Is it good to buy international shares?

Adding international shares to your portfolio comes with a number of benefits including lowering portfolio risk, reducing the risks of Australia's economy going into a downturn, providing an additional source of portfolio growth and tempering volatility risks.

How do you pay taxes on international shares?

When it comes to paying taxes overseas, it'll all depend on the withholding rate. How much you will pay will ultimately depend on the treaties that Australia has with the other countries and the size of your investment. To make this easier, let's start with an example. If you invest in the US, you will have a withholding tax rate of 15% if you have a W8BEN form. Without one, you will be paying a tax of 30% on shares, plus a withholding tax of 30% on dividends. But if you happen to be an incredibly large shareholder and own more than 10% of the voting rights, the amount of taxes falls to 5%, and if you own 80% of the voting rights, it drops to 0%.

What are the best international share trading platforms?

Finder's recent awards found that the best broker for international shares is Interactive Brokers. When it comes to investing in US shares, CMC Invest took out our award, and was also named best overall broker. While Finder's awards are independently tracked across 40 brokers, it is important to highlight that there's no one "best broker". You should try to find a trading account that matches your own circumstances and needs.

Can you buy international shares on the ASX?

The ASX is for Australian-listed companies, meaning you can't buy international shares directly online. However, many international exchange traded funds (ETFs) are listed on the ASX. These trade the same way as any Australian shares. You can buy them off the ASX, which is open from 10am to 4pm AEST.

Can CommSec buy international shares?

Yes, CommSec will allow you to buy international shares in the following countries: North America Canada Asia Pacific - Japan, Hong Kong Singapore Europe and the Middle East - France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland London

International share trading accounts comparison

According to Finder's latest analysis of fees, available markets and trading tools, the best brokers in Australia for global trades are:

Interactive Brokers was the best platform for international stock trades because of its long list of available overseas markets, cheap global brokerage fees and low currency conversion fees. It also has a number of markets not typically available through Australian brokers, such as Chinese, Mexican, Israeli and over-the-counter (OTC) stocks.

CMC Invest also made the list thanks to its $0 brokerage offer for some global stock trades, while Totality impressed with its combination of available markets and its low $1 brokerage for US stocks.

To determine the best trading platforms for global, Australian and US equities, we compared the fees and features relevant to each specific market.

For instance, we up-weighted the costs of trading US stocks for the Best for US Stocks award, while the Australian and global equities categories were up-weighted for ASX and global equity trade fees.

Features included in the weightings were:

Stock and ETF trading fees for US, global and ASX trades
The number of available global stock markets
Foreign exchange fees
Subscription or inactivity fees
Trading features such as conditional orders and fractional stocks
Availability of educational resources or training options
Access to a demo account option
Its range of trading tools, including news, research tools and technical analysis charts
Available support options
Availability on both desktop and mobile

For more information on how we determined our finalists, check out our full methodology.

Compare international share trading accounts

6 of 27 results

Finder Score	AU Trading Fee	US Trading Fee	Asset Class
Finder Score 8.7 Great eToro	Finder Score 8.7 Great	US$2.00	US$2.00	ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies	ENDS SOON! $150 VISA CARD REWARD 1 Join Finder 2 Sign up to eToro and make a trade 3 Get card from Finder Ends by. T&Cs apply.	Bonus offer: Get USD$500 bonus in stocks if you deposit at least USD$5,000. Ends 30 Mar 2026. T&Cs apply.	CFD service. Capital at risk. Trade a range of assets from a single account with access to social trading features.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.3 Excellent Tiger Brokers Finder Award	Finder Score 9.3 Excellent	$3.00	US$2.00	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs	ENDS SOON! $120 VISA CARD REWARD 1 Join Finder 2 Sign up to Tiger Brokers and make a trade 3 Get card from Finder Ends by. 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.	Trade US, Asian and CHESS-sponsored ASX stocks, China A-class shares, plus US and Hong Kong options and ETFs.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Webull Finder Award	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	$1.00	US$1.00	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies	Welcome offer: Enjoy 30 days of commission-free trades. Deposit $500+ to earn 5 US fractional shares. Plus, receive up to 2% cash voucher when you meet the net qualifying asset requirements. Ends 31 Mar 2026. T&Cs apply.	Invest in over 15,000 shares, options, and $0 Brokerage on all U.S. and Australian Chess-Sponsored ETFs.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.6 Excellent Moomoo Share Trading Exclusive	Finder Score 9.6 Excellent	$3.00	US$0.99	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs	ENDS SOON! $100 VISA CARD REWARD 1 Join Finder 2 Sign up to Moomoo and make a trade 3 Get card from Finder Ends by. T&Cs apply.	Finder exclusive: Unlock up to AUD$4,000 and US$4,000 in $0 brokerage over 60 days. T&Cs apply.	Trade major markets with built-in social trading tools.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent CMC Invest Finder Award	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	$0.00	$0.00	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, mFunds, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies	Trade 45,000+ listed securities across the local markets and 15 major global exchanges.	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.3 Excellent IG Share Trading Finder Award	Finder Score 9.3 Excellent	$0.00	US$0.00	ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, UK shares, ETFs	Go to site View details Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 6 of 6 results

Finder Score for share trading platforms

We've scored over 30 share trading platforms assessing them for their core features, fees, customer experience and accessibility. Our experts give each platform a score out of 10.

Read the full methodology

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.

Some of the biggest stocks in the world are only available through international exchanges
Many trading platforms and brokers let you buy global shares
Some platforms charge no trading fees on global stocks, but you will need to pay a currency conversion fee

What is an international share trading platform?

An international share trading account allows Australians to trade shares in global companies instead of being limited to companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

For example, Alphabet (Google's parent company) is listed on the US stock exchange Nasdaq. So if Australians wish to buy Alphabet shares, they’ll need to do this via an international share trading platform.

Which global stock exchanges can I access?

The global markets available will vary between platforms, so it's best to check if a provider can access the particular stock exchange you're looking for before you open an account. However, most international share trading platforms will provide traders access to the following major global exchanges and more:

Australia – The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
United States – The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq
United Kingdom – London Stock Exchange
Europe – Euronext
Asia – Japan Exchange Group, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Finder survey: Have Australians of different ages bought overseas stocks?

Response	75+ yrs	65-74 yrs	55-64 yrs	45-54 yrs	35-44 yrs	25-34 yrs	18-24 yrs
Australia	29.85%	23.43%	24.69%	25.56%	23.29%	28.11%	12.63%
Other	5.97%	4%	1.23%	0.56%	0.4%		1.05%
US	2.99%	4%	7.41%	12.22%	12.05%	9.22%	7.37%
NZ	1.49%	0.57%			1.61%	1.84%
UK	1.49%	1.14%	3.09%	1.11%	1.2%	1.84%	1.05%
China/Hong Kong		0.57%	0.62%	0.56%	3.21%	1.38%	2.11%
Europe (EU)		0.57%	1.23%		2.01%	1.38%	1.05%
Canada			1.23%	1.67%	1.2%	1.38%	1.05%
Japan			0.62%	0.56%	2.01%	1.84%	1.05%
India				0.56%	0.4%	0.92%	1.05%
Singapore				0.56%	1.61%	0.92%	1.05%
Africa & Middle East							1.05%

Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1145 Australians, December 2023

Some of the major benefits of international share trading include the following:

Access more shares. The Australian share market only represents around 2% of the world's shares. International share trading allows you to access thousands of global shares that you wouldn't have access to if you were trading on the ASX alone.
Invest in major global brands. You can invest in shares of major global companies such as Meta (Facebook's parent company), Tesla, Amazon, PayPal, Google and Apple.
Diversification. Investing in global stocks as well as local Australian shares will ensure your portfolio is more diversified. Remember, if you live in Australia, work in Australia and own a home in Australia, by default you are incredibly exposed to the country's economy. An internationally diversified portfolio will help protect you from any major dips in the Australian market.
24/7 trading. You can trade 24 hours a day rather than being restricted to set hours.
Cheaper brokerage. Depending on where you trade, it can be cheaper to buy overseas shares than to invest in Australia.

Trading international shares can incur different fees and commissions than what you would pay when trading Australian shares.

When you trade global shares the two most common costs are brokerage (commission) and foreign exchange fees. The commission fee is what you pay to the brokerage for executing the trade while the foreign exchange fee is charged to convert your AUD into the currency of the stock you're trading. For instance, if you buy US stocks, you'll need to do that using USD.

Foreign exchange fees are usually a small percentage of your trade size. They're usually charged as either pips or basis points (bps).

Here's an idea of the commission fees you can expect to pay when trading shares on the New York Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange.

Provider	New York Stock Exchange Brokerage Fee	London Stock Exchange Brokerage Fee	Australian Seccurities Exchange
IG Share Trading	US$0.00	£0	$5
Totality	US$1.00	£8	$3
CommSec International Trading Account	US$5.00	US$39.95 or 0.40%, whichever is greater	$5

Other fees you might pay to trade international stocks include:

Admin fee. Some providers charge a registration fee, an ongoing membership or an admin fee to use their brokerage services.
Market fees. These are charges or fees for trading in a particular market. For example, trades in the US are subject to SEC fees and trades in the UK attract a stamp duty charge. Local exchange fees can also apply.
Custody fees. This is typically an annual fee which is charged as a percentage of your overall portfolio.

When you’re comparing international share trading accounts, make sure to consider the following features:

Brokerage fee: This is a commission for executing a trade and is a flat fee or a percentage charge, whichever is greater. Providers charge a brokerage fee per trade. Some may even offer free brokerage deals.
Available markets: Where can you trade? Almost every provider can give you access to the US, but not all platforms let you trade in some areas of Asia and Europe.
If you can trade options: Consider whether you can trade ETOs and ETFs alongside shares and in which markets. Only some international share trading accounts let you trade options.
Execution speed: Check how long it takes for funds to clear and execute the trade.
The buffer: The account provider will take a couple of percentage points extra as a buffer against international currency fluctuations. This happens in the time it takes for the trade to clear.
Foreign exchange fee: Also called the currency conversion fee. The account provider will often charge a bit extra on top of the real currency exchange rate to make a profit when converting Australian dollars to a foreign currency and vice versa.
Trading platform: Is smartphone compatibility with a mobile app an important feature or are you happy with a browser-based platform? Either way, the trading platform should be easy to use. You should also be able to access account services such as tax, profit and loss, and dividend reporting tools quickly and easily.
Registration fees: Are you required to pay a registration or membership fee to open an international share trading account?
Education and research tools: Check which market tools and resources you can access to educate yourself about different companies and foreign markets on offer. Fundamental analysis and charting tools are key to making better trades.
Customer support: Can you contact the provider outside business hours? Do they provide a dedicated account manager for clients?

You can apply for an international share trading account online in less than 15 minutes. Compare accounts in the table above and click on the site to begin your application.

Eligibility

Application requirements can vary between different international share trading account providers. Generally, eligibility requirements for personal applicants will include the following:

Be over the age of 18
Have an Australian residential address
Have a valid contact number

Documentation and ID needed

If you’re a new customer to the share trading platform, you’ll need to verify your identity before you can begin to make trades. Have the following information on hand when you start your application for a share trading account.

Photographic identification such as your passport, driver’s licence or proof of age card
Your tax file number (TFN) or exemption code (optional)

Companies, organisations and trusts must be registered in Australia and lodge a US Withholding Tax Treaty Statement to trade in the United States. If you’re opening the account in the name of a trust or company, you’ll also need to supply the following:

Australian company number (ACN)
Australian business number (ABN)

International stock exchanges give you access to many more investment options than those listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). However, it can carry a few more risks than the domestic market, such as foreign exchange rate risks, liquidity risks and risks from changes in foreign governments.

Here are some things to be aware of:

Exchange rate volatility. You will need to convert Australian dollars into a foreign currency to buy shares listed on an international stock exchange. When you convert the money back to Australian dollars, there’s a risk the exchange rate will be worse than when you purchased the foreign currency. This could offset the profits you've made on your shares.

Liquidity. You can only realise capital gains (or losses) after settling a sell order. Overseas stock exchanges can have fewer participants and a lower trading volume. So if you’re trading on a small international stock exchange, there’s a chance you may not be able to find a buyer for your shares and will have to sell at a significant discount.

Foreign policy. Just as the Australian government’s policies can impact your bottom line, overseas governments can introduce policies and restrictions that can reduce your return on international investment. Many companies also have operations running in politically unstable regions. Political turmoil such as a military coup or civil war can derail foreign investments. Do your homework carefully before investing.

Tax legislation. The capital gains and other tax implications of trading international shares are more complex than if you were only trading Australian shares. You may need to pay for professional tax advice.

Different time zones. You’ll need to manage opposite time zones when buying or selling shares in major international markets like America and Europe.

Pros

Access more markets
Access major global brands
Portfolio diversification
24/7 trading

Cons

More fees and costs involved
Complex tax rules
Foreign currency exchange rates will affect your returns
Competing time zones

Frequently asked questions

When it comes to paying taxes overseas, it'll all depend on the withholding rate.
How much you will pay will ultimately depend on the treaties that Australia has with the other countries and the size of your investment.
To make this easier, let's start with an example. If you invest in the US, you will have a withholding tax rate of 15% if you have a W8BEN form. Without one, you will be paying a tax of 30% on shares, plus a withholding tax of 30% on dividends. But if you happen to be an incredibly large shareholder and own more than 10% of the voting rights, the amount of taxes falls to 5%, and if you own 80% of the voting rights, it drops to 0%.
Finder's recent awards found that the best broker for international shares is Interactive Brokers.
When it comes to investing in US shares, CMC Invest took out our award, and was also named best overall broker.
While Finder's awards are independently tracked across 40 brokers, it is important to highlight that there's no one "best broker". You should try to find a trading account that matches your own circumstances and needs.
Yes, CommSec will allow you to buy international shares in the following countries:
- North America
- Canada
- Asia Pacific - Japan, Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Europe and the Middle East - France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland
- London

Sources

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading CFDs and forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product on the provider's website.

Thank you for your feedback!

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

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 201 Finder guides across topics including:

Investment strategies
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45 Responses

PhilJanuary 25, 2018

Hi, I want to be able to invest in all of the ETFS listed on the US stock exchange – can you advise which Australian broker offers the most comprehensive coverage?

Finder

HaroldJanuary 26, 2018Finder

Hi Phil,

Thank you for your inquiry.

I can see your interest in growing your ETFS by investing in the international stock markets. It’s great though that the above list of brokers/trading companies allow you to invest internationally, like the US stock exchange. While we cannot recommend a specific broker, you may like to refer to our guide on how to choose a good stockbroker.

I hope this information has helped.

Cheers,
Harold

JasonOctober 30, 2017

Hi,I am wanting to open a international trading account with a online broker,and wishing to purchase stocks in a company that is specific OTC market and need a broker that does that. I’m finding a lot of brokers only do certain stocks and need one that does all stocks. Your help would be greatly appreciated.Thxs jason

Finder

JudithOctober 31, 2017Finder

Hi Jason,

I hope you are doing great today. Thanks for contacting Finder.

You may check our list of online share trading platforms. On the page, is a comparison table you can use to see which platform suits you. Kindly review each platform by clicking “Go to site” or the “More info” link. This would also greatly help you in making a sound decision in choosing the right option.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Judith

Finder

MayJune 1, 2017Finder

Hi Piera,

Thank you for your inquiry.

As we are a third party comparison site, I’m afraid we may not be able to recommend a specific trading platform for you. Although, you can compare the international share trading accounts listed above. If you want to know more about the associated fees, rates and which overseas stock markets you can trade with, please click on the ‘Go to site’ button to head over to the brand’s official site. Other providers that also offer international shares trading are enumerated under the “Which international share trading platforms are mobile friendly?” section.

Cheers,
May

DavidMay 24, 2017

Hi There,

I work for a European company and have some shares as part of an employee share scheme. Shares are listed in European stock market.

If I am no longer working for this company, I will need to transfer the shares to a private brokerage account in Australia.

Can you tell me which of the brokers listed in your comparison are suitable for this purpose.

I will not be actively trading international shares. I just need the shares to be transferred and if required, to be sold at some point in the future.

Many Thanks,
David

Finder

DeeMay 25, 2017Finder

Hi David,

Thanks for your question.

The share trading accounts we listed above may be suitable for your purpose as they allow buying and selling of international shares. Please be mindful of the eligibility criteria to open a particular account.

You may directly get in touch with the share trading account brand you are interested in to confirm if they are able to assist with your need.

Cheers,
Anndy

BronekNovember 4, 2016

What is the difference between owning a share outright and beneficial ownership ?

Finder

ClarizzaNovember 8, 2016Finder

Hi Bronek,

Thanks for your question.

In Australia, if you own a share outright or have beneficial ownership, you get direct benefit from the shares and are the listed owner. For example, if you have invested in shares listed on a securities exchange. Both have the same meaning and relate to how the shares or investments are controlled and who receives benefits.

Regards,
Clarizza

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Best international share trading platforms in Australia (2025)

The best international stock trading platforms have low brokerage and currency conversion fees.