ETF investing has become the go-to strategy for Australian investors building diversified portfolios. But choosing the right broker matters—especially when it comes to ETF trading fees.
The difference between free ETF trades and paying $10 per trade can cost you thousands over a 20-year investment journey. This guide breaks down the best ETF brokers for Australian investors, comparing fees, features, and which platform suits different investing styles.
Why ETF Broker Choice Matters
ETF investing is about building wealth through consistent, low-cost investing. If your broker charges you $10 or $15 per trade, those fees compound. Over 10 years, even small differences in fees can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost growth.
The best ETF brokers for Australian investors offer:
✓ Free or very low ETF trading fees
✓ Access to both ASX and international ETFs
✓ Good research tools to compare ETFs
✓ Simple, intuitive interfaces
✓ Competitive pricing for currency conversion (if buying international ETFs)
Top ETF Brokers Compared
1. moomoo - Best Overall for ETF Investors
Fee Structure: moomoo offers zero brokerage on ETF trades, making it the cheapest option for most investors.
Why it wins: Free ASX and international ETF trades, excellent research tools, real-time data access, and ability to build large portfolios without paying per-trade fees.
Best for: Active ETF investors, dividend ETF portfolios, international diversification
Cost over 10 years (50 ETF trades): $0
2. Stake - Best for Simplicity
Fee Structure: Stake charges zero brokerage on ASX ETF trades and offers fractional ETF shares.
Why it wins: Simple interface, no account minimum, easy to get started, fractional shares let you invest smaller amounts.
Best for: Beginner ETF investors, people wanting fractional shares, US/AU ETF mix
Cost over 10 years (50 ETF trades): $0
3. SelfWealth - Best for Buy-and-Hold
Fee Structure: Flat $10 per ETF trade, but subscription option available for frequent traders.
Why it wins: Australian-owned, simple platform, good research tools, robo-advisor options available.
Best for: Infrequent traders (under 5 trades per month), set-and-forget investors
Cost over 10 years (50 ETF trades): $500
Fee Comparison: The Real Cost
| Broker | Per Trade Cost | 10 Trades/Year | 10 Year Cost (100 trades) |
|---|---|---|---|
| moomoo | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Stake | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| SelfWealth | $10 | $100 | $1,000 |
| CommSec | $10 | $100 | $1,000 |
Which ETF Broker Should You Choose?
For ASX ETF Portfolios
Winner: moomoo or Stake
Both charge zero brokerage. If you're building a pure ASX ETF portfolio of VAS, VGS, VAS/VGS, or dividend ETFs, either works perfectly.
For Diversified ETF Investing
Winner: moomoo
If you want international ETFs alongside ASX ones, moomoo's research tools make comparing international ETFs easier.
For Frequent Rebalancing
Winner: moomoo
If you rebalance quarterly or adjust allocations regularly, zero brokerage on every trade saves significant money.
For Complete Beginners
Winner: Stake
Simplest interface, no learning curve, free to start. Build confidence before moving to more advanced platforms.
ETF Trading Costs Beyond Brokerage
Spread Costs
Some brokers charge a spread on ETF purchases. This is the difference between the buying and selling price. moomoo and Stake both offer tight spreads, keeping this cost minimal.
Currency Conversion
If buying international ETFs, you'll pay to convert AUD to USD. moomoo offers competitive FX rates.
How to Build an ETF Portfolio on These Platforms
Step 1: Open an Account
Choose between moomoo or Stake. Both are free and take 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Research ETFs
Use the platform's research tools. Look for ETFs with low fees and good tracking records. Common choices: VAS (ASX-listed), VGS (international), VAS+VGS split portfolio.
Step 3: Start Investing
Decide on your allocation and make your first purchase. With zero brokerage, there's no penalty for starting small.
Step 4: Automate
Set up regular investments. Most platforms support automatic monthly contributions.
Our Top Pick
For most Australian ETF investors, moomoo is the best choice. Zero brokerage fees, excellent research tools, and the ability to build diverse portfolios without worrying about per-trade costs make it unbeatable for long-term ETF investing.
Start with moomoo, explore the platform, and you'll understand why it's the preferred choice for serious ETF investors.
Disclaimer: This article is educational only and does not constitute financial advice. ETF performance varies and past results don't guarantee future performance. Verify current fees and features on broker websites before opening accounts. We may earn commissions from affiliate links at no cost to you.