If you've looked into opening a CommSec Share Trading Account, you may have come across the Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA).
We've taken a deep dive into what it is, pros and cons of the account and how it compares with our own cash account.
Our verdict
The CDIA is the preferred cash account for CommSec and can be used to settle trades with low brokerage and no ongoing fees.
In simple terms, it's a straightforward cash account that can be used to fund your CommSec trades without having to move your money in and out of a trading account.
If you're an existing CommSec share trading account holder, or looking to apply, you can open a CDIA account at no cost.
Even if you hold an account with another bank, transferring funds to CommSec CDIA for the purposes of trading is little effort and can save you a lot on brokerage fees.
If you prefer to keep funds sitting in another account, you'll just need to ensure you have enough cash in the CDIA should you want to have the freedom of placing trades at a moment's notice.
Also through CommSec, you can use CommBank's ATM network and the NetBank online banking system to access your CDIA account. You can also enjoy unlimited electronic transactions.
Good for
If you settle your share trades directly through your CommSec CDIA account, then you'll pay as little as $5.00.00 per trade as opposed to $29.95 per trade.
Balances are automatically recognised by CommSec so when you see a trading opportunity, you won't have to worry about transferring funds first.
CommSec offers a free dividend direction service for CDIA account holders, meaning that they'll be automatically paid into your account where you can start earning interest immediately.
User-friendly platform and app that takes just minutes to set up.
There are no subscription or account keeping fees on the CDIA account.
Not so great for
One more bank account. While you have to fund your share trading somehow, if you're not already a member of the Commonwealth Bank, then an extra account is a hassle.
Interest rates aren't particularly competitive.
What is a CDIA account?
The Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) is much like any other transaction account except that it’s designed to let you trade shares via CommSec.
In order to settle trades via an online share trading platform, you’re required to have a linked cash management account. You could use any transaction account for this purpose, but the CDIA gives you a few key benefits.
Here are its main functions:
Buy and sell shares. After transferring funds into the CDIA account, you can use it to trade shares and store any additional cash.
Transact. Like any other cash account, you can use the CDIA to make everyday transactions, and you can access your cash via an ATM through an optional Debit Mastercard.
"I've had a CommSec CDIA account for around 7 years now and I use it to fund trades made in my CommSec Share Trading Account and CommSec Pocket account. It gives me a much lower brokerage fee than I'd get otherwise and it's easy to set up regular transfers to align with my regular investments. "
Susannah Binsted
Finder crew member
What are the benefits of using the CDIA?
Low trading fees. The main highlight of using the CDIA to trade shares through CommSec is the cheaper brokerage fees. If you buy shares using the CDIA account, you’re charged a brokerage fee of as little as $5.00, compared to $29.95.
Earn interest. In addition to cheaper shares, you'll be able to earn interest on cash in your account, though the rates aren't particularly competitive.
The rate you receive will increase based on the amount you have in your account, with the highest rate offered to accounts with $500,000 or more.
CDIA account balance
Interest earned
$500,000 or more
2.45% p.a.
$250,000 - $499,999
1.4% p.a.
$100,000 - $249,000
1.8% p.a.
$50,000 - $99,999
p.a.
$20,000 - $49,999
0.65% p.a.
$10,000 - $19,999
p.a.
$5000 - $9,999
p.a.
$0 - $4,999
p.a.
*Must be linked to a CommSec Share Trading Account
Online banking. If you already have a CommBank account, your Commsec CDIA account will appear in your main Internet banking window, making it easy to transact between accounts online.
Transaction account. The CDIA has an alternate function as an everyday transaction account, with the option of a debit Mastercard, making it all the more functional. Interest on cash in the account is calculated daily and paid monthly.
How do the fees differ
The biggest difference between using the CommSec CDIA account and another account is the brokerage fees. Here’s a breakdown of the brokerage fees that you can expect when using the CDIA versus using your own account.
Trade amount
CDIA account broker fee
Non-CDIA broker fee
Up to $1,000
$5.00
$29.95
$1,001 - $3,000
$10.00
$29.95
$3,001 - $10,000
$19.95
$29.95 (Up to $9,999.99)
$10,001 - $25,000
$29.95
0.31%
from $25,001
0.12%
0.31%
What fees can you expect from a CommSec CDIA account?
There are no monthly fees for CDIA accounts linked to the CommSec Share Trading Account and there are unlimited fee-free electronic withdrawals.
This means that you have complete access to the cash in your trading account at all times, something that isn't always possible with brokers that use external bank accounts.
How do I open a CommSec CDIA cash management account?
Customers that already have a CommSec Share Trading Account can apply by logging in through the CommSec website and navigating to Products > Cash > Apply Now.
If you wish to apply for a CommSec Share Trading Account, you can apply for a CDIA during the application process.
Sources
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
Joelle Grubb
as part of our
fact-checking process.
Kylie Purcell is an experienced investments analyst and finance journalist with over a decade of expertise in a wide range of financial products, including online trading platforms, robo-advisors, stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. She is a sought-after commentator and regularly shares her insights on the AFR, Yahoo Finance, The Motley Fool, SBS and News.com.au. Kylie hosts the Investment Finder video series and actively contributes to the investment community as a judge and panellist. She holds a Master of Arts in International Journalism, a Graduate Diploma in Economics, and ASIC-recognised certifications in securities and managed investments.
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Im a total beginner here and I’d like to invest a starter figure of $1001 into Nvidia. I will transfer the funds from another bank acc. Im not a customer of Commonwealth Bank.
Finder
SarahDecember 11, 2025Finder
Hi Jennifer,
Congrats on taking some steps towards investing! It can be confusing trying to get started, but this guide about investing for beginners might be helpful. We also have a number of Finder Rewards, which are deals you can only get through Finder, so it’s worth checking these out. At the moment, we are live with digital visa gift cards worth up to $120 with a few different trading platforms (these change regularly). Best of luck with it!
CarolOctober 28, 2025
I have a CDIA account with a current dividends balance. If I transfer that balance out to a higher interest Goal Saver account, wondering if I am required to keep track of any such transfers from CDIA for eg tax statement purposes or does it not matter and the individual holdings annual dividend statements are sufficient for tax purposes.
Finder
SarahOctober 29, 2025Finder
Hi Carol,
No, you’re not required to keep track of the transfer itself for tax purposes, but you will be taxed on the dividends earned in the CDIA before the transfer. You should keep track of the interest and dividends earned for your tax return, and your bank will provide you with a tax statement for this income.
bobSeptember 30, 2025
how do i get a debit card for my cdia account
Finder
KylieOctober 1, 2025Finder
Hi Bob, you’ll need to reach out to CommBank directly to apply for the card.
Good luck
PaulSeptember 28, 2025
Can a CBA – CDIA be held in joint names of a husband and wife
Finder
AlisonSeptember 30, 2025Finder
Hi Paul,
Yes you can open this as a joint account.
Thanks,
Alison
kvMay 27, 2016
how do i transfer my existing share in commsec account to CDIA account
Finder
ShirleyMay 30, 2016Finder
Hi KV,
Thanks for your question.
To better answer your question, can I clarify if you’ve sold the shares?
You've heard of CommSec but how does it stack up to the likes of IG, CMC Invest and other players in the market?
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Im a total beginner here and I’d like to invest a starter figure of $1001 into Nvidia. I will transfer the funds from another bank acc. Im not a customer of Commonwealth Bank.
Hi Jennifer,
Congrats on taking some steps towards investing! It can be confusing trying to get started, but this guide about investing for beginners might be helpful. We also have a number of Finder Rewards, which are deals you can only get through Finder, so it’s worth checking these out. At the moment, we are live with digital visa gift cards worth up to $120 with a few different trading platforms (these change regularly). Best of luck with it!
I have a CDIA account with a current dividends balance. If I transfer that balance out to a higher interest Goal Saver account, wondering if I am required to keep track of any such transfers from CDIA for eg tax statement purposes or does it not matter and the individual holdings annual dividend statements are sufficient for tax purposes.
Hi Carol,
No, you’re not required to keep track of the transfer itself for tax purposes, but you will be taxed on the dividends earned in the CDIA before the transfer. You should keep track of the interest and dividends earned for your tax return, and your bank will provide you with a tax statement for this income.
how do i get a debit card for my cdia account
Hi Bob, you’ll need to reach out to CommBank directly to apply for the card.
Good luck
Can a CBA – CDIA be held in joint names of a husband and wife
Hi Paul,
Yes you can open this as a joint account.
Thanks,
Alison
how do i transfer my existing share in commsec account to CDIA account
Hi KV,
Thanks for your question.
To better answer your question, can I clarify if you’ve sold the shares?