It’s your link to the stock market, making it simple to buy and sell shares wherever you are.
With so many apps to pick from in Australia, it’s about knowing what you want. How often will you trade? What tools do you need?
I’ve done the hard work for you. I’ve ranked and reviewed most apps.
Let’s find out which is the best app for trading stocks in Australia.
Best Australian Stock Trading Apps in 2023
- eToro: Best Overall Trading App
- CMC Markets: Best for Range of Offerings
- IG: Best for Advanced Traders
- AvaTrade: Best for Forex Trading
- CommSec: Best for ASX Share Trading
- NABTrade: Best for Research Tools
- ANZ: Best for Full-Service Banking and Trading
- GoMarkets: Best for Forex and CFD Trading
- Stake: Best for US Stocks
- SelfWealth: Best for Flat Fee Brokerage
- Revolut: Best for Easy International Transfers
- Westpac Online Investing: Best for Integrated Banking and Trading
- Plus500: Best for CFD Trading
- Pepperstone: Best for MetaTrader Platform
- Interactive Brokers: Best for Professional Traders
- OANDA: Best for Forex Pair Variety
- ThinkMarkets: Best for Cryptocurrency Trading
- Pearler: Best for Long-Term Investing
- Goodments: Best for Sustainable Investing
- Quadcode Markets: Best for Technical Analysis
1. eToro: Best Overall Trading App
eToro is a leading social trading platform globally, with a significant presence in Australia.
It allows you to trade various financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies. One standout feature of eToro is the social trading aspect, which allows you to follow, interact with, and copy trades from other successful traders.
The platform provides a wide variety of learning resources, making it an excellent option for beginners.
Pros:
- Social trading feature allows you to copy successful traders’ strategies
- No commission on stock trading
- Access to a wide range of financial instruments
- User-friendly platform ideal for beginners
- Excellent educational resources
- Robust security measures
- Transparent fee structure
Cons:
- Withdrawal and inactivity fees
- Cryptocurrency trading is only available as a CFD outside the US
- Does not offer direct ASX share trading, only CFDs
Why I Like This App:
I’m a fan of eToro because of its innovative social trading feature. The platform allows you to learn from and copy the strategies of successful traders, making it an excellent tool for beginners and experienced traders alike.
It also stands out with its zero-commission stock trading offer and user-friendly interface. Additionally, the minimum deposit for Australian users is $50, making it accessible for many traders.
2. CMC Markets: Best for Range of Offerings
CMC Markets is a UK-based company with a strong presence in Australia. It offers a broad range of financial instruments, including shares, indices, commodities, forex, treasuries, and cryptocurrencies. The platform’s standout features include advanced charting tools, excellent customer service, and competitive spreads.
Pros:
- Wide range of financial instruments
- Advanced charting and analysis tools
- Highly competitive spreads
- Excellent customer service
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Transparent and competitive fee structure
Cons:
- Inactivity fee applies if you don’t trade for a certain period
- Some users may find the platform’s interface complex
- No social trading feature
Why I Like This App:
CMC Markets offers a robust platform with a wide array of trading options.
The sophisticated charting tools are a big plus for those interested in technical analysis.
Also, its highly competitive spreads mean you get to keep more of your profits.
The minimum deposit for a live account is $0, but they do recommend starting with at least $1000 to cover the margins of your trades.
3. IG: Best for Advanced Traders
IG is a well-established trading platform known for its expansive market access, including forex, commodities, indices, and more.
With IG, Australian traders have direct market access to shares listed on the ASX and other leading global exchanges. The platform provides a range of educational resources and trading tools suitable for both beginners and advanced traders.
Pros:
- Wide market access, including ASX and international shares
- Advanced trading tools and features
- Extensive educational resources
- Highly regarded customer service
- Transparent pricing structure
Cons:
- Inactivity fee charged if no trades are made for two years
- Some advanced features may be complex for beginners
- Withdrawal fee applies for certain methods
Why I Like This App:
IG impresses with its broad market access, which allows for diversified trading strategies. The advanced trading tools and comprehensive educational resources make it suitable for traders of all levels.
Additionally, IG has a minimum deposit requirement of $300, which is reasonable for most traders.
4. AvaTrade: Best for Forex Trading
AvaTrade is an internationally regulated online broker that offers trading in a variety of financial instruments.
It stands out with its diverse selection of trading platforms, including its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5.
These platforms provide a broad range of trading tools, including advanced charting capabilities, and automated trading systems.
Pros:
- Multiple trading platforms to choose from
- Wide range of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies
- Offers a free demo account for practice
- Regulated by multiple international authorities
- Robust educational resources for both beginners and experienced traders
Cons:
- Inactivity fee applies after three months of non-use
- Withdrawal process can be slow
- Customer service could be more responsive
Why I Like This App:
What I appreciate about AvaTrade is the variety of trading platforms available, catering to different trading preferences.
Its wide selection of financial instruments allows for diversified investment. Additionally, the free demo account is an excellent tool for beginners to get a feel for trading without risking real money.
AvaTrade has a minimum deposit requirement of $100.
5. CommSec: Best for ASX Share Trading
CommSec, operated by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, is one of the most popular trading platforms in the country.
It provides access to Australian shares, options, ETFs, and international shares.
CommSec offers a full suite of trading tools, live market data, and comprehensive research materials to help users make informed decisions.
Pros:
- Access to both Australian and international shares
- Comprehensive research and analysis tools
- Live market data feeds
- No inactivity fees or account maintenance fees
- Access to CommSec Pocket, an app for micro-investing
Cons:
- Brokerage fees can be high for infrequent traders
- No access to forex or cryptocurrencies
- International trading attracts higher fees
Why I Like This App:
CommSec provides a comprehensive trading experience, making it a strong choice for many Australian investors. Its robust research tools and live data feeds help you stay on top of market trends. Also, the CommSec Pocket app is an attractive feature for those interested in micro-investing. There’s no minimum deposit for Australian shares, but for international shares, the minimum is AUD$5,000 for your first trade.
6. NABTrade: Best for Research Tools
NABTrade is an online trading platform provided by National Australia Bank. It offers investors access to Australian and international shares, options, ETFs, and managed funds.
NABTrade provides robust research tools, including access to company announcements, expert analysis, and detailed financial data to support informed decision-making.
Pros:
- Access to both Australian and international markets
- Detailed research and market insights
- Integration with NAB bank accounts
- Multiple trading platforms available, catering to different experience levels
- No inactivity fee
Cons:
- Brokerage fees can be higher than some competitors
- No access to forex or cryptocurrencies
- Platform interface might be complex for beginners
Why I Like This App:
NABTrade stands out with its comprehensive market insights and research tools, which can support informed trading decisions. The integration with NAB bank accounts is convenient for those already banking with NAB.
Plus, having access to different trading platforms means you can find one that suits your experience level. There’s no required minimum deposit, which makes it accessible for beginners.
7. ANZ: Best for Full-Service Banking and Trading
ANZ Share Investing, provided by Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, gives access to ASX and international shares, options, ETFs, and managed funds.
It offers a simple and intuitive platform suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. With ANZ Share Investing, users can access various research materials and live market data.
Pros:
- Access to Australian and international markets
- User-friendly platform, suitable for beginners
- Research tools and live market data available
- Integration with ANZ bank accounts for seamless fund transfers
Cons:
- Higher brokerage fees compared to some competitors
- No access to forex or cryptocurrencies
- Limited advanced trading tools
Why I Like This App:
ANZ Share Investing offers a straightforward, user-friendly platform, making it a good choice for beginners.
The availability of research materials and live market data helps users stay informed. If you’re already an ANZ customer, the seamless integration with ANZ bank accounts can be a big plus.
There’s no set minimum deposit, but they recommend having enough to cover the cost of your first trade.
8. GoMarkets: Best for Forex and CFD Trading
GoMarkets is a leading forex and CFD broker that provides trading on a variety of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
The platform features a user-friendly interface and offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, two of the most popular trading platforms globally.
Pros:
- Wide range of financial instruments available
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
- Access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Competitive spreads
Cons:
- No access to ASX shares
- Inactivity fee applies if no trading activity for 12 months
- Limited research tools and educational resources
Why I Like This App:
GoMarkets offers a broad selection of financial instruments, and access to MetaTrader platforms makes it attractive for many traders.
The platform’s user-friendly interface and competitive spreads are other notable features. Importantly, GoMarkets doesn’t charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, making it a cost-effective choice for traders. The minimum deposit is $200.
9. Stake: Best for US Stocks
Stake is an online trading platform that provides Australians with access to U.S. stocks. It offers a simplified and intuitive interface that’s perfect for those new to investing.
Stake charges zero brokerage fees and allows users to trade in fractional shares, making U.S. investing accessible to many Australians.
Pros:
- Access to U.S. stocks
- User-friendly platform, perfect for beginners
- Zero brokerage fees on trades
- Allows trading in fractional shares
Cons:
- No access to Australian shares or other global markets
- Foreign exchange fee applies when transferring AUD to USD
- Limited advanced trading tools
Why I Like This App:
Stake is a great platform for those looking to invest in the U.S. market. Its user-friendly interface and zero brokerage fees make it a compelling choice for beginners. The option to trade in fractional shares means you don’t need a large amount of capital to start investing. The minimum deposit to open an account is $50 USD.
10. SelfWealth: Best for Flat Fee Brokerage
SelfWealth is a flat-fee brokerage platform that offers access to ASX-listed securities. It stands out with its community feature, which allows users to follow and copy the trades of successful investors.
SelfWealth also provides a variety of performance metrics and portfolio analysis tools.
Pros:
- Flat-fee structure makes costs predictable
- Access to ASX-listed securities
- Social trading features allow users to follow successful investors
- Performance metrics and portfolio analysis tools available
Cons:
- No access to international shares or other asset classes
- Platform could be more intuitive for beginners
- No live chat or phone support
Why I Like This App:
SelfWealth offers a unique community-driven approach to trading, which can be a great way to learn from successful investors. Its flat-fee structure makes costs predictable and transparent. However, its scope is limited to ASX-listed securities. There’s no minimum deposit to open an account, but you’ll need enough funds to cover the cost of your first trade.
11. Revolut: Best for Easy International Transfers
Revolut is a digital banking platform that also offers commission-free stock trading for its users. With Revolut, you can trade U.S. stocks and some UK and European shares, allowing a range of investment opportunities. The platform also supports cryptocurrency and commodity trading.
Pros:
- Commission-free trading for U.S. stocks
- Ability to trade cryptocurrencies and commodities
- Digital banking features integrated
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Limited number of tradable shares compared to dedicated brokers
- Foreign exchange fee applies for trades outside your base currency
- No live customer support
Why I Like This App:
Revolut brings banking and investing together in a user-friendly app, providing a simplified way to manage your finances.
The opportunity to trade cryptocurrencies and commodities alongside shares adds diversity to your investment options. Remember that Revolut’s trading features might be limited compared to dedicated brokerage platforms. The minimum deposit to start trading on Revolut is $1.
12. Westpac Online Investing: Best for Integrated Banking and Trading
Westpac Online Investing, part of Westpac Banking Corporation, provides access to Australian and international shares, ETFs, options, and warrants.
It offers an advanced trading platform with comprehensive charting tools, research materials, and live market data. Westpac also provides a conditional trading feature that allows setting rules for automatic trades.
Pros:
- Access to Australian and international markets
- Advanced trading platform with comprehensive charting tools
- Integration with Westpac bank accounts for seamless fund transfers
- Conditional trading feature available
Cons:
- Higher brokerage fees compared to some competitors
- No access to forex or cryptocurrencies
- The trading platform might be complex for beginners
Why I Like This App:
Westpac Online Investing offers a full-featured trading experience with its advanced platform and wide market access.
The conditional trading feature allows automating certain trading actions, adding convenience for users. If you’re already a Westpac customer, the integration with your bank account can be a significant advantage. The minimum deposit for opening an account is $5,000 AUD.
13. Plus500: Best for CFD Trading
Plus500 is a global online broker that allows users to trade CFDs on a wide range of financial instruments, including shares, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more. It provides a user-friendly platform with an intuitive interface and various charting tools. Plus500 also offers a free demo account for users to practice trading.
Pros:
- Wide range of financial instruments available for trading
- User-friendly platform with various charting tools
- Free demo account for practice
- Competitive spreads and no commission on trades
Cons:
- No direct access to stock markets (only CFDs)
- Inactivity fee applies if no trading activity for three months
- Limited educational resources
Why I Like This App:
Plus500 offers a broad selection of financial instruments and a user-friendly platform, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced traders. The availability of a free demo account is also a great feature for practice. However, it’s important to remember that Plus500 only offers CFD trading, which involves higher risk. The minimum deposit to open an account is $100.
14. Pepperstone: Best for MetaTrader Platform
Pepperstone is a renowned global forex and CFD broker. It provides access to a broad selection of financial instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.
Users can trade on popular platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, with advanced charting tools and indicators.
Pros:
- Wide range of financial instruments
- Access to popular trading platforms (MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader)
- Competitive spreads and low fees
- Excellent customer service with live chat support
Cons:
- No direct market access to shares (only CFDs)
- Inactivity fee applies if no trading activity for three months
- Limited educational resources for beginners
Why I Like This App:
Pepperstone’s offering of a wide range of financial instruments and access to popular trading platforms make it an attractive choice for many traders. Its competitive spreads and excellent customer service further enhance its appeal. Remember, however, Pepperstone only offers CFD trading, which comes with higher risk. There’s no minimum deposit to open an account, but they recommend starting with at least $200.
15. Interactive Brokers: Best for Professional Traders
Interactive Brokers is a leading global trading platform offering direct access to stocks, options, futures, forex, and bonds from a single account. It offers advanced trading tools and features for experienced traders, along with an extensive selection of educational resources.
Pros:
- Direct access to global markets from a single account
- Advanced trading tools and features
- Extensive educational resources for learning
- Low commission rates for frequent traders
Cons:
- Platform may be too complex for beginners
- Inactivity fee applies if the trading activity is low
- Customer service may be slow during peak hours
Why I Like This App:
Interactive Brokers provides a comprehensive trading platform catering to experienced traders with its wide market access and advanced trading features. If you’re a frequent trader, you may benefit from their low commission rates. However, be prepared for its learning curve if you’re a beginner. The minimum deposit to open an account is $2,000 USD.
16. OANDA: Best for Forex Pair Variety
OANDA is a well-regarded global forex broker that also offers CFD trading. It’s known for its strong regulatory track record, transparent pricing, and innovative trading technology.
Traders can access a wide range of forex pairs, commodities, indices, and bonds through OANDA’s user-friendly platform.
Pros:
- Strong focus on forex trading with a wide range of pairs
- Transparent pricing and competitive spreads
- Innovative trading platform with advanced charting tools
- Strong regulatory track record
Cons:
- No direct access to share trading (only CFDs)
- Live chat support not available 24/7
- Inactivity fee applies if no trading activity for twelve months
Why I Like This App:
OANDA stands out with its focus on forex trading, transparent pricing, and innovative trading technology. If you’re primarily interested in forex and CFD trading, OANDA could be a good fit. However, remember that CFD trading involves higher risk. There’s no minimum deposit to open an account with OANDA.
17. ThinkMarkets: Best for Cryptocurrency Trading
ThinkMarkets is a global broker providing access to forex, CFDs on shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. It offers two trading platforms, ThinkTrader and MetaTrader 4, both equipped with advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities.
Pros:
- Wide range of tradable instruments including forex, CFDs on shares, and cryptocurrencies
- Two robust trading platforms to choose from
- Competitive spreads and no commission on certain accounts
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- No direct access to stock markets (only CFDs)
- Inactivity fee applies after six months of no trading activity
- Limited educational resources
Why I Like This App:
ThinkMarkets offers a broad selection of tradable instruments and provides two robust trading platforms, making it a versatile choice for many traders. The 24/7 customer support is also a plus. It’s important to note that ThinkMarkets only offers CFD trading, which comes with a higher risk. The minimum deposit to open an account is $0, but they recommend starting with at least $500 for better trading experience.
18. Pearler: Best for Long-Term Investing
Pearler is an Australian stock trading app focused on long-term investing rather than short-term trading. It offers access to ASX-listed securities and a selection of ETFs. The platform is user-friendly and features goal setting and automated investing, which are great for beginners and passive investors.
Pros:
- Focus on long-term investing and automated investing
- User-friendly platform suitable for beginners
- Access to ASX-listed securities and a selection of ETFs
- No monthly account fees
Cons:
- No access to international markets
- Not suitable for active traders or day trading
- Limited charting tools and technical analysis features
Why I Like This App:
Pearler’s focus on long-term investing and its user-friendly platform make it a solid choice for beginners and passive investors. The automated investing feature can be a big plus if you’re looking for a hands-off investing approach. However, active traders might find it less appealing due to its lack of advanced features. There’s no minimum deposit to start investing with Pearler.
19. Goodments: Best for Sustainable Investing
Goodments is an Australian trading app that focuses on sustainable investing. It allows you to invest in US shares and ETFs based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores. The app has a user-friendly interface and provides comprehensive company profiles, including their ESG ratings.
Pros:
- Focus on sustainable investing with ESG scores
- Access to US shares and ETFs
- User-friendly interface with comprehensive company profiles
- No brokerage fees on trades
Cons:
- No access to ASX or other international markets
- FX fee applies on international trades
- No advanced trading tools or features
Why I Like This App:
If you’re passionate about sustainable investing, Goodments could be a great fit. The app’s focus on ESG scores allows you to align your investments with your values.
The user-friendly interface and comprehensive company profiles also make it easy to navigate. However, if you’re an active trader looking for advanced features, this might not be the best fit. The minimum deposit to start investing with Goodments is $1.
20. Quadcode Markets: Best for Technical Analysis
Quadcode Markets is a growing trading platform that provides access to global markets including stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
It offers an intuitive trading platform with a focus on advanced charting and analytic tools, making it ideal for technical traders.
Pros:
- Access to global markets including stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies
- Intuitive trading platform with advanced charting and analytic tools
- Competitive spreads and low fees
- Offers a free demo account for practice
Cons:
- May be complex for beginners
- Inactivity fee applies if no trading activity for three months
- Limited customer service options
Why I Like This App:
Quadcode Markets stands out with its wide market access and advanced analytic tools, making it an attractive choice for technical traders.
Its competitive spreads and low fees also add to its appeal. However, the platform might be complex for beginners. The minimum deposit to open an account with Quadcode Markets is $200.
Related pages: Best AU Trading Platforms
Frequently Asked Questions – Stock Trading Apps
How can a beginner invest in Australia?
If you’re just starting to invest in Australia, make sure you have enough money set aside and understand what you want to achieve with investing.
Once you’re ready, decide on an investment strategy, figure out how much you want to invest, open an account with a stockbroker, and start learning about different shares listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
How much money do you need to start trading in Australia?
To start trading in Australia, it’s generally a good idea to have at least $2,000, as recommended by the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
The amount you need can also depend on the costs involved, like fees, so think about that when deciding how much to invest.
If you have a short-term strategy then you can start with as low as $50-$100.
Can you teach yourself to trade stocks/shares?
Yes, you can start learning about stock trading by reading books, but to actually start trading with your own money, you’ll need to learn more practical skills.
This is where online trading courses can really help, as they can provide you with real-time support and further training.
How long does it take for a beginner to learn to trade?
Learning to trade takes time and effort; it could take at least 6 months for swing trading and a year for day trading. But don’t worry, even though it might take a while to learn, once you’ve got it, you’ll have a skill that can help you make money in the future.
