CMC Markets is a global financial services group operating in Australia under an AFSL. While CMC Markets is widely known internationally for CFD and forex trading, in Australia it offers CMC Markets Invest — a CHESS-sponsored investing platform for ASX shares, ETFs, and international markets. CMC Invest is separate from CMC’s CFD/margin trading platform.
CMC Invest at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| First trade per month (ASX) | $0 (free) |
| Subsequent ASX trades | $11 per trade (≤$1,000) or 0.10% (min $11) |
| International shares brokerage | Variable by market |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| CHESS sponsored | Yes |
| Minimum investment | $1 (for $0 first trade) |
| Fractional shares | No |
| Auto-invest | No |
| Mobile app | Yes |
The First-Trade-Free Model
CMC Invest’s most distinctive feature is that the first buy or sell trade each month is free (for ASX trades). This makes it particularly cost-effective for investors making a single monthly purchase — common in ETF DCA strategies.
After the first trade, fees apply:
- ≤$1,000: $11 flat
$1,000: 0.10% of trade value (minimum $11)
For a single monthly ETF purchase, CMC Invest can be the cheapest option on the market.
CHESS Sponsorship
CMC Invest is CHESS sponsored — shares are registered directly in the investor’s name with a HIN. This is a notable advantage for investors who want the safety of CHESS at potentially zero brokerage for their monthly contribution.
International Shares
CMC Invest provides access to international markets including US, UK, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong. International brokerage fees vary by market and are generally percentage-based.
CMC Invest vs Competitors — Monthly DCA Investor
For an investor making a single monthly ETF purchase:
- CMC Invest: $0 for the first trade — cheapest
- Superhero: $2 per ETF trade
- Pearler: $6.50 per trade
- SelfWealth: $9.50 per trade
This makes CMC Invest potentially the most cost-effective platform for strict one-trade-per-month investors who want CHESS sponsorship.
CMC Invest Pros and Cons
Pros
- First trade free per month — potentially $0 brokerage for single monthly DCA
- CHESS sponsored
- International market access
- No monthly fee
- Backed by established global broker (CMC Markets)
Cons
- 0.10% fee on subsequent trades — expensive for active traders
- No auto-invest / scheduled purchase
- Less well known than CommSec or Pearler among retail investors
- Interface less polished than dedicated investing apps
Who Is CMC Invest Best For?
CMC Invest suits:
- Investors making a single monthly ETF purchase (DCA) who want CHESS and $0 brokerage
- Investors wanting international share access at a competitive broker
- Investors who prefer an established institutional-grade platform
Active investors or those making multiple trades per month may find Superhero or SelfWealth cheaper overall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMC Invest the same as CMC Markets CFD trading? No. CMC Markets Invest is a separate platform from CMC’s CFD and forex trading service. CMC Invest is a standard investing platform for buying and holding shares and ETFs. CFD trading involves significantly higher risk and leverage.
Is CMC Invest CHESS sponsored? Yes. ASX-listed securities purchased through CMC Invest are CHESS sponsored and held under the investor’s own HIN.
How many free trades does CMC Invest offer? One free ASX trade per month (first buy or sell). All subsequent trades within the same calendar month are charged at the standard fee schedule.
This article provides general financial information only. CMC Markets Invest fees and features described are as of the date of publication and may have changed. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can find one through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.