Key takeaways
- Interactive Brokers provides extensive tools and competitive options fees, starting from $1 for AU and US$0.35 for US trades.
- For low-cost US options, Moomoo offers trades from US$0.99 with a demo account and AI-driven analysis.
- Options trading carries substantial risk; utilise demo accounts provided by platforms like Moomoo or Webull to practice skills.
While options trading is hugely popular in the United States thanks to platforms like Robinhood, it's still a relatively untapped space for retail investors in Australia. That's quickly changing as more options trading platforms enter the scene offering costs that are lower than ever. If you want to learn more about how to trade options, you can check out our full guide to options trading in Australia.
Australia's best options trading platforms
- Best overall options trading platform: Interactive Brokers Australia
- Best for low fee US options trading: Moomoo Share Trading
- Best for ETO traders: CMC Invest
- Best for full-service broker support: Capital 19
- Best for mobile trades: Webull
How we picked the best options trading platforms
We think the best options trading platforms in Australia offer low fees and advanced tools. However, the best platform for you will depend on your trading style and which markets you prefer to trade in. While most traders in Australia trade ASX-listed options, US stock options are also becoming more popular here and can be cheaper.
The options trading accounts featured are the highest rated according to our latest analysis. Finder's proprietary algorithm rates platforms highly if they have the following features:
- Low options trading fees
- Available on desktop and mobile
- Technical analysis charts
- Conditional orders
- Margin trading
- News feed
- Broker analysis
- Support options
While Finder has commercial deals with some online brokers, this does not impact the final selection of brokers. Our algorithm considers the fees and features of all stock trading platforms and narrows down the winners regardless of Finder's partnership deals.
For more information on how we rate platforms, you can check out our methodology page. Bear in mind that the brokers displayed on this page may not always be best for you and we encourage you to do your own research.
What is options trading?
Options trading is a financial strategy where traders buy and sell contracts providing the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price before or at the expiry date.
Traders use options contracts for a few main purposes:
- To speculate on the future price movements of stocks or other assets without having to buy the underlying asset
- To hedge against another trading position or holding
- To add leverage to their trades
When you buy an options contract, you're either speculating on the price of an asset going up (a "call option") or down (a "put option") during a specific timeframe. If the asset hits the pice specified in the contract (the "strike") it is considered "in the money" and can be executed. If it doesn't reach that price, the contract expires at the specified date.
It's also possible to sell an options contract before it either reaches the strike price or expiry date, and many traders do exactly that as a way to lock in profit without having to buy the underlying asset.
"Options trading can be a lucrative and flexible way to trade the market, but it comes with unique risks, including the chance of losing your capital. As such, options trading is suited to more experienced traders. If you're looking to get started, it might be worth using a free demo account to familarise yourself with options before committing real money."
Important: The standard brokerage fee displayed is the trade cost for new customers to purchase $1,000 of either Australian or US shares. Where a platform charges different fees for both US and Australian shares we show the lower of the two. Where both CHESS sponsored and custodian shares are offered, we display the cheapest option.
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Is Trade Safe a reputable trading platform?
Hi Heather, I’m afraid I can’t find any details on this specific trading platform which is a red flag in itself. Before signing up to any trading platform make sure it holds an AFS license and is regulated by ASIC. This will ensure you’re protected under Australian laws.