Best micro-investing apps in Australia 2026
If you're looking to start investing but you haven't got a large deposit, micro-investing apps can help you get into the market sooner.
Micro-investing apps are a type of trading platform designed to make investing more accessible for beginners.
With features like auto-investing, fractional shares, round-ups and more, micro-investing is suitable for anyone looking for a convenient and affordable way to start building an investment portfolio.
The best micro investing apps in Australia
How we picked these apps
This list is based on the results of the most recent Finder Share Trading Platform Awards, which involves analysis of 105 features and 4,000+ data points across 40 trading platforms and uses Finder's proprietary algorithm. Learn more about our methodology here.
While other trading platforms and brokers offer low-fee investing options, we're focusing on platforms that are specifically designed around making small investments ($50 or less) and aimed at beginner or hands-off investors.
You can read our guide to the best share trading platforms if you're looking for a fully-featured investing app.
Micro-investment app comparison
| Platform | Fees | Minimum investment | Investment options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiz Invest |
| $5 | Choose from 9 portfolios containing a mix of ETFs, property, Bitcoin and stocks based on risk level. |
| CommSec Pocket |
| $50 | Invest directly in a selection of 10 themed ETFs. |
| Spaceship |
| $0 ($10 for US stocks) | Choose from 5 portfolios that have a different mix of Aussie and global shares, cash and bonds. |
| Sharesies |
| $5 | Buy shares in over 2,300 companies and ETFs listed on the ASX. |
| Pearler/Pearler Micro |
| $5 | Invest directly in over 2,000 ASX and 4,000 US shares. For its micro-investing product, choose from 10 different ETFs. |
Fractional share trading apps
Fractional share trading apps don't fall under the traditional banner of "micro-investment", but they do allow you to invest as little as a few dollars at a time into stocks (depending on the platform you use).
Fractional share trading is where you invest in fractions of shares rather than whole shares. For instance, instead of buying a single Facebook stock for $260, you could buy one-tenth of a stock for $26 or even one-hundredth of a stock for $2.60.
While it's a popular trading feature in the US, only a few share trading apps offer the service in Australia.
Among online brokers that offer fractional share trading are eToro (minimum $10), Stake (minimum $10) and Interactive Brokers (no minimum).
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseFinder 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.
Important: Share trading can be financially risky and the value of your investment can go down as well as up. “Standard brokerage” fee is the cost to trade $1,000 or less of ASX-listed shares and ETFs without any qualifications or special eligibility. If ASX shares aren’t available, the fee shown is for US shares. Where both CHESS sponsored and custodian shares are offered, we display the cheapest option.
Finder survey: What features matter most to Australians when choosing a robo-advisor or micro-investment app?
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Easy to use app | 67.14% |
| Auto-investing | 51.43% |
| Available markets (e.g. Australian or US stocks or ETFs) | 34.29% |
| Spare change round ups | 32.86% |
| Good range of available products or portfolios | 21.43% |
| Risk profiling | 20% |
| Ethical options | 12.86% |
| Security and regulation | 11.43% |
| Budgeting or savings tools | 10% |
| Real advice | 10% |
| Other | 2.86% |
| None of the above | 1.43% |
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1145 Australians, December 2023
Micro investing fees
Be aware that there are costs to micro-investing which may eat into what you're saving or getting back in returns. It's important to double-check fees with the performance of the app's chosen investment portfolio. For example, if you're only investing $5 per month, the total fees are $2.50 per month and the returns are less than 1% per month, you might be better off sticking to a savings account.
The fees. There is any number of fees that a micro-investment app may charge. Some of the most common include:
- Brokerage fees. The cost each time you invest or make a transaction.
- Subscription or management fees. An ongoing monthly or yearly fee to keep the account open.
- Other fees. Additional costs may include cancellation fees, withdrawal fees, transaction fees and account opening fees.
That said, you don't need to be a millennial to take advantage of the benefits of micro-investing. Anyone who thinks they might benefit from the convenience of an automatic investment plan should consider the benefits of this approach.
Expert insight: Why try micro-investing?
"Micro-investing is one way to start out and dip your toe into the world of investing. By allowing you to invest small amounts of money, it lowers the barrier to entry, making investing accessible even if you have limited funds."
Benefits of micro-investing
It's easy
- It's quick and simple to set up an account with a micro-investing platform and link it to your bank accounts. It then acts like a sort of electronic piggy bank for your spare change.
It's convenient
- Micro-investing requires minimal input on your part. Because the entire process is automated, you can start building an investment balance without even realising it.
You can start a savings habit
- By getting into micro-investing from a young age, you can create positive saving habits that will last a lifetime. It's an effective way for Australians who have never invested their money before to make a start.
Minimal investment required
- You don't need a huge bank balance to take advantage of a micro-investing platform. You can start by investing your small change and then watch your balance grow.
Choose from diversified portfolios
- The money in your investment fund can be balanced in a diversified ETF portfolio based on your financial goals and your appetite for risk. You don't need to be an investment expert or have specialised financial knowledge.
What are the risks of micro-investing?
No guarantee of returns
- Like any investment strategy, there's no guarantee that the investment portfolio that you choose will perform as you hope. In fact, if the investors behind the app lose money, then your balance will fall. This is why it is important to align your goals and objectives with your risk tolerance.
Fee for service
- It's worth noting that these platforms aren't free. You'll pay a management fee. This will either be a flat fee or calculated based on the percentage in your account. These fees may also differ depending on your account balance, so it's key to monitor your account regularly to make sure the fee structure continues to work in your favour.
Easy to set and forget your account
- Many investors choose to micro-invest because it's easy to set and forget. This can be a good thing in a bull market as it stops you from trying to overly manage and gets rid of the temptation to overtrade. It also runs the risk that the investor doesn't regularly review the performance of the fund. As such, you could underperform your own expectations while still paying for a service that isn't living up to your expectations.
Is micro-investing right for me?
Micro-investing platforms can be a good option for those who are completely new to investing and want to get started as easily as possible. With a range of accessible features and low minimum investment requirements, they can be a great way to get into the habit of investing.
However, the ongoing fees of many micro-investing apps mean they're probably not the most cost-effective over the long term. While the monthly fees may seem relatively low, they can quickly add up over time and mean you have less money to actually invest.
Once you're more familiar with the process, it's probably worth moving to a low-cost share trading platform that gives you more investing options and flat fees that don't eat into your investments.
Sources
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