Australia has three main micro-investing apps for retail investors: Raiz, Spaceship Voyager, and CommSec Pocket. Each has different strengths, fee structures, and target users. This guide compares all three to help you understand which may be most appropriate for your situation.
General information only — this comparison does not constitute a recommendation to use any specific platform.
Quick Comparison
| Raiz | Spaceship | CommSec Pocket | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | $5 | $1 | $50 |
| Monthly fee | $3.50 (<$20K) | $3.00 (<$100K) | None |
| Per-transaction fee | None | None | 0.2% (min $2) |
| Portfolio options | 8 | 3 | 7 ETFs (you choose) |
| Round-ups | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Automation | High | Medium | Low |
| Transparency | Low | Medium | High (you own the ETF) |
| Super product | ✅ Raiz Super | ❌ | ❌ |
| Best for | Automation/beginners | Tech-focused | Transparency/ETF buyers |
Platform Summaries
Raiz — Best for automation and round-ups
Raiz is Australia’s most feature-rich micro-investing app. The round-up feature is unique and powerful for investors who struggle to save consistently. With 8 portfolio options (including ESG, crypto exposure, and a custom option), it provides the most flexibility. The $3.50/month fee is the highest of the three — but the automation and round-up features arguably deliver more value for beginners.
Best for: Beginners, those who want set-and-forget automation, investors who want round-up investing, those wanting an integrated super product.
Spaceship — Best for tech-focused investors
Spaceship is the simplest of the three — just three portfolio options, a clean interface, and a low $1 minimum. No round-ups, no super. The Universe portfolio is concentrated in global technology companies — which has delivered strong returns in tech bull markets but significant volatility. The Origin portfolio takes a more traditional index approach.
Best for: Younger investors with a technology investment thesis, those seeking a clean simple interface, ESG-conscious investors (Earth portfolio).
CommSec Pocket — Best for transparency and ETF ownership
CommSec Pocket is the most transparent option — you buy and hold named ETFs (IOZ, IVV, NDQ, etc.) directly, rather than units in an opaque managed portfolio. No monthly fee — pay only when transacting. The $50 minimum and no automation make it less suitable for very small, frequent investing.
Best for: Investors who want to know exactly what they own, those depositing $500+ at a time, CommBank customers who want integrated access, investors stepping up from micro-investing to real ETF ownership.
Fee Comparison at $5,000 Balance
Assuming $100/month invested, $5,000 current balance, 12 transactions/year:
| Platform | Annual cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raiz | $42 | Flat $3.50/month |
| Spaceship | $36 | Flat $3.00/month |
| CommSec Pocket | $24 | 12 × $2 min fee (on $100/month = $1,200 total invested/12 transactions) |
CommSec Pocket is cheapest at this contribution level — but requires manual action each month.
Fee Comparison at $20,000+ Balance
| Platform | Annual cost at $20K | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raiz | $55 (0.275%) | Switches to % above $20K |
| Spaceship | $36 (flat) | Flat fee applies to $100K |
| CommSec Pocket | $0 ongoing (pay per transaction) | No balance-based fee |
At larger balances, Spaceship’s flat fee advantage grows relative to Raiz. CommSec Pocket has no ongoing balance fee — only transaction fees when you buy.
When to Graduate Beyond Micro-Investing
As your balance grows, consider transitioning to a full brokerage account:
| Balance | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $0–$5,000 | Micro-investing apps are fine — build the habit |
| $5,000–$15,000 | Consider whether monthly fees justify staying |
| $15,000–$20,000+ | SelfWealth ($9.50/trade flat) or Pearler is likely more cost-effective |
| Any balance | For direct ETF ownership, full brokerage provides more choice |
See Micro-Investing vs ETFs Australia for a detailed comparison.
Related Articles
- Raiz Review Australia
- Spaceship Review Australia
- CommSec Pocket Review Australia
- Raiz vs Spaceship Australia
- Micro-Investing vs ETFs Australia
- Micro-Investing hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Which micro-investing app is best for beginners in Australia? For true beginners, Raiz is typically the most beginner-friendly due to its round-up automation and simple onboarding. The ability to invest spare change without making active decisions builds the habit of investing. As your balance grows, evaluating whether the fees remain justified is worthwhile.
Are there any free micro-investing apps in Australia? CommSec Pocket has no monthly fee — you only pay 0.2% (min $2) when you transact. At infrequent contributions of $500+, this is relatively low-cost. There is no truly zero-fee micro-investing app in Australia once you account for either flat monthly fees or transaction fees.
Is micro-investing better than a savings account? For money needed within 1–2 years, a high-interest savings account (Macquarie, ING, Ubank — ~4.5–5%+ in 2025–26) is lower risk and government-guaranteed up to $250,000. For money with a 3–5+ year horizon, micro-investing offers higher expected returns (though with no guarantee). The right choice depends on your time horizon and risk tolerance.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Platform fees, features and returns change regularly — always verify current information directly with each provider. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.