$0 brokerage when you join CommSec
Join CommSec today and get $0 brokerage on your first 10 trades. Limited time offer, T&Cs apply.
Invest in the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) with a CommSec Share Trading Account
A CommSec Share Trading Account gives you a fast, simple and affordable way to buy and sell Australian shares. Place orders without a deposit1, make real-time cash transfers, and access our lowest brokerage rates with a Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA)2, 3, so you can take advantage of investment opportunities when they arise.
Choose from over 2,000 companies listed on the ASX and with unlimited access to real-time quotes, market research, live announcements, and charting, you can find all the tools you need to invest with confidence on our website and App, whatever your level of experience.
How it works
When you buy a share, you become a part owner of that company. You will receive similar benefits to owning any business, such as a share of profits distributed through dividends, and usually the right to vote at company meetings.
- The day your order is fulfilled, we send a confirmation with the details of your trade.
- The ASX requires you to pay for your shares two (2) business days after the day of your trade.4
- When selling, we will credit your bank account two (2) business days after the day of your trade.4
- You can use the sale proceeds immediately (before settlement) to pay for further buy orders executed on the same or next day.
Products you can invest in with this account
Invest in Australian shares
Invest in Australian companies listed on the ASX, with brokerage from as low as $5.002 per trade. Use our free research, live quotes and trading tools to help you invest with confidence.
Invest in Exchange Traded Funds
Exchange Traded Funds are funds that trade on a stock exchange like ordinary shares. They combine the investment advantages of managed funds with the ease and cost-effectiveness of share trading.
Leverage Warrants
Warrants trade on the ASX and Cboe provide leveraged exposure to underlying shares, indices, currencies, commodities and listed managed investments.
Leverage MINIs
MINI trading warrants (MINIs) are a type of trading warrant that provide the potential for a high return for a relatively small capital investment.
Invest in Partly Paid Securities
Partly Paid Securities do not require full payment upfront; you make a small initial investment to acquire the security and pay additional instalment(s) over time.
Access Company Options
Company Options are issued by a company to raise capital and trade on the ASX. They provide the holder the right but not the obligation to buy additional shares in the company at a specified price.
Benefits
Easy to get started.
Start investing with as little as $500. Buying shares is simple with CommSec. You can track your portfolio and trade online or on the go with our App.
Choice of settlement account
With CommSec, you can choose any Australian bank transaction account to use for buying and selling shares. You can use your existing bank account, or open a cash account with us.
Flexibility
It's easy to buy and sell Australian shares when it suits you. When you sell your shares, you can usually access your money two (2) business days after you trade.
Trade today without cash
Trade up to $5,000 worth of stocks without an initial cash deposit.1
Free live data and quotes
You can enjoy free access to live company data and quotes, regardless of how seldom you trade.
Free research
Enjoy free access to market-leading research, plus the latest financial market news, including daily video reports and Twitter updates from the CommSec media team.
Low cost
Trade from just $5.002 with CommSec. It's free to join and there are no monthly or ongoing account fees, regardless of how often you trade.
Potential tax benefits
Share trading may offer tax benefits. For example, if you sell shares you have held for over a year you may receive a 50% Capital Gains Tax discount.
Diversification
You can use shares to build a diversified investment portfolio as entry costs are relatively low and there is a large range of shares and sectors to choose from.
Risks
Capital loss risk
If you sell shares when the share price is lower than you bought it for, you will make a capital loss.
Liquidity risk
While most companies have many buyers and sellers, not all companies will have a buyer or seller at the price and time you want.
Market and economic risks
Like property and most other investments, companies and the share market are affected by a range of factors. Some shares may be more volatile or sensitive to different factors.
Rates and fees
|
Trade execution |
Brokerage fee amount by transaction value1,2,3,4 |
|---|---|
|
Trade online (via website, mobile apps or other platforms) and settle your trade to a CDIA5 or CommSec Margin Loan5 |
$5.00 (Up to and including $1,000) $10.00 (Over $1,000 up to $3,000 (inclusive)) $19.95 (Over $3,000 up to $10,000 (inclusive)) $29.95 (Over $10,000 up to $25,000 (inclusive)) 0.12% (Over $25,000) |
|
Trade online (via website, mobile apps or other platforms) and settle into a bank account of your choice.. |
$29.95 (Up to and including $9,999.99) 0.31% ($10,000 and above) |
|
Trades over the phone and deceased estates6 |
$59.95 (Up to and including $10,000) 0.52% (Over $10,000 up to $25,000 (inclusive)) 0.49% (Over $25,000 up to $1,000,000 (inclusive)) 0.11% (Over $1,000,000) |
|
Trades requiring settlement through a third party6 |
$99.95 (Up to and including $15,000) 0.66% (Over $15,000) |
|
1 Different brokerage rates apply to CommSec Pocket trades executed through CommSec Pocket App or CommBank App. 2 Alternative brokerage rates may be agreed from time to time and (if agreed to) will be payable under clause 22 of CommSec's Share Trading Terms and Conditions. If you are offered, and agree to a tiered brokerage rate, this may result in brokerage charges that differ from rates expressly disclosed within the CommSec FSG. 3 Unless otherwise indicated, where a fee or charge is expressed as a percentage, it refers to a percentage of the transaction value. For GST rounding reasons, the final brokerage fee may result in a slight variance from the stated or expected charge, which may exceed two cents for large trades. 4 Brokerage charged (shares, warrants, listed managed investments and derivatives): Brokerage at these rates applies each time you trade a stock, warrant, listed managed investment or derivative. 5 To be eligible, you must trade online, be CHESS Participant Sponsored with CommSec and settle your trades through either a Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) or a CommSec Margin Loan. 6 Includes CommSec Margin Lending and Geared Investments Lending Trades and where the Commonwealth Bank exercises its rights under the loan terms and conditions. |
|
Other fees may apply. Please see the CommSec Financial Services Guide
$0. There are no monthly fees associated with a CommSec Share Trading account.
Who can apply?
You can apply for a CommSec Share Trading Account if you are:
- 18 years or older with an Australian residential and postal address; or
- An Australian registered or incorporated company; or
- An Australian trust or SMSF.
What you’ll need if you’re new to CommSec:
- ID (e.g. driver’s licence or passport)
- SMSF name and Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Company details and Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Certified copy of the Trust Deed (if applicable)
Get started
Open a CommSec Share Trading Account
Be up and running in as little as 5 minutes. Start by choosing one of the options below:
Trade from $5.00
Buy and sell shares using a CommSec Share Trading Account with our cash account3 - with it you can seamlessly settle trades, transact and earn interest
Trade from $29.95
Buy and sell shares using a CommSec Share Trading Account with your existing bank account.
Frequently asked questions
Important: The shares you wish to transfer (whether held with another broker or the share registry) must have identical registration details (both name and address) to your CommSec trading account. If registration details differ by even one character, you will need to change these details before completing the form.
Shares held with another broker
To transfer shares held with the share registry into your CommSec share trading account you will need to submit an Issuer to CHESS transfer request. You can do this online by logging in and navigating to Portfolio > Accounts (select account) > Transfers.
For the transfer to be successful the name and address registered on your issuer holdings must match your CommSec account.
Your request will be completed within 72 hours.
Shares held with the share registry
To transfer shares held with the share registry into your CommSec Trading Account you need to complete an Issuer Sponsored Holdings to CHESS Sponsorship Transfer Form.
- Download the CHESS sponsorship form on our website under Forms & Brochures: Issuer Sponsored Holdings to CHESS sponsorship form.
- Complete the form and attach a photocopy of the latest issuer holding statement or dividend statement.
- Ensure that all share holders sign the 'Agreement' section of the form, then return the completed and signed form to the address on the form.
Your request will be completed within approximately 48 to 72 hours of receipt.
Please note: If your shares are held in another entity, for example yourself in trust for a super fund, you need to complete an Off Market Transfer form.
- If you are already CHESS sponsored with CommSec, you can fax the form (and statements) to us on (02) 9280 7023.
Once your buy order is partially or fully executed with CommSec, settlement will take place two (2) business days after its execution (T+2)4.
To pay for your shares:
- Automatic direct debit from a linked nominated bank account. We will automatically direct debit from your nominated bank account on T+2. To view the bank account you nominated on your application form, select Portfolio > Profile after you have logged into your CommSec account.
When you have bought and sold shares on the same day and the next trading day, your payment may be partially or wholly offset. For more information refer to the New Client Guide.
CHESS (Clearing House Electronic Sub-register System) is the system used by the ASX to record shareholdings and manage the settlement of share transactions.
If you are CHESS sponsored by CommSec you can automatically keep track of your portfolio and its market value online, it’s easy to buy and sell shares because all the required information is available, so you don't have to ask the company’s share registry to provide it.
For your holdings to be registered in the CHESS Settlement Facility, you need to be sponsored by a Settlement Participant of the ASX Group, such as CommSec. Broker sponsored holdings are allocated a Holder Identification Number (HIN).
To become CHESS sponsored with CommSec, download the form from Support > Forms & Brochures > ‘Broker to Broker CHESS sponsorship’ form.
Your initial purchase of any particular shareholding must be at least $500 worth of shares, known as a 'minimum marketable parcel of shares'. CommSec may then allow you to purchase smaller amounts of shares to top up existing share holdings. For example, if you hold $500 worth of shares in XYZ you may be able to purchase a smaller amount of XYZ to increase your existing holding.
The CDIA is a Commonwealth Bank Cash Account specifically designed for CommSec share traders, allowing you to trade, save and transact, when and where it suits you. Learn more about CDIA.
Knowing where to start can be quite a challenge but there are ways to narrow down the possibilities.
Once you’ve defined your investment goals, think about companies you know and have a relationship with — whether it’s a company you work for, shop at, travel with or something else. Do those companies meet your investment criteria? You can use CommSec’s research tools and CommSec Learn to obtain more information to get more ideas.
You can trade with CommSec with brokerage from as low as $5.003. Brokerage is charged when your order results in a trade. Find out more about CommSec brokerage rates.
The CommSec App is a mobile application that you can use to view your portfolio and place trades, wherever you are. You can download it to your iPad, iPhone or Android device (excluding Android tablets) from the iTunes App Store or from Google Play. Learn more about how to download the CommSec App.
Whenever an order you have placed results in a trade, you will receive a Confirmation Contract Note by email, post or both, depending on the preference you have selected. Confirmation Contract Notes are generated on the day of the trade. You can access up-to-date information on the status of your orders on the CommSec website at any time.
No, your CommSec Trading Account allows you to place orders of up to $5,000 without deposit2. That limit applies to leading stocks, and you can also buy up to $1,000 of non-leading stocks within that amount. If you have cash in your linked Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) or have shares in your CommSec Trading Account, you may be able to increase this amount. The funds will be direct debited from your linked cash account in full on the settlement date, which is two (2) trading days after your trade has taken place (T+2)4.
We used to offer a One-Off Trade option, but unfortunately we have now stopped this service. If you want to sell a share holding through CommSec, you'll need to open a CommSec Share Trading Account in the same name that the shares are registered under.
Here's how to find out what name your shares are registered under:
- Look for your latest dividend or holding statement for each share holding you want to sell
- Log onto the share registry website and view your details online (website details should be detailed on the statement)
- Open a CommSec Share Trading Account online.
- Once your CommSec Share Trading Account is open, you'll need to transfer your shares from the share registry to your CommSec trading account before you can sell them. Here's how to transfer shares from the share registry.
If you already have a CommSec Share Trading Account in the same name as the shares, you can go ahead and transfer the shares to your CommSec account, then place an order to sell them.
Financial Services Guide
The Financial Services Guide ("FSG") provides information about Commonwealth Securities to help you decide whether to use the financial services we offer.
Share Trading Terms and Conditions
For a complete outline of what your obligations are when you buy or sell shares through CommSec please review the Share Trading Terms and Conditions document.
Download the Share Trading Terms and Conditions
CommSec Document Download Acceptance
Before you obtain any products or services from CommSec, you must view the most recent Financial Services Guide (FSG).
By clicking YES below I am agreeing to be given the FSG and PDS electronically by downloading these documents from this website.
Note: If you would like to receive the CommSec Financial services Guide (FSG) and relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) by mail please contact us on 13 15 19.
Other Forms & Brochures
For all other forms & brochures regarding other financial services we offer.
If you are looking for administrative forms, please login and proceed to Support > Forms & Downloads.
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Conditional Trading
Conditional Orders allow you to trade, even when you aren’t monitoring the market. Set instructions and we will place your buy or sell order once your shares reach a specified price.
Mobile
With our free CommSec Mobile App you can watch the market, manage your portfolio and trade shares on the go. Stay up-to-date with live quotes, news and announcements, plus use our charts to identify your next trading opportunity.
Disclaimer
1 Funds must be available on the morning of the settlement date. For further information, read about CommSec's trading limits.
2 To be eligible, you must trade online, be CHESS Participant Sponsored with CommSec and settle your trades through either a Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) or a CommSec Margin Loan.
3 The target market for this product can be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available here.
4 Exceptions will occur when the stock is tracking under a Deferred Settlement basis.
*$0 brokerage on your first 10 trades” offer only available to new CommSec customers opening a new individual Australian Share Trading Account & Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) between 1st November 2023 and 31st January 2024 via the ‘Join now’ link at www.commsec.com.au/offer or through the CommBank App. Offer applies if you trade online, are CHESS-sponsored by CommSec and settle your trade through your CDIA. This offer does not apply to CommSec Pocket trades, International Share trades, Exchange Traded Options or Margin Lending. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer and not open to existing CommSec customers. As part of the offer, you will receive $0 brokerage on your first 10 Australian equity trades, up to a maximum trade value of $50,000 each for orders placed on or before 30th April 2024. Standard CommSec brokerage charges apply for orders placed or amended after 30th April 2024. Trades above $50,000 will incur brokerage charges. For CommSec standard brokerage charges, see the CommSec Financial Service Guide. No brokerage fee will be shown on the CommSec Confirmation Contract Note issued in respect of applicable trades under this offer. This offer is not redeemable for cash and is not transferable. CommSec Share Trading Terms and Conditions apply unless otherwise specified here. Applicants must be 18 years or over. We reserve the right to terminate this offer or amend these terms and conditions at any time without notice. For any queries on this offer, please contact us on 13 15 19
The Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) is issued by Commonwealth Bank of Australia. ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. This product is administered by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec), a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited. The target market for the CDIA can be found within the product’s Target Market Determination, available at commbank.com.au/tmd.
