CommSec Pocket is CommBank’s beginner-focused investing app, designed to make it simple for new investors to start investing in ETFs. Launched in 2019, CommSec Pocket offers a streamlined selection of ETFs, a $2 flat brokerage fee for trades up to $1,000, and CHESS sponsorship — making it one of the most accessible entry points to ETF investing in Australia.
CommSec Pocket at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brokerage (≤$1,000) | $2.00 flat |
| Brokerage (>$1,000) | 0.20% of trade value |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| CHESS sponsored | Yes |
| Minimum investment | $50 |
| Available investments | 10 curated ETFs |
| Fractional ETFs | No |
| Auto-invest | No |
| Mobile app | Yes (iOS and Android) |
| CommBank integration | Yes |
Available ETFs
CommSec Pocket offers a curated selection of ETFs across major themes, designed to simplify investment decisions for beginners:
| Theme | ETF |
|---|---|
| Australian shares | VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares) |
| International shares | VGS (Vanguard International Shares) |
| Sustainability | ETHI (BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders) |
| US tech | NDQ (BetaShares NASDAQ 100) |
| Asia ex-Japan | IAA (iShares Asia 50) |
| Healthcare | IXJ (iShares Global Healthcare) |
| Responsible | FAIR (BetaShares Australian Sustainability Leaders) |
| Fixed income | IAF (iShares Core Composite Bond) |
| Cash | BILL (iShares Core Cash ETF) |
| Small companies | VSO (Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies) |
The 10-ETF selection covers the main categories a beginner investor needs — broad market, international, bonds, and thematic — without overwhelming choice.
Brokerage Fee Structure
The $2 flat fee applies to trades up to $1,000. Above $1,000, the fee becomes 0.20% — at $2,000 this equates to $4, at $5,000 it’s $10. The fee structure is competitive for small trades but becomes less so compared to Superhero ($2 flat regardless of size for ETFs) for larger contributions.
| Trade | CommSec Pocket | Superhero | SelfWealth |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $2.00 | $2.00 | $9.50 |
| $500 | $2.00 | $2.00 | $9.50 |
| $1,000 | $2.00 | $2.00 | $9.50 |
| $2,000 | $4.00 (0.20%) | $2.00 | $9.50 |
| $5,000 | $10.00 (0.20%) | $2.00 | $9.50 |
CHESS Sponsorship
CommSec Pocket is CHESS sponsored — ETF units are held in the investor’s name via HIN. This is a meaningful advantage for a beginner app, as many competitors at similar price points use custodian models.
CommSec Pocket vs CommSec
CommSec Pocket is a separate product from CommSec’s standard brokerage platform. CommSec offers access to all ASX-listed shares, ETFs, international markets, options, and margin lending. CommSec Pocket limits users to 10 curated ETFs.
Investors who grow beyond the 10 ETFs or want individual shares can upgrade to CommSec Standard.
CommSec Pocket Pros and Cons
Pros
- $2 brokerage for trades up to $1,000 — competitive for small amounts
- CHESS sponsored — shares held in your name
- Extremely simple interface — suitable for beginners
- $50 minimum — very accessible
- CommBank integration for easy funding
Cons
- Limited to 10 ETFs — no individual shares
- 0.20% fee above $1,000 — more expensive than Superhero for larger contributions
- No auto-invest or recurring investment
- Cannot access broader ASX market
Who Is CommSec Pocket Best For?
CommSec Pocket suits:
- Absolute beginners making small initial investments ($50–$1,000)
- CommBank customers wanting seamless bank-to-investment account integration
- Investors wanting CHESS sponsorship in a beginner-friendly app
- Those wanting a curated, simplified ETF selection
Investors contributing more than $1,000 regularly may find Superhero’s flat $2 more cost-effective.
Related Articles
- CommSec Review
- Best Broker for Beginners Australia
- Best ETF Broker Australia
- VAS ETF Review
- VGS ETF Review
- Share Trading Platforms hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CommSec Pocket safe? CommSec Pocket is operated by CommBank’s brokerage arm and is CHESS sponsored — ETF units are held in the investor’s name. It operates under an AFSL regulated by ASIC.
Can I transfer my CommSec Pocket holdings to CommSec? CommSec Pocket and CommSec are connected — holdings can generally be viewed across both, and investors can upgrade from Pocket to the full CommSec platform.
Does CommSec Pocket pay dividends? Yes. ETF distributions are paid to the investor’s nominated bank account, the same as with any other brokerage account.
This article provides general financial information only. CommSec Pocket 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.