Choosing the best stock trading app in Australia comes down to a few practical factors: cost, market access, and how well the platform performs day to day. Some apps focus on low brokerage and simple ETF investing, while others offer advanced tools, global markets, and deeper research. The gap between platforms can be significant, especially once FX fees and execution quality are considered. This guide compares the leading options to help you find a trading app that aligns with your strategy, not just the lowest headline fee.
The best trading apps in Australia depend on how you invest: Plus500 suits simple CFD trading, eToro stands out for social and copy investing, CMC Markets is stronger for advanced tools and low forex spreads, and IG is the most rounded option for research, platform quality, and broad market access. For lower-cost share investing, Stake is a strong choice for ASX users, Interactive Brokers is the standout for global markets and very low trading costs, and Webull works well for commission-free trading, advanced charting, and an easy-to-use app experience.
List of the best trading apps in Australia for 2026
Here’s a quick snapshot of the top trading apps in Australia, highlighting what each platform does best based on costs, features, and overall usability for different investor types.
- Plus500 – best for simple CFD trading with a clean interface
- eToro – best for social trading and copy investing features
- CMC Markets – best for advanced tools and low forex spreads
- IG – best for all-round trading with strong research and tools
- Stake – best for low-cost ASX investing and a simple experience
Best stock trading apps in Australia compared
What makes a stock trading app “best” in Australia?
The best stock trading app in Australia balances low costs, strong regulation, and practical usability. It should offer access to ASX and global markets, transparent fees, and reliable execution. Beyond that, the difference comes down to how well the platform fits your style: simple investing, active trading, or broad diversification across asset classes.
Focus on a few essentials that actually impact your results and day-to-day experience.
Steps:
- Check ASIC regulation and licensing: Ensure the broker is authorised by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and operates under an AFSL. This sets the baseline for safety and compliance.
- Compare total costs, not just brokerage: Look beyond headline fees. Factor in spreads, FX conversion (often ~0.5%–1.0%), and withdrawal charges, not just a $ (AUD) 0 or low per-trade fee.
- Assess market access and product range: Decide if you need just ASX shares or broader exposure to US stocks, ETFs, options, or global exchanges. More markets mean more flexibility.
- Evaluate platform usability and tools: A strong app should be stable, easy to navigate, and offer useful features like charting, alerts, and order types without slowing you down.
- Review funding options and account setup: Check deposit methods (bank transfer, BPAY), minimum funding (often $ (AUD) 0–$ (AUD) 100), and how quickly you can start trading.
In practice, the “best” app is rarely universal. It’s the one that aligns with how you invest, keeps costs predictable, and doesn’t get in your way.
Plus500 – Streamlined CFD trading app with strong regulation and a simple interface
Plus500 is a globally listed broker designed around simplicity, speed, and accessible CFD trading. It combines a clean mobile experience with broad market access and tight spreads on major instruments. In Australia, it stands out for regulation, ease of use, and transparent pricing, though it leans heavily toward derivatives rather than long-term investing.
Plus500 is considered a well-regulated broker, with oversight from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and several tier-one regulators globally. It is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, which adds transparency through public financial reporting.
For Australian users, client funds are held in segregated accounts, and negative balance protection ensures you cannot lose more than your deposit when trading CFDs.
However, there is no formal investor compensation scheme in Australia, which is an important limitation compared to some European jurisdictions. Overall, the regulatory structure is strong, but protection depends on your region.
Plus500 uses a spread-only pricing model, meaning there are no separate commissions on trades. On major instruments, costs are relatively competitive. For example, EUR/USD spreads average around 0.9, and S&P 500 CFD spreads around 0.6, which places it in line with mainstream brokers.
Where costs increase are in holding positions. Overnight financing fees are high across most CFD products, making the platform less suitable for long-term positions.
There is also a currency conversion fee of up to 0.7%, which can add up for Australian users trading US-listed assets. On the positive side, deposits and withdrawals are free, which keeps operational costs low.
Plus500 focuses primarily on CFDs, offering access to more than 2,000 markets. These include stock CFDs, indices, ETFs, commodities, forex, options, and a selection of crypto CFDs. This provides broad exposure across global markets, including major US and international equities.
However, it is important to understand that CFDs are derivatives. You do not own the underlying assets, which limits long-term investing strategies such as dividend investing or direct share ownership.
Real stock investing is only available through Plus500 Invest, and not all regions, including Australia, have full access. This makes the platform more trading-focused than investing-focused.
The Plus500 app is one of its strongest features. It is clean, fast, and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for newer users. The onboarding process is straightforward, and a demo account is available instantly, which lowers the barrier to entry.
Key tools include price alerts, risk management features like guaranteed stop losses, and real-time cost breakdowns before placing trades. The platform also supports multiple order types, including trailing stops and limit orders. That said, advanced traders may find the charting tools and research features limited, as the platform focuses more on execution than analysis.
Plus500 is best suited to traders who want a simple, mobile-first platform focused on short-term trading opportunities. It works well for users who prioritise ease of use, quick execution, and access to global CFD markets without complex tools.
It is less suitable for long-term investors, income-focused strategies, or traders who rely heavily on in-platform research and advanced analytics. The high overnight costs also make it a weaker fit for holding positions over extended periods.
eToro – Best for social stock trading and beginner-friendly investing
eToro is one of the few trading apps in Australia that makes stock investing, crypto exposure, and social trading feel genuinely accessible from one interface. Its big edge is not rock-bottom pricing across every category. It is the combination of easy real stock investing, strong mobile design, and market-leading copy trading features. For Australian users, it is a strong all-rounder, though the FX costs and withdrawal fee take some shine off the experience.
eToro is a credible, properly regulated platform in Australia. Local clients are onboarded through eToro AUS Capital Ltd, which is authorised by ASIC under AFSL 491139. That matters because ASIC supervision brings licensing standards, conduct obligations, and client money rules, even if Australia does not offer a built-in compensation scheme like the UK’s FSCS.
There is an extra layer here worth noting. eToro says certain higher-tier clients under its Australian entity may be covered by private insurance of up to $ (AUD) 1,000,000 through Lloyd’s, although this is not universal, not permanent by right, and comes with total payout limits across all claimants.
Retail Australian CFD clients also receive negative balance protection, which is useful because leveraged trading can go south fast.
The company itself has decent credibility markers. eToro was founded in 2007 and is publicly listed on Nasdaq, which means more disclosure than you get from many privately held brokers.
It is also regulated by other major authorities, including the FCA in the UK and CySEC in Europe. That does not make it risk-free, obviously, but it does put it well above the sketchy end of the broker market.
eToro is competitive on the parts most casual investors actually notice first. Real stock trading is low cost, ETF investing is commission-free, and forex CFD pricing is reasonable by retail-platform standards. For Australian users, the headline stock fee is usually $ (AUD) 2 per trade for Australian and New Zealand shares, while US stock fees are also kept low.
The catch is that eToro makes more of its money in the less glamorous places. There is a $ (AUD) 5 withdrawal fee, a $ (AUD) 10 monthly inactivity fee after a year of doing nothing, and the foreign exchange costs can be annoyingly high.
That last one matters more in Australia than on some other platforms because eToro only supports three base currencies globally: USD, EUR, and GBP. Australian users are therefore often converting from AUD, and that is where costs start sneaking in.
Crypto is another area where the pricing looks less generous. Spot crypto trades cost 1% of trade value, which is not disastrous, but it is not especially cheap either.
Index CFD pricing is more middle of the pack than standout, with the S&P 500 CFD spread sitting around 1.0 in the supplied data. In plain English: eToro is cheap enough for stock and ETF investors, but it is not the platform for obsessive fee minimisers.
eToro has a broader product mix than most “stock trading app” labels suggest. Australian users can access real stocks, real ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and a full CFD menu covering stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto. That makes it one of the more flexible apps if the goal is to keep investing and trading under one roof.
The platform says it offers access to 25 stock markets and around 6,200 stock CFDs, 750 ETF CFDs, 47 commodity CFDs, 31 stock index CFDs, 56 currency pairs, and 142 cryptocurrencies in the supplied review data. That is plenty for most retail users, especially those focused on large-cap global names rather than obscure small-caps.
There is one distinction that matters a lot and gets missed all the time: on eToro, non-leveraged long positions in stocks and ETFs are generally real assets, not CFDs. That is a genuine strength. But once leverage enters the picture, or if you short the asset, you are in CFD territory.
Long-term investors should also know that eToro has some limitations as a traditional brokerage. Stock transfers are not supported, dividend tax handling is not always optimal, and smaller-stock coverage is thinner than the headline asset count might suggest.
This is where eToro earns its reputation. The app is slick, clean, and very hard to get lost in. For beginners, that matters more than having 90 half-baked technical indicators buried in six menus.
The mobile platform supports two-step authentication, biometric login, alerts, watchlists, and the core order types most retail users need, including market, limit, stop-loss, and trailing stop-loss orders.
The real differentiator is social trading. CopyTrader remains eToro’s signature feature and still feels more developed than most rival attempts at the same idea. Users can browse trader profiles, review public performance history, look at risk scores, and copy positions automatically.
Smart Portfolios add another layer, packaging themes, strategies, or trader groups into a more hands-off product. Whether that is clever or dangerous depends mostly on how blindly someone uses it.
The weak spots are familiar. Customisation is limited, especially on the web platform. Advanced chartists will probably outgrow it. Traditional broker research is thin, and customer support has a reputation for being slower and harder to reach than it should be. So yes, the platform is easy to use. No, it is not a power-user terminal.
eToro is best for Australian beginners and intermediate investors who want to buy stocks and ETFs, explore crypto, and possibly use copy trading without juggling multiple apps. It is especially appealing to people who care more about usability and access than they do about ultra-low FX costs or deep professional trading tools.
It is less suitable for long-term purist investors who want a classic brokerage setup, broad transfer flexibility, lower dividend-tax friction, and tighter control over custody mechanics.
It is also not the best fit for serious active traders who care about razor-thin spreads, faster support, or advanced charting depth. In other words, eToro is strong where retail investing overlaps with convenience and discovery. It is weaker where precision and cost engineering matter most.
CMC Markets – Best for advanced tools, low FX spreads, and serious traders
CMC Markets is one of the more established trading apps in Australia, built for users who want depth, not just simplicity. It combines tight forex pricing, a huge CFD range, and one of the strongest proprietary platforms in the market. The trade-off is obvious: this is a more “trader-first” app than a beginner-friendly investing app.
CMC Markets ticks most of the boxes you want from a safety perspective. Australian clients are onboarded through CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, which is licensed by ASIC under AFSL 238054. That brings standard protections like client money segregation and strict operational oversight.
The company itself adds another layer of credibility. Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which forces regular financial disclosures and transparency around execution quality. That is not something you get from smaller, offshore brokers.
There is a limitation worth being clear about. Australia does not offer a formal investor compensation scheme, so if the firm fails, there is no guaranteed payout like the UK’s FSCS.
That said, retail clients do receive negative balance protection, meaning you cannot lose more than your deposited funds when trading leveraged products. For a CFD-heavy platform, that matters.
CMC Markets is genuinely competitive on forex and index CFDs. Typical EUR/USD spreads sit around 0.6 pips on standard accounts, and index spreads (like the S&P 500) are also tight, making it attractive for active traders who care about execution costs.
It gets more nuanced once you move beyond FX. Stock CFD fees are relatively high compared to some competitors, with commissions starting around $ (AUD) 0.02 per share and a minimum charge of roughly $ (AUD) 10 per trade. That can quickly add up for smaller position sizes.
The good news is that non-trading fees are mostly minimal. Deposits are free, and withdrawals are generally free too, which already puts it ahead of platforms charging flat withdrawal fees. The main exception is certain card withdrawals or international transfers, where small percentage-based fees can apply.
Another advantage for Australian users is AUD-based accounts. This reduces unnecessary FX conversion costs when funding your account, although a conversion fee of up to ~0.5% can still apply when trading instruments priced in other currencies.
CMC Markets is not pretending to be a simple stock investing app. It is a full-scale trading platform with over 12,000 instruments available, most of them via CFDs.
You get access to:
- 300+ forex pairs (one of the largest retail offerings globally)
- 10,000+ global share CFDs (including major US and European stocks)
- Around 1,000 ETF CFDs
- 80+ indices
- 120+ commodities
- Crypto CFDs (including Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure)
For Australian users, there is some access to real shares, but the platform’s core identity is clearly CFD-driven. That means leverage is part of the experience, typically capped at 30:1 for retail forex traders under ASIC rules.
If you are looking for long-term investing with direct ownership across global equities, this is not its strongest angle. If you want breadth, leverage, and flexibility across markets, it is one of the most comprehensive offerings available.
CMC Markets delivers one of the most powerful trading platforms in this category, but it is not trying to be “simple.” The proprietary Next Generation platform is the standout feature. It supports over 80 technical indicators, 70 chart patterns, 12 chart types, and highly customisable layouts with up to 10 saved templates.
The mobile app mirrors the web experience surprisingly well. It includes advanced charting, integrated Reuters news, economic calendars, price alerts, and even pattern-recognition tools scanning markets every 15 minutes. That level of functionality on mobile is rare.
There is also flexibility in platform choice. Traders can use MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, or CMC’s own platform. That is a strong mix, especially for those who want third-party tools or algorithmic trading support.
The downside is usability for beginners. While the interface is clean, the sheer number of tools can feel overwhelming at first. Add in the lack of live chat support, and it becomes clear this is designed for users who are comfortable figuring things out or already have some trading experience.
CMC Markets is best suited to active traders who want tight spreads, advanced tools, and access to a wide range of leveraged markets. If you trade forex, indices, or CFDs regularly, it is one of the strongest options available in Australia.
It is less suited to beginners who just want to buy shares and hold them. The platform is powerful but not particularly forgiving, and the cost structure for stock CFDs is not ideal for casual investors. This is a platform built for trading, not passive investing.
IG – Best for market range, research depth, and all-in-one trading
IG is one of the oldest names in online trading, and it shows. The platform leans heavily into scale: more markets, more tools, more data. For Australian users, it offers a rare mix of real shares and advanced CFD trading, wrapped in a platform that feels polished rather than overwhelming.
IG sits near the top of the safety ladder for retail trading apps. In Australia, accounts are operated by IG Markets Limited under ASIC regulation (AFSL 220440). That means strict rules around client money segregation, leverage limits, and operational transparency.
The bigger picture matters here. IG Group was founded in 1974 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. That combination, long track record plus public reporting, removes a lot of the guesswork around credibility.
It is also regulated by multiple tier-one authorities globally, including the FCA in the UK and BaFin in Germany.
There is one caveat that applies across most Australian brokers: no formal investor compensation scheme. If something goes wrong at the company level, there is no guaranteed payout system.
That said, IG mitigates risk with segregated client accounts, negative balance protection for retail clients, and access to dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Net result: very strong, but not bulletproof.
IG is cost-efficient in the areas that matter most for active traders. Forex spreads start around 0.6–0.9 pips on major pairs, and index CFDs are particularly competitive, with S&P 500 spreads around 0.4. That puts it firmly in the “low-cost” tier for high-frequency trading.
Stock pricing is where things get less attractive. Real share trading typically starts around $ (AUD) 10 per trade, which is standard but not market-leading. Stock CFD pricing follows a similar structure, with ~$ (AUD) 0.02 per share and a ~$ (AUD) 10 minimum, making it expensive for smaller trades.
On the plus side, non-trading fees are refreshingly low. Deposits are generally free, withdrawals are free, and inactivity fees only kick in after two years, which is unusually lenient. Currency conversion costs still apply when trading international assets, and those can quietly eat into returns if you are not paying attention.
Overall, IG gets the balance right for traders, but long-term investors may find cheaper alternatives for pure share dealing.
This is where IG flexes. Australian users get access to over 17,000 markets, one of the largest product ranges in the industry.
That includes:
- 80+ forex pairs
- 13,000+ share CFDs across global exchanges
- 5,000+ ETF CFDs
- 80+ indices including ASX 200, S&P 500, and NASDAQ 100
- Commodities (gold, oil, natural gas, softs)
- Crypto CFDs (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Bond CFDs and interest rate products
- Options (CFD-style, plus limited exchange-listed access in select regions)
Unlike many CFD-heavy platforms, IG also supports real share trading in Australia. That adds flexibility; you can hold long-term positions without leverage, then switch to CFDs when you want more tactical exposure.
Still, the platform is fundamentally built around derivatives. If your goal is purely long-term investing with full asset ownership and minimal friction, IG is good, but not the absolute best. If you want range and flexibility, it is hard to beat.
IG strikes a rare balance between power and usability. The proprietary web platform is one of the best-designed in the industry, with a clean layout, highly customisable workspaces, and fast execution without feeling cluttered.
The mobile app follows the same logic. It is intuitive, responsive, and covers most of what you need: real-time charts, alerts, order management, and integrated news. It does not try to replicate every desktop feature, which is honestly a good thing.
Where IG pulls ahead is tooling. You get:
- ProRealTime charting with 100+ indicators
- Autochartist for pattern recognition and trade ideas
- Reuters news integration
- Economic calendars and real-time alerts
- TradingView integration for advanced charting
- L2 Dealer platform for direct market access (DMA)
There is also a serious investment in education. IG Academy, webinars, and daily research (like “Morning Call” and “Week Ahead”) are genuinely useful, not filler content. If there is a weakness, it is consistency. Some users report occasional data lag or pricing quirks on CFDs, and while support is available 24/5, response quality can vary.
IG is best suited to traders who want flexibility. If you are switching between long-term investing and short-term trading, or you want access to a wide range of global markets without opening multiple accounts, it makes a lot of sense.
It is also a strong fit for intermediate to advanced users who value research, charting tools, and execution quality. Beginners can use it, but they may not take full advantage of what is on offer.
If your goal is ultra-low-cost share investing or a stripped-down app experience, IG is probably overkill. If you want range, tools, and credibility in one place, it is one of the most complete platforms available in Australia.
Stake – Best for low-cost CHESS-sponsored trading and simple US investing access
Stake is a stripped-back, low-cost broker built for Australians who want cheap ASX trades and easy access to US stocks. It keeps things simple: flat fees, clean design, and no fluff. The catch is that the real costs sit in FX, not brokerage.
Stake is regulated in Australia by ASIC and operates under a local financial services licence structure, which already puts it in a safer tier than offshore-only brokers. It’s also designed specifically for Australian users, not a repackaged global platform.
For ASX investing, the big advantage is CHESS sponsorship. You get your own Holder Identification Number (HIN), meaning your shares are registered in your name on the ASX, not held by the broker. That’s a meaningful layer of protection and transparency, especially compared to custodial-only platforms.
US shares are a different story. These are held via DriveWealth under a custodian structure. That’s standard for international investing, but it does mean you’re the beneficial owner, not the legal owner.
The upside is protection via Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), covering up to $ (AUD) equivalent of $500,000 (including $250,000 cash) if the broker fails.
One thing worth flagging: Stake is not publicly listed and does not publish detailed financials. That doesn’t make it unsafe, but it’s less transparent than platforms like IG or CMC. Overall, though, the combination of ASIC regulation + CHESS + SIPC coverage makes it solid for retail investors.
At first glance, Stake looks ridiculously cheap, and for Australian shares, it kind of is.
ASX trades cost a flat $ (AUD) 3 up to $30,000. That’s among the lowest CHESS-sponsored brokerage fees in Australia. No percentage creep, no tiered pricing, just a clean flat fee.
US trading follows the same structure (around $ (AUD) equivalent of $3 per trade), which keeps it competitive with global platforms. There’s also no inactivity fee and no standard withdrawal fee, which is rare and genuinely useful.
But here’s the reality: Stake makes its money on FX.
The platform charges around 55 basis points (0.55%) on currency conversion, but in practice, the effective cost can land closer to ~0.7%–1.0% depending on exchange rates. On a $ (AUD) 10,000 transfer, that can mean roughly $ (AUD) 70–$100 in conversion costs, paid again when you convert back.
There are also smaller extras:
- $ (AUD) ~5 equivalent for automated W-8BEN tax form
- 0.5% for express deposits
- Minor US regulatory fees (SEC, FINRA) on trades
Bottom line:
- Excellent for ASX trading (very low cost)
- Decent for occasional US trades
- Expensive for frequent FX-heavy investing
Stake is focused, not diversified.
You get:
- ASX-listed shares (CHESS-sponsored)
- US-listed stocks and ETFs (6,000+ instruments)
- Fractional shares for US stocks
That’s it.
No crypto, no forex, no CFDs, no options, no bonds. Compared to multi-asset platforms, this is a deliberately narrow offering.
For many investors, that’s actually a positive. It removes complexity and keeps the platform aligned with long-term equity investing. But if you want broader exposure or active trading across asset classes, Stake will feel limited fast.
One genuinely useful feature is fractional investing in US stocks. It lets you buy into high-priced names like Amazon or Tesla with small amounts, which is great for beginners or portfolio diversification.
This is one of Stake’s strongest areas.
The app is clean, fast, and genuinely enjoyable to use, arguably one of the best-designed trading interfaces available to Australian investors. No clutter, no unnecessary features, just a smooth experience.
Core features include:
- Market, limit, and stop orders
- Fractional US investing
- Two-factor authentication + biometric login
- Fast onboarding and funding
- Portfolio transfers directly through the app
There’s also Auto Invest, which lets you automate recurring investments into selected stocks or ETFs, useful for long-term strategies.
But the simplicity comes at a cost.
The free account is light on data:
- No live market depth
- Limited research tools
- No advanced charting
- No price alerts (a weird omission)
To unlock better data (financials, analyst ratings, faster settlement), you need Stake Black, which costs ~$ (AUD) 20/month. Customer support is another weak spot, email only, no live chat or phone. It works, but it’s not ideal if something goes wrong mid-trade.
Stake is best for Australian investors who want:
- Ultra-low-cost ASX trading with CHESS ownership
- Simple, clean investing experience
- Occasional access to US stocks
It’s especially strong for beginners and long-term investors who don’t need advanced tools or multiple asset classes.
It’s less suitable for:
- Active traders (limited tools, no CFDs, no leverage)
- Investors heavily focused on US markets (FX costs add up)
- Anyone wanting research depth, analytics, or pro-level features
Think of it as a low-cost investing app, not a full trading platform.
Interactive Brokers – Best for global market access, ultra-low fees, and advanced traders
Interactive Brokers is the kind of platform that does everything and expects you to keep up. It’s built for serious investors who want global reach, institutional-grade pricing, and deep tools in one place. The upside is obvious: few platforms come close on cost and coverage. The downside? It’s not exactly beginner-friendly.
Interactive Brokers is about as “institutional” as retail platforms get. In Australia, it operates under an AFSL regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, with a local entity (Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd) and a Sydney office.
Globally, it’s regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Conduct Authority. That multi-jurisdiction oversight matters; it’s not a lightweight broker.
The parent company, Interactive Brokers Group, is listed on the Nasdaq and sits in the S&P 500. It’s been around since 1977 and processes over 2.5 million trades daily across more than 3 million client accounts. Credit agencies like S&P Global rate it “A- (stable)”, which is strong for a brokerage.
In Australia, there’s no government-backed investor compensation scheme. That’s standard locally, but worth knowing. Client funds are segregated in trust accounts, and retail clients get negative balance protection for leveraged products.
For US-listed assets, accounts may fall under Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects up to ~$ (AUD) equivalent of $750,000 (including ~$375,000 cash). It’s not insurance against losses, but it does cover broker failure.
Bottom line: this is one of the safest brokers you can realistically use as a retail investor.
This is where Interactive Brokers pulls ahead, hard.
For Australian shares, you’re looking at ~0.08% per trade with a minimum of ~$ (AUD) 6. That’s already competitive. But the real edge shows up in international markets.
US stocks cost around ~$ (AUD) 0.005 per share, with a minimum of ~$ (AUD) 1 per trade. That’s significantly cheaper than most Australian platforms, especially if you’re trading regularly or in size.
FX conversion fees are extremely low at ~0.002% (with a minimum of ~$ (AUD) 3 equivalent). That sounds tiny, and it is, but the minimum fee can sting if you’re transferring small amounts frequently.
Other highlights:
- Forex spreads can be as low as ~0.1 pips
- Margin rates start around ~5.8% (AUD), among the lowest globally
- No inactivity fees, no deposit fees
Where it gets messy is the structure. Fees vary by asset class, region, and pricing model (fixed vs tiered). Add in exchange fees, clearing fees, and regulatory charges, and it’s not always obvious what you’ll pay upfront.
Verdict: exceptionally cheap, but not always simple.
This is arguably Interactive Brokers’ biggest strength.
You get access to:
- 90+ global exchanges (ASX, NASDAQ, NYSE, LSE, HKEX, etc.)
- 10,000+ US stocks and ETFs (plus ~13,000 ETFs globally)
- 100+ forex pairs
- 33,000+ bonds
- 43,000+ mutual funds
- Options, futures, CFDs, and structured products
- Crypto (via partners like Paxos and Zero Hash, depending on region)
It’s not just broad, it’s borderline overwhelming.
You can also:
- Trade fractional shares (great for high-priced US stocks)
- Access overnight trading on US equities (nearly 24/5)
- Earn interest on idle cash (up to ~3.4% AUD depending on balance tiers)
- Lend out shares to generate additional income
Most platforms give you access to “a lot.” Interactive Brokers gives you access to almost everything.
Let’s be real, this is not the easiest platform to use.
Interactive Brokers offers multiple platforms:
- Trader Workstation (TWS) – powerful, but looks like it’s from 2008
- IBKR Desktop – newer, cleaner, and far more usable
- IBKR Mobile – feature-rich, slightly overwhelming
- GlobalTrader – simplified app for beginners
The tools are elite:
- 90+ order types and algorithmic trading
- Advanced charting and screeners
- Real-time portfolio analytics and “what-if” scenarios
- Research from Morningstar, Seeking Alpha, and Motley Fool
- API access for automated trading (Python, Java, C++)
Execution is another standout. IBKR’s SmartRouting system scans multiple exchanges to get the best available price on each trade. That’s the kind of backend advantage most retail investors never think about, but it adds up.
The issue is usability. The interface can feel bloated, navigation isn’t always intuitive, and beginners will likely feel lost at first. Even simple tasks can feel more complicated than they need to be.
This is a platform you grow into, not one you instantly understand.
Interactive Brokers is best for:
- Active traders who care about execution quality and low fees
- Investors building globally diversified portfolios
- Experienced users who want access to advanced tools and products
- High-volume traders (fees get even cheaper at scale)
It’s less suited to:
- Beginners who want a simple, clean investing app
- Passive investors sticking only to ASX shares
- Anyone who values ease-of-use over functionality
If you know what you’re doing, or plan to learn, it’s one of the most powerful platforms available.
Webull – Best for zero-commission trading, advanced charts, and beginner-friendly design
Webull sits somewhere between a beginner app and a serious trading platform, and that’s exactly why it’s popular. You get $ (AUD) 0 brokerage on key assets, solid tools, and a clean app without the usual “pro platform” complexity. It’s not the most complete broker out there, but for low-cost equity trading, it hits a sweet spot.
Webull is a newer player (founded in 2017), but it’s not operating in the shadows. In Australia, it’s regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which puts it under the same core framework as local brokers.
Globally, it’s also registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. That adds credibility, especially for US-listed assets.
Investor protection depends on where your assets are held. For US securities, protection comes via Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), covering up to ~$ (AUD) 750,000 equivalent, including ~$ (AUD) 375,000 for cash balances. There’s also additional insurance through Apex Clearing, extending coverage well beyond SIPC limits.
That said, there are trade-offs:
- No Australian investor compensation scheme
- No negative balance protection
- Not a publicly listed company (less transparency than IBKR or CMC)
Overall, it’s regulated and credible, but not quite top-tier in terms of transparency or long-term track record.
Webull’s pricing is its biggest selling point, and it’s aggressively cheap.
You get:
- $ (AUD) 0 brokerage on US stocks and ETFs
- $ (AUD) 0 brokerage on many Australian ETFs
- ASX shares from around $ (AUD) 1 per trade
That’s among the lowest-cost structures available in Australia right now.
Options trading is also low-cost, with ~$ (AUD) 0 base commission and small per-contract fees (~$ (AUD) 0.80 equivalent). For active traders, that adds up to meaningful savings.
Where it gets less attractive:
- Crypto trading fees sit around ~1% (expensive vs crypto-native platforms)
- FX conversion costs apply (account base currency is typically USD)
- Wire transfer fees can reach ~$ (AUD) 70 equivalent for withdrawals
There are no inactivity fees, no account fees, and no deposit fees for standard transfers, which keeps things clean.
Verdict: exceptionally cheap for equities, less competitive outside that niche.
Webull focuses on a tight but practical set of markets.
You get access to:
- ASX-listed shares (CHESS-sponsored in Australia)
- US stocks and ETFs
- US options
- Hong Kong stocks
- China A-shares
- Cryptocurrencies (200+ coins)
There’s also fractional investing, which lets you buy portions of high-priced US stocks, useful for smaller portfolios.
But compared to broader platforms, it’s clearly limited:
- No forex trading
- No bonds or mutual funds
- No CFDs
- No Australian options
This isn’t a “trade everything” platform. It’s a low-cost equities and options app with a few extras.
This is where Webull punches above its weight.
The mobile and desktop platforms are genuinely well-designed, clean enough for beginners, but with enough depth for active traders.
Key features:
- Advanced charting with ~60 technical indicators
- Customisable screeners (40+ filters)
- Real-time data (with optional Level 2 subscriptions like Nasdaq TotalView)
- Demo (paper trading) account
- Auto-invest feature for recurring investments
- Watchlists, alerts, and portfolio analytics
The mobile app is particularly strong. It’s fast, intuitive, and doesn’t feel stripped down like some competitors.
There are a few gaps:
- Limited order types compared to pro platforms
- Some reliance on paid data subscriptions
- Occasional reports of outages or execution delays
Customer support is also mixed, available via phone, email, and chat, but response times can be inconsistent.
Still, for the price, the platform experience is hard to fault.
Webull is best for:
- Cost-conscious investors who want $ (AUD) 0 brokerage
- Beginners looking for a clean, modern app
- Active traders who want charts and screeners without paying for premium platforms
- Investors focused on US and ASX equities
It’s less suitable for:
- Investors wanting full global diversification across all asset classes
- Long-term investors needing bonds, funds, or advanced portfolio tools
- Traders who rely on ultra-fast execution or institutional-grade infrastructure
Think of it as a low-cost, high-functionality stock trading app, not a full-service brokerage.
Are trading apps in Australia safe?
Stock trading apps in Australia are generally safe when they are properly licensed and regulated. Most reputable platforms operate under strict oversight from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, with additional global regulation in some cases. Safety ultimately depends on the broker’s structure, safeguards, and how client funds are handled.
Key points to understand:
- ASIC regulation is the baseline: Any legitimate trading app must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. This ensures compliance with capital requirements, client money rules, and operational standards.
- Client funds are held in segregated accounts: Brokers must keep client funds separate from company funds, typically in trust accounts with Australian banks. This reduces the risk of misuse if the company runs into financial trouble.
- No government-backed investor protection scheme: Unlike bank deposits (protected up to $ (AUD) 250,000), trading accounts do not have a formal government guarantee. Some platforms offer additional protection through overseas schemes like the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, depending on where assets are held.
- Publicly listed brokers add transparency: Platforms owned by listed companies (e.g., on major exchanges) must publish financial reports and meet higher disclosure standards, which adds an extra layer of trust and accountability.
- Risk comes from markets, not just platforms: Even with strong regulation, trading involves risk. Losses typically come from market movements or leverage (e.g., CFDs), not platform failure.
In practice, most well-known apps used in Australia meet high safety standards. The bigger question is not whether they are safe to use, but whether the products offered, and the risks involved, fit your investing strategy.
Methodology: How we score stock trading apps in Australia
Each platform is evaluated using a standardised scoring framework designed to reflect real-world use. Assessments combine hands-on testing, fee analysis, feature reviews, and regulatory checks to ensure accuracy and consistency. Every category is scored out of 5, then weighted to produce a final overall rating that reflects both cost and capability.
The framework covers the factors that actually shape user experience and outcomes. These include investing options, platforms, and usability, products and markets, safety and reliability, deposits and withdrawals, research tools, fees and costs, and education. Weightings are adjusted to prioritise what matters most for Australian investors.
| Category | What we assess |
|---|---|
| Investing options | Availability of shares, ETFs, fractional investing, and account types |
| Platforms and usability | Ease of use, design quality, mobile and desktop experience |
| Products and markets | Range of global markets and asset classes offered |
| Safety and reliability | Regulation, licensing, fund protection, and company track record |
| Deposits and withdrawals | Funding methods, processing times, and associated costs |
| Research tools | Charting, data quality, screeners, and third-party insights |
| Fees and costs | Trading fees, spreads, FX costs, and non-trading charges |
| Education | Guides, tutorials, demo accounts, and learning resources |
Scores are reviewed regularly to reflect pricing updates, product changes, and platform improvements. The goal is simple: highlight platforms that consistently deliver value, reliability, and usability for Australian investors without overcomplicating the decision.
How to pick the right stock trading app for you
Choosing a stock trading app is mostly about matching the platform to the way you actually invest. Some apps are better for simple ETF buying, some are built for fast-moving traders, and others make more sense if global markets matter more than local shares.
The quickest way to narrow the field is to focus on five practical questions: how much you trade, which markets you want, how important fees are, how much research you need, and whether you want simplicity or depth.
Best for low-cost ASX investing
- Stake: A strong fit for cost-focused Australian share investors, with CHESS-sponsored ASX trading at $ (AUD) 3 up to $ (AUD) 30,000 per trade and no inactivity fee. It is especially appealing for investors who want to keep costs predictable and avoid percentage-based brokerage.
- Webull: Worth considering for low-cost local trading thanks to $ (AUD) 1 standard brokerage and $ (AUD) 0 brokerage on many Australian ETFs. It also adds better charting and screening tools than most low-fee apps.
Best for beginners who want an easy app
- eToro: One of the easiest platforms to start with. The app is polished, the layout is simple, and features like CopyTrader make it less intimidating for newer investors who want to watch how others build portfolios.
- Stake: Clean, fast, and easy to navigate, with a very low barrier to entry. It works well for beginners who mainly want ASX and US shares without being distracted by too many advanced tools or products.
- Webull: A good middle ground for new investors who still want room to grow. It offers a demo account, real-time pricing, auto-invest, and strong charting without feeling overly technical.
Best for active traders who need stronger tools
- CMC Markets: Built more for trading than casual investing, with the Next Generation platform offering 80 technical indicators, 70 chart patterns, 12 chart types, and strong order controls. It suits users who care about execution, charting, and market analysis.
- IG: A strong choice for traders who want a more rounded toolkit, including advanced platform features, broad market access, integrated Reuters news, Autochartist, and support for MetaTrader 4, TradingView, and L2 Dealer.
- Webull: Better than most low-cost apps for active users, with up to 60 technical signals, custom screeners, price alerts, and detailed market data. It is not as deep as IG or CMC Markets, but it is much easier to get comfortable with.
Best for global market access and a broad product range
- Interactive Brokers: The clear pick for investors who want international reach. It gives access to 90+ markets, 170+ exchanges, stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, funds, forex, crypto, and CFDs, all from one account.
- IG: A strong second option for users who want broad exposure without going fully institutional. It offers access to 17,000+ markets, including shares, ETFs, indices, commodities, bonds, and options, though it is still more trading-led than investing-led.
Best for CFD-focused trading
- Plus500: Best suited to users who want a straightforward CFD app with a clean interface, strong ASIC regulation, and easy access to shares, indices, commodities, ETFs, and other leveraged markets. The platform is simple, but overnight costs can add up quickly.
- CMC Markets: A better fit for more experienced CFD traders who want tighter forex pricing, deeper tools, and a very broad range of CFD markets. It is more powerful than Plus500, though also more demanding to use well.
- IG: A smart option for traders who want CFD flexibility plus strong research and platform depth. It stands out for index and forex pricing, but stock CFD costs are less competitive than its best features elsewhere.
How to open a stock trading app account in Australia
Opening a trading account in Australia is straightforward, but identity checks and compliance steps are mandatory before you can start investing.
Steps:
- Choose a regulated platform: Select a broker licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission with an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). This ensures the platform meets local compliance and client protection standards.
- Start the online application: Sign up via the app or website by entering personal details, including full name, date of birth, address, and tax residency status.
- Complete identity verification (KYC): Upload ID such as a passport or driver’s licence, plus proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement). This is required under Australian AML/CTF laws.
- Answer financial suitability questions: Platforms may ask about income, investment experience, and risk tolerance, especially if you want access to margin or derivatives like CFDs.
- Link your bank account and fund it: Deposit funds via bank transfer, BPAY, or other supported methods. Some apps allow starting with as little as $ (AUD) 0, though $ (AUD) 100+ is typical to begin trading.
- Start trading or explore the platform: Once approved (often within 1–3 days), you can buy shares, ETFs, or other assets. Many apps also offer demo accounts to practise first.
Most accounts are approved within a few days, depending on verification speed. Taking time to set preferences and understand fees upfront usually pays off later.
FAQs
Earning $ (AUD) 1,000 per day consistently is not realistic for most investors. Professional traders rely on capital size, risk management, and experience. Returns are typically measured as percentages, not fixed daily income, and losses are part of the process.
The biggest differences come down to fees, market access, and platform depth. Some apps focus on $ (AUD) 0 or low brokerage, others prioritise advanced tools, while global platforms offer access to thousands of assets beyond the ASX.
Trading apps act as intermediaries between you and exchanges like the ASX or NYSE. When you place an order, the broker executes it on your behalf, often within seconds, depending on liquidity and market conditions.
Costs vary widely but typically include brokerage (from $ (AUD) 0 to ~$ (AUD) 10 per trade), FX conversion (~0.5%–1.0%), and optional fees like inactivity or subscriptions. Low brokerage doesn’t always mean low total cost.
Online trading apps are now the most widely used investing method, with around 25%–31% of Australians using them across age groups, according to survey data. Traditional brokers and managed funds are used far less frequently.
The best trading app in Australia depends on how you trade, but IG is often seen as the most well-rounded option. It provides access to 17,000+ markets, strong research tools, and competitive pricing (shares from ~$5 AUD, spreads from ~0.6 pips), all under Australian Securities and Investments Commission regulation. Other top options include CMC Markets for advanced tools and Interactive Brokers for global markets and very low fees (~$1–$2 AUD per trade).
The best stock trading app in Australia for beginners is typically eToro due to its simple interface, copy trading features, and low barrier to entry from around $50 AUD. It offers access to stocks, ETFs, and crypto in one app, with $0 commission on many shares, though FX fees (~0.5%–0.75%) can apply. Alternatives like Stake also work well for beginners with a clean app and low $3 AUD ASX trades.