Australian investors wanting to buy individual ASX-listed shares have a wide range of brokers to choose from. Unlike ETF investing — where brokerage is the main differentiator — share investors often also value research tools, real-time data, charting, and company fundamental information. This guide compares the best ASX share brokers for 2026.
ASX Share Brokerage Comparison
| Platform | Flat fee | CHESS | Research tools | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superhero | $5.00 | Yes | Basic | Delayed |
| SelfWealth | $9.50 | Yes | Moderate | Delayed |
| IG | $8.00 | No | Advanced | Real-time |
| Moomoo | ~$0 | No | Advanced | Real-time |
| CMC Invest | $0 (1st/month) / $11+ | Yes | Moderate | Delayed |
| CommSec | $19.95 | Yes | Comprehensive | Real-time (pay) |
| Stake | $3.00 | No | Basic | Delayed |
| Pearler | $6.50 | Yes | Basic | Delayed |
| Saxo | 0.12% (min $10) | No | Advanced | Real-time |
Best for Passive Share Investors (Buy-and-Hold)
Superhero ($5 flat, CHESS) or SelfWealth ($9.50 flat, CHESS)
For investors buying individual ASX shares with the intention of holding long-term, fee minimisation and CHESS sponsorship are the priorities. Superhero’s $5 flat is cheaper for all trade sizes. SelfWealth is $9.50 flat but is an ASX-listed company.
Best for Active ASX Share Traders
Moomoo (commission-free, advanced charting) or CommSec (comprehensive research, CHESS)
Active traders benefit from real-time data, advanced charting, and detailed fundamental research. Moomoo provides the best free research and charting tools in the Australian retail market. CommSec provides the most comprehensive ASX-specific research platform with CHESS sponsorship.
Best for Research and Company Data
CommSec — broadest ASX research for retail investors, including broker analyst reports, company financials, corporate actions, and news. Comes at a higher brokerage cost ($19.95 standard).
Moomoo — advanced charting, financial statements, short interest data, real-time data all included free. No CHESS.
Best CHESS-Sponsored Option with Reasonable Research
SelfWealth — $9.50 flat, CHESS, moderate research tools, and an ASX-listed company
Brokerage Cost Comparison — Individual ASX Share Trade
$5,000 single share trade:
| Platform | Brokerage | As % of trade |
|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | ~$0 | ~0% |
| Superhero | $5.00 | 0.10% |
| Stake | $3.00 | 0.06% |
| Pearler | $6.50 | 0.13% |
| IG | $8.00 | 0.16% |
| SelfWealth | $9.50 | 0.19% |
| CommSec | $19.95 | 0.40% |
CHESS Matters for Share Investors
Individual shares carry more complexity than ETFs — including shareholder rights, AGM votes, dividend reinvestment plans, and corporate actions. CHESS sponsorship ensures these rights flow directly to you. Custodian brokers may pass through some corporate actions but the mechanism is less direct. See CHESS vs Custodian.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CommSec worth the higher brokerage for ASX shares? CommSec’s research tools and CHESS-sponsored AFSL reliability have value. For active traders or investors who regularly use company research, fundamental data, and news — the higher brokerage may be justified. For buy-and-hold investors who do minimal research, the $10–$15 saving per trade at SelfWealth or Superhero compounds meaningfully over time.
Can I use Moomoo for long-term ASX share investing? Yes. Despite its active trading reputation, Moomoo is perfectly usable for long-term share investing. The caveat is the custodian model — your ASX holdings are not CHESS sponsored.
Does brokerage count as a tax deduction? Brokerage is not immediately deductible as an expense. It forms part of the cost base of your shares (adding to the purchase cost) and reduces proceeds on sale — both of which affect your capital gain calculation.
This article provides general financial information only. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can find one through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.