Macquarie Online Trading Account

Access Australian shares, ETFs and managed funds at home or on the go.

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What happened to Macquarie Online Trading?

Macquarie's online share trading platform was powered by technology from Bell Financial Group for several years. In 2025, this arrangement ended and Macquarie exited the online trading space.

Here is a timeline of the closure:

  • 22 January 2025: Macquarie Online Trading closed to all new applications.
  • 22 February 2025: All existing trading accounts were officially transitioned to Bell Financial Group.

Retail (non-advised) clients now have their accounts with Bell Direct. Clients who were linked with a financial adviser now have their accounts with Desktop Broker. Both platforms are owned and operated by Bell Financial Group.

Importantly, the CHESS sponsorship of assets did not change during the transition, as it was already handled by a Bell-owned subsidiary. This means your shares were not transferred to a new broker, but rather the branding and account provider changed to Bell Direct or Desktop Broker.

The transition to Bell Direct: A quick summary

For former Macquarie clients, the transition to Bell Direct involves a few key changes. While the core trading technology is similar, you gain some new features while the platform branding and login process have changed.

Pros

  • Brokerage fees remain the same
  • Gain access to US markets
  • New dedicated Bell Direct mobile app
  • Your Macquarie Cash Management Account is unaffected

Cons

  • Trading account is no longer visible in the Macquarie app
  • You need to use the Bell Direct or Desktop Broker website to log in
  • The platform is now Bell-branded, which may be unfamiliar

Fees for transitioned Macquarie clients

Bell Direct has honoured the brokerage fee structure for former Macquarie Online Trading clients. Your trading costs for Australian shares remain the same. mFund applications and redemptions are no longer available, as the ASX's mFund settlement service closed after its last operational day on 29 May 2026.

Standard brokerage rates

Trade TypeBrokerage Fee
Online trading (ASX shares)$19.95 or 0.12% (whichever is greater)
Phone trading (ASX shares)$49.95 or 0.30% (whichever is greater)

mFunds

Trade TypeBrokerage Fee
Online application or redemption$30 or 0.1% (whichever is greater)
Phone application or redemption$60 or 0.2% (whichever is greater)

Bell Direct also offers trading in other products like Exchange Traded Options (ETOs) and has a schedule for other service fees, such as SMS alerts and off-market transfers. For example, online ETO trades cost $29.95 or 0.30% (whichever is greater) plus ASX fees.

Market data packages on Bell Direct

As a Bell Direct client, you have access to several market data packages. The free option provides delayed data, while paid tiers offer live and streaming data.

Data PackageCost (per calendar month)Key Feature
SilverFree20-minute delayed data
Gold$10 (or free after 5 trades per month)Static live data
Platinum$27.50Dynamic streaming data
WebIRESS$79Advanced dynamic data and tools

Alternatives to Macquarie Online Trading

If you were looking to sign up with Macquarie, you'll now need to find an alternative. The platform you were transitioned to, Bell Direct, is a strong contender known for its CHESS-sponsored model, which gives you direct legal ownership of your shares via your own Holder Identification Number (HIN).

Here’s how Bell Direct stacks up against two other popular Australian platforms:

  • CommSec: As Australia's largest online broker, CommSec offers a huge range of investment products, including international shares and is integrated with Commonwealth Bank accounts. Its standard brokerage for trades up to $1,000 is lower than Bell Direct's, but can be higher for larger trades.
  • Selfwealth: A popular choice for its simple, flat-fee brokerage on Australian and US shares, regardless of the trade size. Like Bell Direct, it is CHESS-sponsored, but it offers fewer research tools compared to the major bank-backed brokers.

Before you open a share trading account, it's worth comparing fees, features and available markets to find the best fit for your needs.

Customer support for former Macquarie clients

Your point of contact for any trading account queries is now either Bell Direct or Desktop Broker, depending on your account type.

For retail clients (Bell Direct):

  • Phone (Australia): 1300 786 199
  • Phone (International): +61 3 8663 2700
  • Hours: 8am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday (AEST)

For advised clients (Desktop Broker):

  • Phone (Australia): 1300 726 177
  • Phone (International): +61 3 8663 2771
  • Hours: 8am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday (AEST)

For questions about your linked Macquarie Cash Management Account, you will still need to contact Macquarie directly.

Frequently asked questions

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14 Responses

    Jeff's avatar
    JeffSeptember 6, 2024

    I have a Macquarie CMA account in my SMSF name, which I have had for 30 years. What do I need to do to open a Macquarie Trading platform to link with it. At the moment I am using Comsec

      Angus Kidman's headshotFinder
      AngusSeptember 15, 2024Finder

      Hi Jeff, As you’re already a Macquarie customer, you should be able an account easily – contact Macquarie on 1800 013 034.

    Barbara's avatar
    BarbaraJanuary 8, 2018

    Please explain how to buy shares .Quantity?
    Price?

      Jonathan Choi's headshotFinder
      JonathanFebruary 21, 2018Finder

      Hi Barbara,

      Thanks for your comment.

      The price of a share is how much the public thinks that share should be worth. This is determined by the company, product/ service they are selling, the industry they are operating in and other factors including news.

      The quantity of the shares to purchase will depend on how much you like the share, and your budget.

      Please see our guide on buying shares online.

      Best,

      Jonathan

    Stan's avatar
    StanOctober 24, 2017

    I am unable to open a Macquarie Prime account. It has been some considerable time since I last traded and we have been using our capital to expand our business. I notice that you have changed the method of accessing our bank account through mobile phones. What is the alternative for those who don’t use mobile phones or who live or work outside mobile phone range?

      Jonathan's avatar
      JonathanOctober 24, 2017

      Hi Stan,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Macquarie Online Trading Terms and Conditions Updates recognised Electronic Communication, which is being conducted through internet, mobile device application or other means.

      Usually, a confirmation email will be sent to you to ensure you are using current email address for any notifications. In the event that a confirmation has not been delivered, your confirmation receipt and other future communication will be mailed to your last registered address which is subject to relevant costs involved.

      You may refer to Macquarie Online Trading – Terms and conditions or speak to Macquarie representative to discuss more details about mail correspondence.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Stephen in London's avatar
    StephenSeptember 20, 2016

    I am Australian but have been resident in London for several years. Are there any platforms that are more suitable for non residents? I bank with CBA but the Comsec platform does not support non residents.
    Thanks

    Stephen

      Clarizza Fernandez's headshotFinder
      ClarizzaSeptember 22, 2016Finder

      Hi Stephen,

      Thanks for your question.

      The ability to trade internationally would depend on the type of account you have.

      For example, if you are living in London, you can continue to use a particular platform to trade shares. However, your account might dictate that you can only trade on domestic shares (Australian ASX market) using Australian currency.

      We recommend speaking to your provider to find out which account allows you trade internationally or speak to a financial planner.

      Regards,
      Clarizza

    Michael's avatar
    MichaelMarch 30, 2016

    I only want to buy 4 thousand shares what is simplest way?

      Shirley Liu's headshotFinder
      ShirleyMarch 31, 2016Finder

      Hi Michael,

      Thanks for your question.

      You can sign up for an online share trading platform and purchase your shares and compare share trading platform on our list of online brokers.

      For Australian-listed companies, all trading is done through the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange). If you want to buy shares in companies based outside of Australia, you can read our comprehensive guide to international share trading.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

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