Best trading platforms for beginners in Australia 2026

Before you start

Are you new to investing and looking for a share trading platform?

You're not alone. More than 1 in 3 Australians (38%) have bought shares, according to Finder data, and 17% want to invest more in 2025.^{1, 2}

But how do you pick a trading platform when you're just starting out?

While there's no single trading platform that will fit all your needs or individual circumstances as a beginner investor, we hope our information and tools will allow you to compare options and help you find the best trading account for you.

Best trading platforms for beginners (2026)

9.3 Excellent Tiger Brokers Finder Award

9.3 Excellent

$3.00

US$2.00

ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs

$120 Reward Finder Rewards: Join Finder then sign up to Tiger Brokers through Finder, deposit $2,000 within 7 days and complete a qualifying BUY trade within 20 days to receive a $120 digital Visa gift card. Ends 31 Dec 2026. T&Cs apply. Deposit any amount and receive $20 to trade in Tiger Brokers. Plus 4x zero brokerage trades and no FX fees on the first $2,000 you exchange every month. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it Tiger Brokers was named the best platform for casual investors in Finder's 2025 Investment Awards for good reason. It's great for beginners because it has an auto-invest feature, charges low fees and no minimum investment when you buy US stocks. We like that you can set up a regular deposits into US stocks from just US$2 and you're able to buy fractional shares (this means you can invest in part of a share, rather than whole shares). The app is simple to use and it has a handy AI chatbot that you can use to research companies or provide tips. Pros & cons Pros Low brokerage on ASX and US stocks Low minimum deposit of $2 Easy-to-use app Cons Only US stocks available on auto-invest Limited educational resources

9.8 Excellent Webull Finder Award

9.8 Excellent

$1.00

$0.00

ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies

$150 Reward Finder Rewards: Join Finder then sign up to Webull as a new customer, deposit at least $2,000 in a single transaction and place at least 1 BUY order for a US-listed stock or ETF to receive a $150 digital Visa gift card. Ends 2 Dec 2026. T&Cs apply. Bonus offer: Get up to 25,000 bonus Qantas Points on eligible Webull deposits and share transfers by 31 Jan 2027. Plus, earn monthly points on your international trades. T&Cs apply.

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Why we like it Webull has an intuitive platform that is packed with features to satisfy both new and experienced investors. We like that it has an auto-investment feature so that you can dollar-cost average into the market. Paired with $0 brokerage ETF trades, this makes it a top pick for ETF investors. While there's a $500 minimum investment for Australian shares and ETFs, there is no minimum investment to buy global equities. Pros & cons Pros Cheap brokerage ($0 for ETFs) In-built news platform and strong educational resources Allows you to trade fractional shares $0 commission trades for the first month Trade stocks from ASX, US and Hong Kong Cons Beginners may be overwhelmed $500 minimum to buy ASX shares is higher than some others Limited markets

8.2 Great Sharesies Most Loved

8.2 Great

$6.00

US$5.00

ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, ETFs

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Why we like it New Zealand platform Sharesies is a regular high scorer at Finder for beginner investors. The platform is super easy to use (fun too), there's no minimum investment amount and you can set up recurring deposits into Australian, US or New Zealand shares and ETFs. It's worth noting that Sharesies does not offer CHESS-sponsored shares, however this means you get the option to invest very small amounts into Australian shares, unlike with other brokers. Pros & cons Pros Access to Australian and international shares and ETFs Easy to use No minimum investment Cons Cheaper brokerage available elsewhere Limited global markets No CHESS-sponsorship

9.5 Excellent Superhero Share Trading

9.5 Excellent

$2.00

US$2.00

ASX shares, US shares, ETFs

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Why we like it Superhero was one of the first Australian trading platforms to target younger (non-boomer) and new investors, which gives it a special place on this list in my books. The desktop platform and the app are simple to use and great for beginners navigating different types of stocks and ETFs. Plus, you can auto-invest into both Australian and US shares and ETFs starting from just $10 per trade. Pros & cons Pros Low brokerage fees Invest from just $10 Auto-invest feature No monthly fees Cons Minimal trading features Can't trade outside the US or ASX markets No CHESS-sponsorship

8.8 Great EasyEquities Share Trading

8.8 Great

$1.00

US$2.50

ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, ETFs

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Why we like it While Easy Equities might not have made a name for itself yet in Australia, we couldn't help but be impressed by its super low fees and its suite of handy features. For example, it has no minimum investment size, meaning you can start trading from just a few cents into Australian and US and stocks and ETFs. We also like that it has an auto-investment option, which is great for dollar-cost averaging into the market. Pros & cons Pros User-friendly platform Low commission and no inactivity fees The EasyLearn series helps educate newer investors Cons Lacks customer service features, including live chat Limited trading tools No CHESS shares

7.5 Great Betashares Direct Finder Award

7.5 Great

$0.00

Not offered

ETFs

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Why we like it We rated Betashares Direct as the top choice for ETF investing in Australia as of 2025. Not only does it offer $0 brokerage on ASX-listed ETFs, it also has an auto-invest feature that lets you set up recurring deposits into your ETF of choice. We also like that it charges $0 brokerage on Australian stocks in the top S&P/ASX300 index (top 300 Australian public companies) and there's a minimum investment of just $10. These features make it a great choice for both new investors and everyday ETF investors. Pros & cons Pros $0 brokerage on ASX ETFs and 300 top stocks Auto-investing feature Ready made managed portfolios available Cons Minimum investment of $50 for auto-invest No CHESS-sponsorship No global stocks (ASX only)

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How we selected the best trading apps for beginners

To help beginners out, we sourced a list of top brokers for beginners using Finder's proprietary algorithm. Here are some of the features we included in our methodology that we thought were important for beginner investors:

• What to look out for

  • Low brokerage fees for small investment amounts. You want to build your investment portfolio over time and there's no better way than to start small and add consistently. As such, if you're a newer investor you might want to find a fund has low fees and allows for smaller trading limits
  • Low brokerage on just 1 trade or less per month. Lowering the fees you pay is a great way to increase your returns. But be warned, some accounts will charge you more if you don't constantly trade. Beginner investors should avoid these accounts.
  • Low brokerage for ETFs. If you're looking to buy low cost ETFs some brokers will charge you less. This can be advantageous for long-term, low volume ETF investors.
  • No inactivity fee. Again, lowering your fees is important. An easy way to avoid paying unnecessary fees is to make sure your broker isn't charging you for inactivity.
  • Fractional investing. If you're starting out small, finding a broker that lets you buy fractional shares can help you gain access to the market without having to save for an entire share.
  • An online demo. It might sound simple enough, but learning the basics of how to invest is important. As such, an online demo can help beginners get ahead.
  • Educational or training content. If you want to improve your investing skills, education and training content is a great place to start. Some brokers will provide this information for you.
  • User-friendliness. Our editorial team gave platforms a rating based on how easy they were to navigate and place a trade.

We've focused on things like educational resources, low fees, ease-of-use and features like auto-investing and fractional shares. However, if you're planning on just buying and holding stocks or ETFs, you may find it's more cost effective to use another trading platform.

How to pick an investment platform as a beginner

There are many different ways to trade and invest in Australia, and beginner investors should try to work out what works best for them prior to signing up to a new broker.

There are two broad types of investor - active traders and passive investors.

The category you fall into will greatly determine what type of broker you should sign up with.

As a beginner, you'll likely want to start as a passive investor, but you should ask yourself the following questions before signing up:

Am I an active trader or investor?

There are a few key differences between trading and investing.

• Traders try to make money from short-term price movements, while investors try to buy quality businesses for the long-term. Active trading is incredibly complex and comes with more risk, while investing is more suited to beginner and inexperienced investors.

Regardless, you would need a broker that matches your style.

• For traders, low brokerage fees and advanced trading options may be a higher priority than other features. For example, sophisticated charting tools may be more important than an inactivity fee.
• Investors who might only buy shares once or twice a year, features like CHESS-sponsorship, no inactivity fees and low trading fees might be more valued.

How will I place trades?

Will you be placing all your trades online, via a mobile app or over the phone? Some platforms are app or online-only, whilst others may only offer limited functionality on mobile.

What markets do I want to invest in?

Some investors choose to focus exclusively on the Australian market while others want broad exposure to the world. Before signing up to a broker it is important to know which markets they support, and the fees they charge for investing in global markets.

How much money am I trading?

Brokers fees will largely vary depending on how much you are investing. This means you should find a broker that matches your needs. If you have a small balance, you might want to find a platform with low or even $0 brokerage. If you have a large balance, you might favour a platform that offers flat fees.

What about micro investing?

If you're looking to dip your toes in the water, you might also want to consider a micro-investing platform that lets you invest as many times as you want with no minimum investment amounts in return for a recurring monthly or annual fee.

However, while micro-investing apps are designed for beginners, they probably aren't the most cost-effective option over the longer term. You may be better off using a platform with low or even $0 brokerage and investing that way.

Expert insight: Finding the platform that fits

"Some platforms' minimum investment is higher than others, so look for one that aligns with your budget. Also keep an eye out for features which support the way you want to invest, such as if you want to be more hands-on or automate your investments in the background."

Demetria Chelepy

Sharesies operating director

What is CHESS when you're investing in shares?

Most mainstream brokers put your shares of ETFs into CHESS for you. You don't need to fill out extra forms, but you'll get an SRN (Securityholder Reference Number) and CHESS HIN (Holder Identification Number) listed in your account.

Basically, the broker is asking for permission and details so they can register you in CHESS on your behalf and create a HIN in your name.

If a broker offers CHESS-sponsored holdings and prompts you to register for this, it's because the ASX requires:

• Your legal name (exactly as per ID)
• Date of birth
• Address
• Tax residency / TFN declaration
• Confirmation you want CHESS sponsorship

What type of investments are offered on trading platforms?

Beginner-friendly trading platforms generally offer the following types of investment options:

• Australian stocks
• US and global stocks
• ETFs

Please note that the specific investments available to trade, such as individual stocks, will vary between platforms and if you have a certain investment in mind it's worth checking which platforms list it when comparing.

What type of fees will I pay?

There are a few fees you may need to pay when investing through a share trading platform:

• Brokerage fees. This is the fee that is charged every time you buy and sell shares. Brokers charge different fees depending on the product you're trading, the size of the trade you make and how often you trade per month.
• Monthly fees. Some brokers are more aimed at active traders and will charge a subscription or inactivity fee for those who trade less. This may or may not suit you depending on your trading requirements.
• Foreign exchange fees. This one is for investors buying shares overseas. If you're interested in trading global stocks, you'll want to check what the foreign exchange (FX) fee is for converting your Australian dollars to the foreign currency of choice. Currency conversion fees can have a big impact on the overall cost of your trades.

It's important to try and keep the amount of fees you pay to a minimum, as fees will eat into the money you have to invest and lower your potential returns. There are now a few trading platforms that offer brokerage-free trading on certain assets. This means you can invest without having to pay any trading fees.

These platforms include CMC Invest, Webull, Vanguard, Betashares Direct, IG, Bendigo Invest Direct and Superhero.

Find out more about the cheapest trading platforms in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

• How much do you need to start trading shares?

  This varies greatly depending on the broker you choose. Some will let you start trading from as little as 1 cent, while others will need you to have a minimum of $500. If you are looking to buy CHESS-sponsored shares, you will need at least $500 before starting.

• What is the best trading platform for beginners in Australia?

  According to the Finder Share Trading Platform Awards, the best platform for casual investors is Tiger Brokers, which suits beginners who dip in and out of the market. However, it largely depends on your individual style and needs. Generally speaking a low cost broker with an easy to use platform will work for most new investors.

• How do beginners trade stocks in Australia?

  In order to start trading stocks in Australia, you'll need to first sign up with a broker or online trading platform. Once you've created your account, you'll need to deposit funds and then can begin trading.

• What platform should I start trading on?

  If you're just starting out, it can be a good idea to go with a share trading platform that offers a free demo account where you can trade with dummy money. This way you can get familiar with the platform and the stock investing process without having to risk real money. Once you're comfortable, you can then start investing with your own money.

• How should a beginner start trading?

  The best thing to do as a beginner may be to sign up with a trading app that offers a free demo account. This way you can get experience buying and selling shares without having to risk real money. Once you're ready to start investing properly, you should then start with small investments at first.

• Which trading app is best for beginners?

  According to the latest Finder Share Trading Platform Awards, Tiger Brokers is the best platform for casual investors, which makes it a strong choice for beginners.

  Many trading platforms now offer beginner-friendly features like educational resources, fractional shares, micro-investing and auto-investing to help beginners get started investing.

• Can I start trading with $100?

  You can, but it will again depend on the broker you choose. Syfe, Superhero, Douugh, Pearler and eToro are all examples of platforms where you can start investing with less than $100.

• What is the most trusted trading platform?

  Pearler is Australia's most trusted share trading platform according to Finder's Customer Satisfaction Awards, earning a score of 4.30 out of 5.
  Stake was named the most-trusted platform in the previous year's award.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Cameron Micallef

Journalist

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Cameron Micallef is a personal finance journalist with eight years of experience, specialising in investing, property and household bills. He has written for Smart Property Investment, nestegg and Investor Daily. Cameron holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies and Commerce, as well as a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification (RG146), ensuring compliance with ASIC standards. See full bio

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Cameron has written 126 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Kylie Purcell

Investments Analyst

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. See full bio

Kylie's expertise

Kylie has written 166 Finder guides across topics including:

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