For Australians, investing in the stock market has never been more accessible. A range of online trading platforms now offer low fees, intuitive interfaces, and access to both local and global markets. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced trader looking for sophisticated tools, selecting the right platform is essential. Below is a guide to the top five trading platforms in Australia for 2025, evaluated by fees, features, and overall user experience.
1. Interactive Brokers
Best for: Advanced traders and international market access
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global leader, offering Australians access to over 150 markets worldwide, including stocks, ETFs, options, and more. Its low-cost structure, with brokerage fees starting at $5 or 0.08% for ASX trades, makes it ideal for frequent traders. The Trader Workstation (TWS) platform provides institutional-grade tools, while the Client Portal is beginner-friendly. IBKR also boasts low currency conversion fees (0.20%), perfect for trading U.S. or other international shares. However, its complex interface may be daunting for novices.
- Pros: Extensive market access, low fees, advanced trading tools.
- Cons: Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Fees: $5 or 0.08% per ASX trade; $0.0035/share for U.S. stocks.
- CHESS-Sponsored: Yes.
2. Superhero
Best for: Low-cost ASX and U.S. trading
Superhero has gained popularity for its simple, cost-effective approach. It offers a flat $5 brokerage fee for ASX trades and $0 brokerage for U.S. stocks and ETFs, making it a favorite for investors eyeing both markets. The platform’s clean interface and auto-invest feature (starting at $100) appeal to beginners and those practicing dollar-cost averaging. Superhero is CHESS-sponsored, ensuring share ownership security, but it lacks advanced charting tools for seasoned traders.
- Pros: Low fees, user-friendly, $0 U.S. trades.
- Cons: Limited advanced features, 0.7% currency conversion fee.
- Fees: $5 per ASX trade; $0 for U.S. trades.
- CHESS-Sponsored: Yes.
3. eToro
Best for: Social and copy trading
eToro stands out as the world’s leading social trading platform, with 35 million users globally. It offers commission-free trading on over 6,000 stocks across 20 exchanges, including ASX and U.S. markets. The copy trading feature allows beginners to mimic successful investors’ portfolios, while a $100,000 demo account helps practice risk-free. eToro’s mobile app is intuitive, but a 0.5% currency conversion fee and $2 USD per stock trade apply. It’s not CHESS-sponsored, which may concern some ASX investors.
- Pros: Social trading, zero-commission stocks, demo account.
- Cons: Not CHESS-sponsored, currency conversion fees.
- Fees: $2 USD per stock trade; 0.5% FX fee.
- CHESS-Sponsored: No.
4. SelfWealth
Best for: Flat-fee trading and simplicity
SelfWealth is a CHESS-sponsored platform known for its straightforward $9.50 flat fee per trade, regardless of trade size, for both ASX and U.S. markets. This predictability suits investors with larger trade sizes. The platform offers real-time portfolio tracking and detailed company research, with a mobile app for on-the-go trading. While it’s great for buy-and-hold investors, it lacks advanced tools for active traders and charges a $9.50 USD fee for U.S. trades.
- Pros: Flat fees, CHESS-sponsored, transparent pricing.
- Cons: Limited advanced tools, no auto-invest feature.
- Fees: $9.50 per ASX/U.S. trade.
- CHESS-Sponsored: Yes.
5. CMC Markets
Best for: Active traders and free small trades
CMC Markets is a versatile platform offering low brokerage fees ($11 or 0.10% for ASX trades) and a unique perk: $0 brokerage on the first buy order (up to $1,000) per stock daily. It provides access to Australian and international markets, with advanced charting and depth-of-market data for active traders. The Next Generation platform is packed with tools, though it may overwhelm beginners. CMC is CHESS-sponsored and integrates news from Bloomberg and Dow Jones.
- Pros: Free small trades, advanced tools, CHESS-sponsored.
- Cons: Complex for beginners, higher fees for large trades.
- Fees: $11 or 0.10% per ASX trade; $0 for first buy up to $1,000/day.
- CHESS-Sponsored: Yes.
How to Choose the Right Platform
When selecting a trading platform, consider your investment goals, trading frequency, and preferred markets. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Fees: Look for low brokerage and currency conversion fees, especially for international trading. Flat fees (e.g., SelfWealth, Superhero) suit larger trades, while percentage-based fees (e.g., CMC Markets) may benefit smaller trades.
- CHESS Sponsorship: Platforms like Superhero, SelfWealth, and CMC Markets are CHESS-sponsored, ensuring your ASX shares are registered in your name for added security.
- Market Access: Interactive Brokers and eToro excel for international markets, while Superhero and SelfWealth focus on ASX and U.S. shares.
- Ease of Use: Beginners may prefer Superhero or eToro’s intuitive interfaces, while advanced traders might opt for Interactive Brokers or CMC Markets.
- Features: Look for real-time data, charting tools, and educational resources. eToro’s social trading and CMC’s news integration are standout features.
Final Thoughts
The best trading platform depends on your needs. For low-cost ASX trading, Superhero and SelfWealth are hard to beat. Interactive Brokers is ideal for global market access, while eToro’s social trading suits beginners. CMC Markets caters to active traders with its free small trades and advanced tools. Always research fees and features to ensure the platform aligns with your investment strategy.
