Best share trading platforms in Australia

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The ‘best’ share trading platform for you will depend on your needs and financial situation. To help you in your search, Canstar’s annual Share Trading Platform Awards recognise the providers offering outstanding value to customers across brokerage fees, ongoing platform and foreign exchange costs, research capabilities, and account features. The most recent award winners are:

Broker of the Year Award: CMC Invest

Outstanding Value Award – Casual Investor: CMC Invest, IG Australia, Interactive Broker Australia, Moomoo, and Webull Australia.

Outstanding Value Award – Active Investor: CMC Invest, IG Australia, Interactive Broker Australia, Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, and Webull Australia.

Outstanding Value Award – Trader Investor: CMC Invest, IG Australia, Interactive Broker Australia, and Moomoo.

Outstanding Value Award – International Investor: CMC Invest, Interactive Broker Australia, and Webull Australia.

How does Canstar’s Share Trading Platform Awards classify investors?

These awards generally divide investors into four groups, evaluating platforms based on how they might cater to various investment approaches and strategies. In 2026, these included:

Casual investor

Casual investors tend to buy and sell shares only occasionally (on average, once a month) and often use long-term strategies when trading. When selecting a platform, detailed research and investment tools are typically not as important for them. Instead, education tools, ease of use, and cost are generally most important.

Active investor

Active investors tend to buy and sell shares more frequently (four times a month on average), and may wish to consider managed funds as part of their investment approach. They typically use the latest market information and fundamental analysis data to determine what they should buy and sell. Comprehensive research tools are often important for them, and due to a higher trading frequency, so is cost.

Trader investor

A trader tends to buy and sell shares very frequently (30 times a month on average) and the latest market information is often used to determine their investment strategy. When selecting a platform, the availability of more niche financial products like derivatives can be an influencing factor. Due to the high trading frequency, the availability of a dynamic trading platform and cost are usually key considerations for them.

International investor

International investors focus on diversifying their portfolio across global markets rather than sticking to domestic exchanges like the ASX. They seek exposure to foreign economies, currencies, and sectors that may not be available locally. When selecting a platform, the ability to trade on major global exchanges, like the S&P 500 or Nasdaq, is a top priority. Due to the nature of global trading, foreign exchange spreads and international brokerage fees are the most critical cost factors.

Compare Online Share Trading Platforms

You can use Canstar’s comparison table to compare online share trading platforms from our Online Partners to find the platform that’s right for you. If you prefer international trading, you can also compare international share trading platforms.

When comparing platforms, think about:

The type of investor you are

The most suitable platform for you is likely one that matches your investment goals and trading habits. For example, how frequently you buy and sell shares or other assets can impact your view on the fees you’re charged per trade. Some platforms also give investors access to a variety of asset classes and markets, while others offer a more straightforward suite of options.

What fees are being charged

Share trading platforms charge investors a fee each time they buy or sell shares, and some may also charge ongoing account-keeping fees.

The way fees are calculated can vary depending on the provider you choose. Some platforms charge a set dollar amount per trade, while for others, the fee is a percentage of the value of the trade. In some cases, the fee will be a set dollar amount up to a certain value and a percentage-based fee for higher-value trades.

On top of comparing the amount charged by providers, it’s worth watching out for how these fees are determined. The way you’re charged can impact your investment returns in the long term. For example, paying a set dollar fee (as opposed to a percentage-based fee) for low-value trades could end up being a more expensive way to trade, while the opposite might be true for high-value traders.

Similarly, there can be a huge difference between the ongoing fees charged by different platforms. Bear in mind that some platforms may waive certain ongoing fees depending on how you use your account. For example, if you trade frequently, an account-keeping fee could be reduced. The catch is at least some of these possible savings on ongoing fees could be offset by trading costs.

The features and services on offer

You might assess the overall value you get from a platform by weighing any fees you’re paying against the features, services, and investment options you’re getting in return. As a starting guide, here are the features and experiences Canstar looks at when assessing online share trading platforms:

Opening an account: How easy is it to apply to open the account and get set up initially?

Deposit and settlement: Does the provider make it straightforward to deposit funds into your account to start trading?

Research: What tools does the platform offer you to carry out research when you’re deciding how to invest? These can include charting tools letting you see the past performance of a stock or index over time, information about particular listed companies, market information and trends, dynamic trading information that updates automatically, and automated alerts with timely information.

Trading features and tools: Which markets does a platform offer access to? Does the platform give you the ability to place conditional orders when buying or selling shares? You might want to consider whether the provider offers access to margin loans – a lending product that allows you to borrow money to buy shares.

CHESS-sponsored trading: Will the online share trading platform register your ASX share trades with the Clearing House Electronic Subregister System (CHESS), which records the transfer of a share’s legal ownership when a trade is made? Some providers offer this automatically, which can make it easier for investors to keep track of their holdings.

Account management: How easy is it to access and use the account (like through a mobile app), what security features does the platform provide, and what reporting tools does it offer you when you’re looking to see how your portfolio is performing?

Customer service: Does the platform offer a high level of customer support when you need it; and what educational tools does it offer if you want to become more informed as an investor?

Closing the account: At the end of your journey as a user, how easy is it to settle and close your account?

Beginner investors in Australia often have different needs than established traders. This can affect which share trading platform ends up being best for them. Beginner investors may be particularly interested in customer support and educational resources available through their platform of choice. Cost per trade can also be a big factor, particularly for those investing small amounts. This is because low-value trades are often subject to a set dollar amount fee, which can end up making up a relatively large portion of the trade value.

Compare Online Share Trading Platforms

This article was reviewed by our Finance Editor Brooke Cooper before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.

Nick Whiting

Finance Writer

As a Finance Writer, Nick provides assistance to Canstar's Editorial Team in its mission to empower consumers to take control of their finances. He has written hundreds of articles for Canstar across all key finance topics. Coming from a screenwriting background, Nick completed a Bachelor of Film, Television and New Media Production from Queensland University of Technology. Nick has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities. Nick’s role at Canstar allows him to combine his love of the written word with his interest in finance, having learned the art of share trading from his late grandfather. Nick strives to deliver clear and straightforward content that helps the everyday consumer navigating the world of finance. Nick is also working on a TV series in his spare time. You can connect with Nick on LinkedIn .