> allows you to copy the trades of expert traders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This feature is technically free, but you pay for it via wider spreads (more about them shortly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Copy trading is a good shortcut to getting involved in the stock market &#8211; if you don&#8217;t have the time to learn trading. Be sure to study the trader&#8217;s trading history before copying them. A lot of success in recent months often obscures an underwhelming track record across a 3-5 year timespan.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> has a plethora of helpful trading and investment resources, including videos, podcasts, and a trading school with a well-structured curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Don&#8217;t rely solely on eToro&#8217;s education (or that of any other broker) to learn the art of investing and trading. They will not teach you how to win &#8211; because your interests are not aligned. Learn how to perform fundamental analysis if you plan to get serious.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I like that you can also get a $100,000 demo account when you join.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It works just like a real trading account &#8211; but with virtual money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get to learn the ropes of trading, wrestling with all the intricacies of managing a real trading account &#8211; without putting your hard-earned cash on the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Is eToro Best For?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Time-poor, <\/strong>medium-to-long-term share\/ETF investors with limited time to research companies.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> you can leverage the expertise of advanced traders (helpfully rated for past success\/risk) via its top-notch copy trading features.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Budget-conscious <\/strong>investors who want to build a diversified stock portfolio with low levels of turnover.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong>&nbsp;eToro doesn&#8217;t charge commissions on stock and ETF trades.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Beginner and intermediate<\/strong> investors ready to explore a broader range of assets.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">e<strong>Toro offers over 3,000<\/strong> tradeable instruments, has a great demo account, and allows you to spend less to buy fractional shares.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:56px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s start with the elephant in the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While eToro is quick to point that it doesn&#8217;t charge commissions on stocks, keep in mind that it will charge you currency conversion, withdrawal and inactivity fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>The currency conversion fee is my least favourite. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Because eToro&#8217;s base currency is US Dollars, Australians must pay a conversion fee of 1.5% each time they make a deposit. The same applies in reverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>This is far from ideal. Thankfully, there are a couple of workarounds.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>First, eToro will give you a discount as part of its eToto Club program &#8211; if you up your deposit amount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Deposit more than $5,000<\/strong>, for example, and you get a 25% discount.<\/li><li><strong>Exceed<\/strong> $25,000, and you get 50% off.<\/li><li><strong>eToro will waive <\/strong>the fee altogether if you deposit more than $250,000. <\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Not that rich?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use a currency conversion app like Wise or Revolut to convert your Australian dollars into USD, and then send the funds to eToro. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wise charges 0.48% for the service as of January 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>That&#8217;s 66% cheaper than eToro.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;re welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, and eToro charges a 1% commission on traded cryptocurrency &#8211; if you&#8217;re watching the bull market that started around November 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is quite expensive compared with <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/best-crypto-exchange-australia\/\">dedicated crypto exchanges<\/a>, where you can get commissions of less than 30 pips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Investors looking for a decent level of technical analysis won&#8217;t be disappointed, although eToro&#8217;s research tools aren&#8217;t as good as those offered by professional-grade platforms (e.g., Interactive Brokers. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Recommendations are available only for a limited number of stocks, and the fundamental research data also could use more depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, if you &#8220;forget&#8221; to trade, eToro will nudge you with a $10 \/ month inactivity fee after one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Should Avoid eToro?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Experienced investors <\/strong>with a higher frequency of trades.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><b>You can find more competitive currency conversion, spread,<\/b> and account fees on platforms aimed at day traders.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Investors who want control <\/strong>and are keen to deepen their technical analysis skills.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> eToro\u2019s excellent copy trading feature is such a draw, you won\u2019t get the same value if you don\u2019t need it. Plus, its research tools are less sophisticated.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>People investing with very small sums <\/strong>of money.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> eToro\u2019s fee structure is complex, complicated by the fact that it operates in US dollars (you\u2019ll incur a currency conversion fee every time you add\/withdraw funds in AUD). The fee gets reduced by 50% once your balance exceeds $25,000.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> is a top-notch online broker suited to Australians interested in building diversified multi-asset portfolios that tilt towards ASX, NYSE and NASDAQ shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Most importantly, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> is for busy people who plan to take full advantage of its excellent copy trading features. If you don&#8217;t have the time to learn fundamental and technical analysis, eToro is your best bet.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While the currency conversion fee is higher than I&#8217;d like, you can dodge or deduce it using the abovementioned methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proprietary platform and app are hard to fault &#8211; clear, easy-to-use and intuitive, they offer a superb trading experience with surprisingly advanced charting features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 Easy-to-use, clean user interface<br>\u2714 Superb copy trading features<br>\u2714 Fantastic range of assets<br>\u2718 Not for active day traders<br>\u2718 Watch out for currency conversion and spread fees<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\">Start Investing In Stocks With eToro<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466 operated by Gleneagle Asset Management ACN 103 162 278 AFSL 226199 and promoted by eToro AUS Capital Limited ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. Investing in shares via a managed investment scheme does not result in direct ownership of the underlying assets. The scheme has legal ownership, the investor has beneficial ownership i.e. the shares are held on your behalf. As the scheme has legal ownership, you have no rights in the securities, including voting rights. Shares are non-transferable. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination.<\/em> <em><em>See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/customer-service\/terms-conditions\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">PDS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/customer-service\/regulation-license\/aus-risk-warning\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">TMD<\/a> before transacting. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/customer-service\/regulation-license\/aus-risk-warning\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">See full disclaimer<\/a>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">How eToro Stacks Up<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Score<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Market Access<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fees<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Trading Platform &amp; App<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ease Of Use<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">5.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Customer Service<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Research &amp; Analysis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>OVERALL<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>4.5<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">eToro Feature<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why Should You Care?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Costs To Factor In<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1.5% currency conversion fee from AUD to USD (discounts of 25%, 50% and 100% apply once your balance reaches thresholds of $5,000, $25,000 and $250,000, respectively).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">17 major exchanges, including ASX, NASDAQ, NYSE, LSE, HKEX, TSX and Euronext<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Crypto Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">79 coins<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Support<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ticket only (usually takes 1 business day to respond).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Trading Platforms<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Proprietary desktop app. Fully featured mobile app for iOS and Android.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The most comprehensive online brokerage in Australia.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/interactive-brokers-online-brokerage-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/interactive-brokers-online-brokerage-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/interactive-brokers-online-brokerage-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/interactive-brokers-online-brokerage-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/interactive-brokers-online-brokerage.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers is a trusted multinational brokerage, and the oldest featured in this review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a>, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a> allows Australians to trade options, stocks, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and CFDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve opened an account with them, downloaded their app, and tested their interface and tools to bring you the most comprehensive Interactive Brokers review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a> offers a mind-boggling range of investment options. You can trade on 150 global markets, including 90 stock markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fractional shares and ESG investment options are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you need so many products? Probably not. I certainly don&#8217;t. But people who do, know who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Interactive Brokers offers fractional shares trading on some US, European and Canadian stocks and ETFs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Like eToro, Interactive Brokers offers a demo account that gives you full access to all its platforms, including Trader Workstation (the flagship desktop platform) and Client Portal (the web-based platform).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Trader Workstation is the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me of online trading platforms. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Aimed at professional investors, it contains a full suite of research and analysis tools, including live monitoring and risk management tools, technical analysis and IB&#8217;s proprietary Options Strategy Lab and Market Scanner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>What impresses me is how heavily customisable the platform is. You can create custom layouts, tiles, and charts for multiple monitors in diverse sizes and arrangements.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, if you&#8217;re like me &#8211; and are intimidated by advanced trading charts &#8211; Interactive Brokers also offers the much more retail-investor-friendly Client Portal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Equipped with an AI assistant, it equips you with the necessary charting tools, news and watch lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a> offers several other platforms, including the new IBKR GlobalTrader mobile app, which offers a simple way to trade stocks and options globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">You can also earn interest of up to 3.57% on instantly available cash balances over $15,000. Want to take on more risk? Interactive Brokers offers margin loans, with rates ranging between 5.35% and 6.35%<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Interactive Brokers&#8217; fee structure can appear complex at first, but can be summarised as follows: the more you trade, the more you save. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get fixed and tiered pricing options, with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>US$0.0005 to USD 0.0035 per share<\/strong> for tiered pricing (depending on monthly volume).<\/li><li><strong>US$0.005 per share<\/strong> for fixed pricing.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, active traders &#8211; especially day traders or institutional investors &#8211; will find the fees very low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, and Interactive Brokers eliminated the $20\/month inactivity fee in 2021!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Is Interactive Brokers Best For?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>People who want all-in-one platform capabilities<\/strong>, to avoid switching accounts later.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Interactive Broker has multiple apps for beginners to advanced investors, and allows you to upgrade when you feel comfortable.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Experienced investors focused on research<\/strong> and analysis to underpin their decision-making.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> the platform\u2019s fundamental, technical research and reporting tools are robust. Powered by Morningstar, they offer high-resolution insights and live market data.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Buy-and-hold investors <\/strong>looking to lower their costs.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Interactive Brokers boasts low commissions, no penalties for no activity on your account, no minimum deposit amount, and free withdrawals.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, you miss out on e-Toro-style social trading features. Interactive&nbsp;Advisors, the robo-advisor affiliate of&nbsp;Interactive&nbsp;Brokers,&nbsp;is not available in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The minimum deposit of $100 is double that of <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a>, signalling that Interactive Brokers wants to deal with more serious investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">If you want to dabble in crypto, you&#8217;ll need to use a dedicated crypto exchange, as cryptocurrency trading is not available to clients of\u00a0Interactive\u00a0Brokers\u00a0Australia.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the online broker puts a huge amount of tools, platforms and markets at your fingertips, it can initially seem a little intimidating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend you set aside time to read their tutorial guides. Don&#8217;t try to wing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Should Avoid Interactive Brokers?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Stock market investors <\/strong>who value straightforward brokerage fee structures.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> you\u2019ll get a headache trying to understand Interactive Broker\u2019s fees across multiple plans and asset types.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>People <\/strong>hoping to engage with an expert peer community.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> the platform lacks social trading features.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>New or low-touch investors <\/strong>overwhelmed by too many options.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Interactive Brokers covers a huge variety of asset types, markets and extra features like ESG investing and earning interest on returns.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a> is a firmly established online broker for beginner, intermediate and advanced traders looking for an excellent range of investment options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Offering fixed and tiered commission structures, it is one of the cheapest brokers available in Australia. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While it attracts sophisticated investors looking for low fees and advanced trading tools, it&#8217;s also popular among beginners and novices thanks to IBKR GlobalTrader, their simple mobile app for global stock and options trading. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 Extremely low cost for high volume trading &amp; margin trading<br>\u2714 Fractional investing features<br>\u2714 Huge list of supported investment products<br>\u2718 Fee structure can be confusing at first<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Interactive Brokers<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">How Interactive Brokers Stacks Up<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Score<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Market Access<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">5.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fees<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">5.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Trading Platform &amp; App<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ease Of Use<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Customer Service<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">3.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Research &amp; Analysis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">5.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>OVERALL<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>4.5<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Interactive Brokers Feature<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why Should You Care?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Low Fees You Can Benefit From<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">0.08% of trade value (or a minimum of AUD$6) for Australian stocks and ETFs. Depending on your trading volume, US share commissions start from as low as US$0.0005%.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Costs To Factor In<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">You\u2019ll need the equivalent of USD$2,000 in your account to access margin lending.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">150 global markets, including 90 stock markets.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Crypto Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Spot Bitcoin ETFs are available to eligible investors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Forex Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">27 currency pairs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Support<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Web-based help centre, email, phone and online chat.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Trading Platforms<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Modern and fully-featured desktop and mobile apps are available for both beginners and more advanced traders (4 platforms in total).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Vantage CFD\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/vantage-cfd\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Vantage<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best platform in Australia for trading CFDs.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/the-best-online-broker-in-australia-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-101038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/the-best-online-broker-in-australia-1024x569.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/the-best-online-broker-in-australia-300x167.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/the-best-online-broker-in-australia-768x427.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/the-best-online-broker-in-australia.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Vantage CFD\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/vantage-cfd\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Vantage<\/a> is a CFD trading platform established in 2009. It is regulated in Australia by ASIC and offers trading on CFDs in forex, commodities, crypto, shares, and ETFs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Vantage CFD\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/vantage-cfd\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Vantage<\/a> specialises in trading CFDs, and it does so very well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can trade over 1000 instruments via MT4, MT5 and TradingView platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>\u00a0Risk management tools like stop-loss orders, trailing stops, and guaranteed stop orders are all available.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you trade while on the move, Vantage offers an intuitive mobile app that is one of the best I&#8217;ve seen on the Australian market. You get clear, logical buttons and an easy-to-use interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vantage also offers a free demo account for those looking to hone their trading skills before beginning trading with a real trading account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>New traders will appreciate educational tutorials, but these are not as comprehensive as the ones offered by other CFD trading platforms, like Pepperstone and Plus500.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Vantage doesn&#8217;t charge deposit or withdrawal fees. Like most CFD providers, it makes money through spreads and overnight fees, which are about on par with industry averages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Is Vantage Best For?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why<strong>?<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Serious CFD and forex traders <\/strong>that need all the bells and whistles for precision in trading.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Vantage focuses solely on CFDs and Forex trading, with a user experience that gives you direct access to industry-standard MT4 and MT5 tools.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Traders levelling up <\/strong>in their experience who want to learn about CFDs and forex.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> of its targeted charting capabilities, the option to engage via simpler interfaces, and built-in access to forex news headlines and trade ideas.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Traders <\/strong>who want to buy and sell CFDs across a wide range of asset types.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Vantage offers a generous range of 44+ forex pairs as well as CFDs for shares, ETFs, bonds, crypto, commodities and indices.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vantage customer service is limited, as you can only contact them via email and WhatsApp. They do not offer a telephone number for quick calls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>The strict focus on CFDs makes Vantage less than ideal for absolute beginners. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Novice traders should remember that leveraged investments are particularly risky; I have been trading for 2 years and rarely apply leverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of seasoned traders, the lack of MetaTrader 4 may turn them off, too. While the broker&#8217;s proprietary trading platform is excellent, I know that some people prefer the familiarity of MT4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Should Avoid Vantage?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Beginner investors <\/strong>with a low risk tolerance.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Vantage is unashamedly focused on CFDs, a notably risky investment product.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Investors <\/strong>focused on Australian and international shares.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> you can\u2019t use Vantage to buy underlying assets, only derivative contracts.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>CFD traders <\/strong>who don\u2019t have the time or patience for a steep learning curve.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Vantage doubles-down on technical trading features, a simpler app might be better if you don\u2019t want to hone your CFD skills.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading in Australia, Vantage is my top pick for a comprehensive and inexpensive online broker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It compares favourably to other CFD trading platforms because it offers access to pro-level MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4, MT5) functionality and razor-sharp spreads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/vantage-cfd\/\">Visit Vantage<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">How Vantage Stacks Up<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Score<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Market Access<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fees<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Trading Platform &amp; App<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ease Of Use<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Customer Service<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Research &amp; Analysis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>OVERALL<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>4.2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Vantage Feature<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why Should You Care?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Low Fees You Can Benefit From<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">A competitive $1 commission per side and low variable spreads (When using Raw account).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Share CFDs are available across US, UK, European and Australian markets.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Crypto Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">40+ coins.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available<\/strong> <strong>Forex Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">44+ currency pairs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Support<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Online help centre, email, phone and live chat.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Trading Platforms<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Desktop and mobile apps. Mobile app offers around 80% of the desktop functionality.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Good low-cost broker for intermediate ASX investors.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-tiger-brokers-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"best online broker in australia\" class=\"wp-image-85218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-tiger-brokers-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-tiger-brokers-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-tiger-brokers-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/best-online-broker-is-tiger-brokers.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a> is an online stock broker that is regulated by ASIC. Originally created in 2014 to help international investors buy Chinese stocks, it has expanded operations into Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The brokerage offers a healthy range of investment products, including Australian and US stocks, ETFs, HK stocks, US options and futures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Did You Know?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Chinese stocks are not easily accessible to Australian investors through Western platforms like eToro, Pepperstone and AvaTrade.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:61px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a> offer very competitive fees compared with other Australian online brokers. These vary depending on the market and investment product, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>0.055% of trade value for ASX shares<\/strong> (minimum of AU$5.5 per trade).<\/li><li><strong>US$0.013 per US share<\/strong> (minimum of US$2 per order).<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As an intermediate-level investor with moderate investment volumes, I appreciate that <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">TigerBrokers<\/a> doesn&#8217;t impose a minimum deposit amount (compared with $50 on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> and $100 on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a>) and no inactivity or maintenance fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>This means surprise hidden costs don&#8217;t erode my comparatively modest gains. I pay my trading fees, and that&#8217;s it.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Like <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a>, Tiger Brokers lets you invest fractionally in US companies (while still earning dividends from them).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its proprietary TigerTrade platform balances ease of use with sophistication quite well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Novices will find the desktop platform a little intimidating at first because it presents a lot of information at once. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Intermediate and advanced traders will feel right at home among candlestick charts, company analysis tools, and customisable panels.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Limit, market, stop loss, and orders of stop loss limit price are available through the desktop and the mobile app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">TigerBrokers offers <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">attractive sign-up perks<\/a> as part of its strategy to penetrate the very competitive Australian market. If you open and fund your account with AU$500, you get US$50 of fractional shares at no cost.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A demo account with $100,000 virtual currency is available for people who want to test-drive the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, the recent addition of CHESS sponsorship on new accounts is a welcome feature. I&#8217;ve always had reservations about the brokerage&#8217;s old custodial model, and it&#8217;s nice to see it upgraded for 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Is Tiger Brokers Best For?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Investors <\/strong>with a smaller budget or moderate investment volumes<strong>, <\/strong>keen to create a balanced stock portfolio.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Tiger Brokers has competitive brokerage costs and no minimum deposit amount (compared to minimums of $50-$100 on similar platforms).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Investors <\/strong>at all experience levels looking to hold stocks medium to long-term.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> the platform has no inactivity or ongoing maintenance fees.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Investors <\/strong>looking to diversify through US stocks.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong><strong>Because<\/strong> <\/strong>Tiger Brokers makes it cost-effective to own \u2018expensive\u2019 big-name stocks through fractional US shares.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a> doesn&#8217;t support cryptocurrency, indices, CFDs and forex, making it more suited to investors rather than traders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>This is one of the main differences between Tiger Brokers and other investment platforms in this review.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t bother with the community section of the TigerTraders app. Its content quality is quite thin because most users post to earn Tiger Coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t love that Tiger Brokers&#8217; learning resource centre is limited and could pass for a blog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Well, it is actually a blog, filled with articles on random investment topics &#8211; and updated infrequently. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But Tiger Brokers&#8217; biggest Achilles heel is its reputation among lawmakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the online broker has made a huge effort to improve its image, I can&#8217;t ignore the fact that, throughout 2023, it has clashed with regulators on a number of issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of them were resolved (very publicly) in courts; if you&#8217;re interested, a quick Google search will reveal all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Who Should Avoid Tiger Brokers?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Stock investors <\/strong>who also want to trade across other assets.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> the platform differs from many standard share trading apps in not supporting forex, CFDs, indices or crypto.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Beginners <\/strong>looking for tips and camaraderie through a shared community.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> most people using its app post poor quality content simply to earn \u2018Tiger Coins\u2019.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Investors<\/strong> serious about high-level insights to guide their decisions.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Because<\/strong> Tiger Brokers interface strikes a balance between ease of use and advanced tools, without being exceptional at either.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a> is one of the best brokers in Australia for casual and active retail investors who want to invest in Australian, US and Hong Kong stocks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">The interface is sufficiently advanced without being clunky, and the ability to invest fractionally in the US market will appeal to many hobby investors.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> is the more flexible all-round online broker with copy-trading features, while Interactive Brokers is better for advanced, algorithmic traders who want to trade equities, CFDs and forex on its excellent proprietary platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 Excellent sign-up bonuses<br>\u2714 Intuitive mobile app and excellent desktop platform<br>\u2714 Very competitive fee structure<br>\u2718 Clashes with regulators<br>\u2718 No CFDs or other trading instruments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Tiger Brokers<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">How Tiger Brokers Stacks Up<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Score<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Market Access<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fees<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Trading Platform &amp; App<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ease Of Use<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Customer Service<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Research &amp; Analysis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>OVERALL<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>4.1<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tiger Feature<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Why Should You Care?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Low Fees You Can Benefit From<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">0.025% commission on buying\/selling ASX stocks and ETFs (or minimum of AUD$6.45 per trade). For US stocks, the cost if USD$0.0099 per share (minimum of USD$1.99 per order).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Available Markets<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Australian and US shares\/ETFs, HK stocks, US options and futures.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Support<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Web-based help centre, email and phone available 5 days a week during business hours.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Trading Platforms<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Desktop and mobile apps for iOS and Android.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Pearler\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/pearler\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Pearler<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Good CHESS-sponsored Australian brokerage.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/the-best-australian-online-broker-is-pearler-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"the best online broker in australia is pearler\" class=\"wp-image-85228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/the-best-australian-online-broker-is-pearler-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/the-best-australian-online-broker-is-pearler-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/the-best-australian-online-broker-is-pearler-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/the-best-australian-online-broker-is-pearler.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently founded in 2018, Pearler is a next-generation trading platform that is specially targeted towards young people who are long-term HODL investors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It offers investments in shares, funds, and ETFs. Pearler is mostly available as an Android or iOS app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pearler specialises in &#8220;set and forget&#8221; investment portfolios for long-term investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>You can choose between manual investment and an auto-investment option that automatically purchases stocks for you using an algorithm. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The algorithm, as part of the Pearler Micro offering, can be modified using variables like risk tolerance, age, yearly income, and investment goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pearler also offers a micro-investment plan that lets you invest little amounts of money, like say $5. You can model your micro-investments after eight portfolio templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The micro-investment option is perfect for investing your spare change regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You no longer have an excuse not to invest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>I also like Pearler&#8217;s reporting features; with everything in one place, you can easily track the progress of your investment portfolio.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Pearler charges a flat brokerage fee of AU$6.50 per side when purchasing or selling Australian and US shares. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes it considerably cheaper than the other big Australian discount stock brokerage &#8211; Selfwealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The currency conversion fee of 0.5% is also very, very competitive. It&#8217;s pretty much what you can expect to pay at discount FX conversion platforms like Wise and OFX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The micro-investing option, meanwhile, is billed on a monthly basis. You will pay between $1.70 and $2.30 (depending on your fund choice).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>I like that Pearler has zero transfer fees, inactivity or maintenance, or opening fees. However, foreigners (non-Australians) will be charged a whopping $200 to open an account.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s also the Pearler Exchange space, a niche social media space where you and other Pearler investors can exchange investment ideas and tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can follow other people and browse their investment profiles to see their investment journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pearler does not have analysis charts for advanced traders to analyze their investments. The asset classes are also limited. What&#8217;s more, you can only invest in Australian and US shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondly, Pearler doesn&#8217;t give you access to financial news and other data to make important investment decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need advanced trading tools and expert research tools outside the Pearler app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:56px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pearler is the perfect Australian online stock broker for young people interested in long-term investments. It is beginner-friendly and supports micro-investing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also has an easy-to-use app with a set-and-forget feature that is great for passive investors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This brokerage is not a good fit for sophisticated investors because the tools are too limiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">How Pearler Stacks Up<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Score<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Market Access<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fees<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Trading Platform &amp; App<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Ease Of Use<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Customer Service<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Research &amp; Analysis<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">3.5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>OVERALL<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>4.2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Superhero Trading Platform\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/superhero-trading-platform\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Superhero<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Good low-cost broker with flat fees.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-is-the-best-online-broker-in-australia-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"what is the best online broker in australia\" class=\"wp-image-85232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-is-the-best-online-broker-in-australia-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-is-the-best-online-broker-in-australia-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-is-the-best-online-broker-in-australia-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/what-is-the-best-online-broker-in-australia.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Superhero is a new-generation trading platform regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). It offers a simple, easy-to-use desktop app and mobile trading app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Superhero&#8217;s signup process is extremely easy, thus making it a good pick for newer investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Superhero allows Australians to buy both Australian and US stocks listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily buy fractional shares of American companies like Nvidia, Tesla, and Alphabet without breaking the bank to meet their expensive share price. You can buy these shares in low-cost amounts of less than $500 anytime you wish to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Superhero charges $0 brokerage fees on US shares but charges $5 on Australian shares (as well as $0 for ETFs). The flat brokerage fee remains the same regardless of the volume of trade. T<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>his is a fair amount to charge, considering that some Australian stock brokers charge $20 per trade.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I found it easy to signup on Superhero. All you need to do is to provide your contact and ID details. Following that, you can fund your Superhero account using a PayID bank transfer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the whole process takes less than 5 minutes. It&#8217;s that smooth and hitch-free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The discrepancy in brokerage fees between US and Australian shares is worth discussing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, Superhero doesn&#8217;t allow the purchase of Australian stocks in fractional units. You can only purchase fractional US shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Superhero&#8217;s asset picks are limited. Veteran investors who need to deal in other asset classes should opt for another brokerage platform.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The chart analysis functions are just too simplistic. I get that they are simplified for easy comprehension by amateur investors, but I wish there was an option to toggle the view between the simple charts and the advanced charts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How simple are the charts? There are no price targets, buy ratings, or sell ratings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, you can&#8217;t get comprehensive financial or market data for the companies you are investing in on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Superhero is a low-cost trading platform that is better suited to casual investors. It has a simple app and a straightforward sign-up process designed to attract newbie traders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The oversimplified platform will not be suitable for expert traders. In addition, the platform may feel a bit limiting because users can only trade ETFs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Good broker for forex &amp; CFDs.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/avatrade-online-broker-australia-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"best online broker australia\" class=\"wp-image-84186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/avatrade-online-broker-australia-1024x569.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/avatrade-online-broker-australia-300x167.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/avatrade-online-broker-australia-768x427.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/avatrade-online-broker-australia.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> is an ASIC-regulated online broker with top-notch social trading features and Meta Trader included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though it allows you to trade crypto indices, ETFs, commodities and stocks, its main focus is on forex and CFDs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, it&#8217;s best suited to Australian investors who want to build solid foreign exchange and CFD portfolios while dabbling in other trading instruments. Not the other way around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:56px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With 5 different trading platforms to choose from, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> is not short on options for traders who want to get serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are two proprietary platforms, a full MetaTrader suite (MT4 and MT5) and two robo-suites (ZuluTrade and DupliTrade) and a mobile AvaTrade Go app enough for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Webtrader, one of AvaTrade&#8217;s proprietary offerings, stands out for ease of use &#8211; especially for beginners. If you&#8217;re new to trading, start there.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>AvaProtect is a nifty feature that neither <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> nor <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a> offer. Think of it as a form of insurance against poor trading decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buy the cover, and AvaTrade will reimburse you for any losses you sustain on market orders during the coverage period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>AvaTrade offers tight spreads with great leverage and almost instant trade execution. This is great news for scalpers, as a 2-second delay is enough to lose out on a great entry.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Like <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a>, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> has solid copy trading features that let you copy successful traders. You can ask questions and check their trading history before placing bets .. I mean, trades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Speaking of newbies, AvaTrade has a world-class academy with 24 courses, 400 articles and videos, 150 lessons, a YouTube channel and 50 quizzes. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The academy is great and can be accessed on mobile and desktop. The courses are well-structured, and it&#8217;s clear that a lot of effort went into their design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> has a negative balance protection feature that ensures that you can never lose more than the balance you have in your account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Tiger Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/tiger-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Tiger Brokers<\/a>, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> charges inactivity fees &#8211; $30 per quarter after 3 months of inactivity, plus a $100 administration fee after a year. Yep, &#8220;administration&#8221;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>This makes it a poor choice<\/strong> for Australian investors who like to dip in and out of the market.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I find that withdrawals can sometimes be painfully slow, with my cash sometimes hitting the bank account 7 days after the request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Keep in mind that novice-friendly Webtrader doesn&#8217;t offer a news portal or research functions. You have to get those from Meta Trader or external sources.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest downside of <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a>, however, is its relatively narrow range of markets and products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared with the large range available on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"eToro Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/etoro-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">eToro<\/a> and the <em>ungodly<\/em> range available on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a>, AvaTrade offers a, let&#8217;s say, curated selection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>It&#8217;s not an issue <\/strong>if you plan to execute a tightly focused trading strategy<strong>, <\/strong>but if your style of trading relies on a lot of variety, consider <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Interactive Brokers\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/interactive-brokers\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Interactive Brokers<\/a> instead.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> is an excellent online broker for beginner and intermediate traders who seek to build a solid baseline of skill in forex and CFD trading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable spreads, novice and professional-grade platform options and social trading features make this a well-roounded, capable brokerage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Its CFD and forex fees are about on par with the industry average, and its customer service is solid &#8211; responsive, competent and available through 3 channels.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"AvaTrade Broker\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">AvaTrade<\/a> does not have as many trading tools as institutional or expert traders would like, but I don&#8217;t feel that this is their target market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2714 World-class trading academy<br>\u2714 Fast trading execution with tight spreads<br>\u2714 Balance protection to prevent negative balances<br>\u2718 No dedicated news portal<br>\u2718 No stop loss<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/avatrade-broker\/\">Visit AvaTrade<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"IG\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/ig\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">IG<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Good all-round multi-asset online broker.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ig-vs-etoro-vs-avatrade-vs-interactive-brokers-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"IG vs etoro vs interactive brokers vs avatrade\" class=\"wp-image-85235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ig-vs-etoro-vs-avatrade-vs-interactive-brokers-1024x569.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ig-vs-etoro-vs-avatrade-vs-interactive-brokers-300x167.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ig-vs-etoro-vs-avatrade-vs-interactive-brokers-768x427.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ig-vs-etoro-vs-avatrade-vs-interactive-brokers.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1974, IG is a top-class online broker offering trades on forex, indices, equities, CFD, commodities, and options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has various features that make it a stock trading platform for professional and new traders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>IG offers over 80 currency pairs with reasonable spreads that averaged 0.83 in 2021. IG offers trading through their online platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can access features like stops, limits, sell orders, and alerts on those platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a handy API for advanced tech-savvy traders that want to automate their trades. The API trading feature works across all financial markets, including crypto and forex. You can link the API directly to your own platform or to IG&#8217;s ProRealTime platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>IG also comes with a fantastic mobile app that works well for various functions as well as good charts, alerts, news headlines, signals and readings that aid trading on the move.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting up charts on IG&#8217;s mobile app was easy, with five distinct chart types, 20 drawing tools, and 30 technical indicators available. You can sync your charts from the desktop app to the mobile app. However, the syncing process isn&#8217;t exactly seamless, as trend lines do not sync.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IG also offers mobile trading through MetaTrader 4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IG has a dedicated mobile app for beginner traders called IG Academy. IG academy offers various training courses, quizzes, videos, and interactive exercises to help you learn the nitty-gritty of trading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>These training courses<\/strong> are also available on the desktop platform.<\/li><li><strong>Newbies also get a demo account <\/strong>with $20,000 of virtual funds. <\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This is 80% less than eToro&#8217;s $100,000 demo account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IG&#8217;s demo account work across multiple assets and markets, including crypto, options, bonds, rates, shares, commodities, forex, and indices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IG offers 24\/7 customer support service, but they aren&#8217;t available from 7 AM to 5 PM AEST on Saturdays. I suppose this is due to a time zone issue. But I would prefer it if they were available 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">The IG community feature is great for interacting with fellow traders and getting expert advice. I rate IG&#8217;s community better than Pearler&#8217;s Exchange space as the investors there are more experienced with several unconventional tips and strategies that you won&#8217;t find in Pearler Exchange.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While IG&#8217;s mobile app is great, I do not enjoy the fact that it doesn&#8217;t have predetermined watchlists. You have to spend time scrunching your eyes and scrolling through IG&#8217;s massive offerings to find what you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, IG doesn&#8217;t have eToro&#8217;s copy trading feature. I expect an advanced online broker like IG to have a proper copy trading platform that integrates the experienced traders in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>IG is a superb Australian stockbroker with a solid array of forex trading pairs and options. It&#8217;s handy API trading would also come in handy for tech-savvy users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"CMC Markets\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/cmc-markets\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">CMC Markets<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Another decent multi-asset online broker.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/best-australian-share-broker-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"best-australian-share-broker\" class=\"wp-image-85221\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/best-australian-share-broker-1024x569.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/best-australian-share-broker-300x167.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/best-australian-share-broker-768x427.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/best-australian-share-broker.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Listed on the London Stock Exchange, CMC Markets is a UK-based online broker established in 1989. It also earns a spot on this list because it offers an abundance of learning resources and guides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They offer low brokerage fees, competitive spreads, and low margins across commodity trades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pros.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"CMC Markets\" href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/recommends\/cmc-markets\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">CMC Markets<\/a>&#8216; wide range of investment options include shares, indices, cryptocurrencies, options, ETFs, commodities, and forex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to Interactive Brokers, CMC Markets offers investors about four desktop platforms plus a mobile app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is the popular MetaTrader4 for CFD trading, Stockbroking Standard for international shares and ETFs, Stockbroking Pro for advanced traders who pay a $49 monthly access fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, Next Generation grants traders access to CMC Markets&#8217; full suite of products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>It&#8217;s all a bit confusing, but it&#8217;s how they prefer to operate.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>CMC Markets charges zero brokerage fees for online buy orders less than $1000. But you only get one free order per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on which is greater, you will be charged for subsequent buy and sell orders at $11 or 0.10% of your order value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>CMC Markets definitely gets the teaching process right. They have an incredibly rich collection of educational resources and market data.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also a demo account for new traders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The demo account is accessible even when you haven&#8217;t provided your full signup data. You only need to provide your email, phone number, and name. So you can typically try out CMC Markets before filling in your card details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cons.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CMC Markets phone trades incur a borderline ridiculous charge of $59.95 per order. You&#8217;ll also be charged $59.95 when placing orders for listed financial products outside Australia, Japan, the US, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>If that&#8217;s not bad enough, you&#8217;ll need an ANZ cash account to use CMC Markets. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you can use debit and credit cards to fund your CMC Markets account, you&#8217;ll be charged a percentage fee for every transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CMC also charges a $15 inactivity fee after one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overall.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CMC Markets is a respected, global player that offers an extensive range of tradable instruments (12,000+) and a strong suite of educational resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need a reliable, all-rounder platform? This is a good contender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About Online Brokers In Australia.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many folks emailed me after reading this review, asking for more details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What fees do Australian online brokers charge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fees are calculated in a variety of ways including percentages, flat rates and based on volume \u2014 which can make it harder to understand and compare costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Reasonable fees per buy\/sell order vary from a minimum of around AUD$5-10.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some brokers have a no-commission model, but beware that these platforms make money through fees charged on currency conversions, spreads when you apply leverage, and costs related to using your account (e.g., withdrawing money, inactivity).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are online brokerages safe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thousands of Australians safely invest and trade every day using the reputable, established, and regulated share trading platforms compared in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Reasonable fees per buy\/sell order vary from a minimum of around AUD$5-10<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re keen to directly hold your shares for added protection in case of a broker\u2019s insolvency, you might prefer a CHESS-sponsored broker compared to a broker with a custodial model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which broker is best for beginner Australian investors?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My pick is eToro &#8211; because it perfectly balances complexity and accessibility. Novice and casual investors get access to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Solid<\/strong> educational resources.<\/li><li><strong>Top-notch <\/strong>customer support.<\/li><li><strong>Tight<\/strong> spreads.<\/li><li><strong>Very good technical charts<\/strong> and financial news.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which brokerage has the best mobile investment app?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best online stock broker in Australia depends on your reasons for investing and what features you need the most in an <a href=\"https:\/\/arielle.com.au\/best-stock-trading-app-australia\/\">investment app<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best brokerage for CFD trading is Vantage, with a choice of MT4\/5, Trading View and a proprietary app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:56px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the cheapest trading platform in Australia?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need the cheapest trading platform for CFDs, go with Vantage. They charge zero monthly or brokerage fees and make money off your bid\/ask spreads, which is pretty reasonable. Unfortunately, you can only trade CFDs on Plus500. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Interactive Brokers<\/strong> is the cheapest for investors and traders with substantial ($300,000+) trading volumes.<\/li><li><strong>Investors and traders with less than $200,000<\/strong> to invest will find eToro fees very competitive.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do you start trading and investing in Australia?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You must purchase and sell stocks through an ASIC-registered online stock broker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Opening the account is the first step. With the best brokers in Australia, this is a fairly seamless and painless experience that takes between 1-2 hours and 1-2 business days.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Account verification on the broker&#8217;s end is usually the most time-consuming part of this process. Make sure you submit all your identity documents during signup &#8211; this is likely to expedite the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Are The Risks Of Investing In Shares?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you buy shares from an online broker, you spend money without guarantee of a return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>You also accept the chance that you could lose all of your capital.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While Australian and international markets tend to add value over the long term (in a broad sense), individual stocks can be volatile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each company\u2019s share price depends on a huge variety of macro, performance-based and consumer-led factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">Even well-run companies can be overtaken by competitors or lose relevance due to changing trends.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is CHESS Sponsorship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>CHESS stands for Clearing House Electronic Subregister System, and it&#8217;s the software the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) uses to manage and record a change of ownership in shares when they\u2019re bought or sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-create-block-tip-block tip-wrapper\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12\"><div class=\"card-wrapper\"><div class=\"card-title\"><div class=\"icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"none\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M7.5 14.33a5 5 0 1 1 5 0v4.17h-5v-4.17Zm4.25-1.3-.75.44V17H9v-3.53l-.75-.44a3.5 3.5 0 1 1 3.5 0Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.25 1v2h1.5V1h-1.5ZM5.53 4.47l-1.5-1.5-1.06 1.06 1.5 1.5 1.06-1.06ZM15.53 5.53l1.5-1.5-1.06-1.06-1.5 1.5 1.06 1.06ZM1 10.75h2v-1.5H1v1.5ZM17 10.75h2v-1.5h-2v1.5Z\" fill=\"#656E83\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><h3 placeholder=\"Tip Title Goes Here\">Important!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"card-content\"><p placeholder=\"Tip Content Goes Here\">When you use a CHESS-sponsored broker, you\u2019ll have peace of mind that your shares are securely registered as belonging to you via ASX\u2019s settlement system.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Your ownership is represented by a unique Holder Identification Number (HIN) you\u2019ll receive from your broker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9 Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Online Broker In Australia.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Which features do you need, and which can you safely ignore?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Are the right asset classes available<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before signing up with an online broker, check whether they offer the asset classes you plan to buy or trade. Do you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"arrow-wrapper\"><div class=\"arrow-list\"><ul><li><strong>Wish<\/strong> to trade Australian stocks or securities?<\/li><li><strong>Plan<\/strong> to add cryptocurrency to your investment portfolio?<\/li><li><strong>Need<\/strong> access to CFDs, options, futures, indices, and commodities?<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Many brokers specialise in a particular set of assets and instruments. For example, Commsec Pocket offers good ETF trading, while Plus500 offers superb CFD trading functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are interested in stocks, look for online share trading platforms registered with the Australian Securities Exchange and the Australian Stock Exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan to build a diverse portfolio across multiple assets, I suggest you choose eToro or Interactive Brokers, as the platforms allow you to pick from a huge range of bonds, stocks, options, mutual funds, and ETFs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. What unexpected features do you get?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best online brokers in Australia offer perks like social trading, fractional trading, robo-trading and loss protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Others offer real-time market data and financial news complemented by advanced research tools and low pings for fast trade implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. What are the brokerage fees like?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You absolutely want to minimize trading fees and commissions. After all, your investments minus commissions are your gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But an obsession with finding a brokerage with the lowest commissions can be a fool&#8217;s errand. Opportunity costs are not part of your balance sheet, but are real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>For every minute you spend comparing stock platforms, you are not focusing on income-producing activities or not improving your ability to generate more of it later.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than getting bogged in analysis paralysis for weeks, pick one of my recommended platforms and start investing. You&#8217;ll be much better off in net terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Online Brokerage<\/th><th>Minimum Deposit<\/th><th>Inactivity Fees<\/th><th>Trading Fees<\/th><th>Focus<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>eToro<\/td><td>$50<\/td><td>$10\/month after 1 year<\/td><td>1.5% currency conversion (both ways)<\/td><td>Stocks, ETFs, Crypto<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interactive Brokers<\/td><td>$100<\/td><td>$0<\/td><td>$6 per trade<br>or 0.08% of trade value<br><\/td><td>Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Funds, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, CFDs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vantage<\/td><td>$50<\/td><td>$0<\/td><td>Starting with $1 spreads on the ECN account<\/td><td>Forex, CFDs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TigerBrokers<\/td><td>$0<\/td><td>$0<\/td><td>ASX stocks: 0.055% of trade value, min AUD$5.55 per trade. US stocks: US$0.013 per US share, min $USD2.00 per order<\/td><td>ASX, US &amp; HK stocks and ETFs, US options<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Top 4 online brokers in Australia: key statistics.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. <strong>Does the brokerage have a friendly interface?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A good share trading platform should have an intuitive user interface with a friendly user experience. Clunky, slow, glitchy software is not excusable in 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform should be easy to navigate, with a search function to find assets quickly. Buttons should be responsive, and bugs should be absent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Does the brokerage have CHESS sponsorship<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best stock brokers in Australia come with CHESS sponsorship for Australian shares purchased on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>CHESS (Clearing House Electronic Subregister System) is the system used by the Australian Stock Exchange to record, manage and share ownership. <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>CHESS-sponsored shares are easily verifiable and traceable to you, thus ensuring that you retain the ownership of your shares even if the online broker goes down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get a HIN (Holder Identification Number) that identifies you as a valid CHESS-sponsored shareholder with a broker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All your CHESS-sponsored shares are represented by your HIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. What are training resources like?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are a new trader, you want a trading platform with helpful resources and materials. You don&#8217;t want to get stuck at every point in time without quality references to help out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The educational resources should be well outlined with a well-ordered learning curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Is customer support responsive enough?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I always check the responsiveness of the broker&#8217;s customer support service, rating them on response speed (ideally under 2 hours) and helpfulness (is the problem solved on first contact?) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"indent-wrapper\"><div class=\"indented-text\"><span>Also, 24\/7 support is much better than 24\/5. Because Murphy&#8217;s law dictates that your problem will happen on the weekend.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The medium of communication also matters. Some online stock brokers have customer support that can only be accessible via email or chatbots. Ideally, look for one that offers a phone line in the Australian timezone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Is account security military-grade?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best online brokers in Australia guarantee the security of your assets and data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These platforms must have two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and other proper security features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Any discount or bonus offers<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Who doesn&#8217;t like free things? I watch out for brokers that offer good account bonuses and discounts. Some brokers, like TigerBrokers, offer bonuses based on your initial deposit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bottom Line About The Best Online Brokers In Australia.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>eToro is one of the best stock trading platforms in Australia &#8211; and my #1 pick for new to moderately experienced investors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will enjoy the ease of its social trading features and the ability to trade domestic and international stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Steven<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":84146,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"single-review.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[267,305],"class_list":["post-84143","review","type-review","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money","category-trading-platforms"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>9 Best Online Brokers In Australia (2025)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is the best brokerage platform in Australia? 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