Help & FAQs

To buy or sell international shares through CommSec, you’ll need to open an International Shares Account.

Before applying for an International Shares Account, you will first need to open a CommSec Share Trading Account that settles to a Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA).

To open a CommSec Share Trading Account:

• Navigate back to the CommSec home page
• Click on Join Now
• Select Share Trading
• Follow the prompts to complete your application

Once your account is set up, you can apply for an International Shares Account in the same name.

You can apply for a CommSec International Shares Account if you and all additional applicants’ identity have been verified and are:

• 18 years or older with an Australian residential and postal address
• Are an individual and/or joint account holder, or
• An Australian registered or incorporated company, or
• An Australian formal trust or SMSF

If you fit the above criteria, you must also have the following:

• An existing CommSec Australian Shares Account and Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) in the same name, and
• A valid photo ID, such as an Australian Driver's Licence, Passport, or Medicare card that is not expired.

This account is available to and for the benefit of Australian residents only. If you are a U.S Person or not residing in Australia, you will not be able to open an International Shares Account at this time. Limitations also apply to applicants with citizenship or tax residency in countries not accepted by our international custodian.

Once you have opened a CommSec Share Trading Account, you are ready to open an International Shares Account. Follow the steps below:

• Log in to CommSec
• Navigate to Products
• Select Shares, then International on the sub-menu
• Click Apply now
• Follow the prompts to complete your application

Your identity will be electronically verified when opening your International Shares Account. This process usually takes a few minutes, however, if we require you to submit additional documentation, your account may take between 1 - 2 business days to open from the time we receive your ID documents.

If you need any assistance completing your application, please call the International Desk on 1300 361 170 (between 8am Monday and close of the U.S. market on Saturday morning AEST), or learn more about an International Shares Account here.

Please consider the International Share Terms and Conditions available from this website before making any decisions. As this information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, before acting on this information, please consider it's appropriateness for your circumstances. Fees and charges apply.