Compare Investment Platforms

Find the best investment platform for your needs. Compare fees, features, and minimum investments across New Zealand's most popular platforms.

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Showing 16 of 16 platforms

ASB Securities

NZ & AU share investors who want a classic local broker

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeOnline: NZX $15 (≤$1k), $30 ($1k–$10k), 0.30% (> $10k). ASX same. Intl (phone): 0.60% + 0.40% agency (mins apply)
FX FeeVaries (ASB bank FX margin/rates)
Minimum InvestmentNo stated platform minimum

Key Features

  • NZX & ASX online trading
  • International markets via phone dealing
  • Cash Management Account
  • NZX firm; nominee/custody available

Pros

  • +Established NZ broker
  • +Straightforward NZX/ASX pricing
  • +Branch/support from a major bank

Cons

  • -No fractional shares
  • -International trading by phone with higher fees
  • -FX margins apply for foreign trades
Visit ASB Securities

BlackBull Markets (Shares)

Active traders wanting direct market access (NZX/ASX/US)

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeNZX: 0.16% (min NZ$14). ASX: 0.12% (min A$14). US: US$0.06/share (min US$10, max 0.40% trade value)
FX FeeFrom ~0.002% of trade value or US$1 min (for FX conversion)
Minimum InvestmentNo platform minimum (standard account)

Key Features

  • Direct NZX, ASX and US share trading
  • Advanced order types & platforms
  • NZ-based broker

Pros

  • +Competitive brokerage across NZ/ASX/US
  • +Good for active traders
  • +Local NZ presence

Cons

  • -Interface/tools geared to advanced users
  • -Fee schedule is market-specific and detailed
Visit BlackBull Markets (Shares)

eToro (availability varies by country)

Investors who value social/copy trading and fractional stocks

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeStocks: $1–$2 commission may apply depending on country/exchange
FX FeeConversion fees vary by method/region (e.g., 0.75% with recurring invests; other methods 1.5–3.0%)
Minimum InvestmentFirst deposit for NZ residents: ~US$1,000 (then $50)

Key Features

  • Real stocks (long, unleveraged)
  • Copy trading & Smart Portfolios
  • Fractional shares

Pros

  • +Social/copy features unique
  • +Fractionals & recurring invests
  • +Simple onboarding

Cons

  • -Conversion fees can be higher than peers
  • -Some features/markets vary by country
Visit eToro (availability varies by country)

Hatch

US stock investors with larger portfolios

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading Fee$3 USD per trade
FX Fee0.5%
Minimum Investment$100 NZD

Key Features

  • US market access
  • Fractional shares
  • Research tools
  • Tax reporting

Pros

  • +Flat fee structure
  • +Good for larger trades
  • +Extensive US market access
  • +Educational resources

Cons

  • -US markets only
  • -Not ideal for small trades
  • -FX fees on all transactions
Visit Hatch

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Experienced investors trading globally with larger portfolios

Fees

Account FeeFree (no monthly/maintenance)
Trading FeeUS stocks (IBKR Pro): ~US$0.0005–0.0035/share (mins apply)
FX Fee0.08–0.20 bps × trade value (min ~US$2)
Minimum InvestmentNo account minimum

Key Features

  • Access to 150+ markets globally
  • Pro‑grade tools (TWS, APIs)
  • Fractional US shares on many symbols
  • Very low FX conversion costs

Pros

  • +Ultra‑low commissions & FX
  • +Best global market coverage
  • +Powerful research & order types

Cons

  • -Learning curve for new investors
  • -Interface less “app‑like” than others
Visit Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

Invest Direct (Jarden)

Buy-and-hold NZX/ASX investors who value a traditional broker

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeNZX/ASX online: 0.20% (min $29.90). US/other markets: higher; e.g., US $69.50 or 0.60% (greater of)
FX FeeApprox. 0.89% FX margin
Minimum InvestmentNo stated platform minimum

Key Features

  • NZX & ASX online trading
  • Access to US/International markets
  • Research & corporate actions support

Pros

  • +Trusted NZ investment firm (Jarden)
  • +Robust market access
  • +Good for larger, less frequent trades

Cons

  • -Higher brokerage than discount apps
  • -FX margin adds to total cost
Visit Invest Direct (Jarden)

InvestNow

Index fund and managed fund investors

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading Fee$0 (funds), $30 setup + $15/month (shares)
FX FeeVaries by fund
Minimum Investment$250 (funds), $50 (regular)

Key Features

  • 140+ managed funds
  • No transaction fees for funds
  • Regular investment plans
  • PIE funds available

Pros

  • +No fees for fund investing
  • +Wide range of funds
  • +Good for passive investors
  • +Tax-efficient PIE funds

Cons

  • -Higher minimums than Sharesies
  • -Share trading is expensive
  • -Less intuitive interface
Visit InvestNow

InvestNow (Managed Funds Marketplace)

Hands‑off ETF/index/managed‑fund investors

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading Fee$0 for buying/selling funds on platform
FX FeeVaries by fund
Minimum Investment$250 initial (many funds), $50 regular

Key Features

  • Marketplace of 140+ funds
  • No transaction fees on funds
  • Regular investment plans
  • PIE funds; broad managers selection

Pros

  • +No brokerage on funds
  • +Easy diversification
  • +Tax‑efficient PIE options

Cons

  • -No individual share trading
  • -Minimums higher than Sharesies
Visit InvestNow (Managed Funds Marketplace)

Kernel

Passive index fund investors

Fees

Account FeeFree up to $25k, then 0.25% p.a.
Trading Fee$0
FX FeeIncluded in fund fees
Minimum Investment$1

Key Features

  • Index funds only
  • Auto-rebalancing
  • Goal-based investing
  • Carbon neutral funds

Pros

  • +Low fees for index investing
  • +Simple, focused offering
  • +Socially responsible options
  • +No transaction fees

Cons

  • -Limited to Kernel funds only
  • -No individual stock trading
  • -Annual fee above $25k
Visit Kernel

Sharesies

Complete beginners and small investors

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading Fee0.5% (NZ), 0.5% (US), 1.9% (AUS)
FX Fee0.5%
Minimum Investment$0.01

Key Features

  • Fractional shares
  • Auto-invest
  • Kids accounts
  • NZ, US, Australian markets

Pros

  • +Very low minimum investment
  • +User-friendly interface
  • +Great for beginners
  • +Fractional shares available

Cons

  • -Higher fees for small amounts
  • -Limited research tools
  • -No options trading
Visit Sharesies

Simplicity (Investment Funds)

Set‑and‑forget passive fund investing

Fees

Account FeeFree (management fees apply at fund level)
Trading Fee$0 (buy/sell fund units)
FX FeeIncluded within fund costs
Minimum InvestmentLow minimums; regular contributions supported

Key Features

  • Non‑profit manager
  • Diversified index funds
  • Very low management fees (~0.29%)
  • Ethical screening

Pros

  • +Low, transparent fees
  • +Simple, diversified funds
  • +Good long‑term option

Cons

  • -No individual stock picking
  • -Limited fund menu vs marketplaces
Visit Simplicity (Investment Funds)

Smartshares (Direct ETFs)

Long‑term ETF investors happy with scheduled buys

Fees

Account Fee$30 one‑off establishment fee
Trading Fee$0 (regular savings/direct purchase)
FX FeeIncluded within ETF fees
Minimum Investment$500 initial, then $50+ regular

Key Features

  • NZ’s largest ETF range (~40+ ETFs)
  • Regular savings/auto‑invest
  • Broad global & local exposures

Pros

  • +Simple access to ETFs without a broker
  • +Diversification in one step
  • +Clear ongoing costs

Cons

  • -Higher initial minimum ($500)
  • -Ongoing minimum $50 per contribution
Visit Smartshares (Direct ETFs)

Stake (NZ)

US & AU share investors who want flat‑fee simplicity

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeUS: US$3 per trade; ASX: A$3 per trade
FX Fee1% FX conversion on deposits/withdrawals
Minimum InvestmentNo stated platform minimum

Key Features

  • US and ASX markets
  • Clean, flat pricing
  • Modern mobile/web apps

Pros

  • +Simple, low flat brokerage
  • +Good for larger trade sizes
  • +Popular US market access

Cons

  • -Markets limited to US/AU
  • -FX conversion charged on funding
Visit Stake (NZ)

Superhero (NZ)

Beginners focusing on US/ASX with tiny starting amounts

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeUS: US$2 per trade (≤US$20k, then 0.01%). ASX: A$2 per trade (≤A$20k, then 0.01%)
FX Fee50 bps added to the exchange rate
Minimum InvestmentUS$10 (US trades), A$10 (ASX trades) min trade size

Key Features

  • US & ASX shares and ETFs
  • Low $2 brokerage up to capped amounts
  • Simple app experience

Pros

  • +Very low, flat brokerage
  • +Low minimum trade sizes
  • +Straightforward for beginners

Cons

  • -No NZX shares yet
  • -FX markup applies on currency transfers
Visit Superhero (NZ)

SuperLife (Funds & ETFs)

DIY fund builders who want lots of choice

Fees

Account Fee$12/year admin + fund fees
Trading Fee$0 (buy/sell fund units)
FX FeeIncluded within fund costs
Minimum InvestmentLow minimums (often from small amounts)

Key Features

  • 35+ diversified & sector funds
  • Access to Smartshares ETFs
  • Auto‑invest and rebalancing options

Pros

  • +Huge fund menu
  • +Low admin fee
  • +Easy to build diversified portfolios

Cons

  • -Fund fees vary by option
  • -No direct stock trading
Visit SuperLife (Funds & ETFs)

Tiger Brokers (NZ)

Cost‑focused investors needing multi‑market access

Fees

Account FeeFree
Trading FeeNZX: 0.10% commission + 0.20% platform fee (min NZ$2 each). US: from US$1.99/trade. ASX: from A$2.49/trade
FX Fee0.35% (e.g., NZD⇄USD/AUD)
Minimum InvestmentNo platform minimum

Key Features

  • NZX, US, ASX, HK, SG markets
  • Mobile-first platform
  • Options & margin available

Pros

  • +Very low NZX/ASX/US brokerage
  • +Broad global market access
  • +Fast in-app FX

Cons

  • -Fee structure (commission + platform) can be confusing
  • -Geared more to active traders
Visit Tiger Brokers (NZ)

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PlatformMin. InvestmentAccount FeeTrading FeeBest ForWebsite
ASB Securities
No stated platform minimumFreeOnline: NZX $15 (≤$1k), $30 ($1k–$10k), 0.30% (> $10k). ASX same. Intl (phone): 0.60% + 0.40% agency (mins apply)NZ & AU share investors who want a classic local broker
BlackBull Markets (Shares)
No platform minimum (standard account)FreeNZX: 0.16% (min NZ$14). ASX: 0.12% (min A$14). US: US$0.06/share (min US$10, max 0.40% trade value)Active traders wanting direct market access (NZX/ASX/US)
eToro (availability varies by country)
First deposit for NZ residents: ~US$1,000 (then $50)FreeStocks: $1–$2 commission may apply depending on country/exchangeInvestors who value social/copy trading and fractional stocks
Hatch
$100 NZDFree$3 USD per tradeUS stock investors with larger portfolios
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
No account minimumFree (no monthly/maintenance)US stocks (IBKR Pro): ~US$0.0005–0.0035/share (mins apply)Experienced investors trading globally with larger portfolios
Invest Direct (Jarden)
No stated platform minimumFreeNZX/ASX online: 0.20% (min $29.90). US/other markets: higher; e.g., US $69.50 or 0.60% (greater of)Buy-and-hold NZX/ASX investors who value a traditional broker
InvestNow
$250 (funds), $50 (regular)Free$0 (funds), $30 setup + $15/month (shares)Index fund and managed fund investors
InvestNow (Managed Funds Marketplace)
$250 initial (many funds), $50 regularFree$0 for buying/selling funds on platformHands‑off ETF/index/managed‑fund investors
Kernel
$1Free up to $25k, then 0.25% p.a.$0Passive index fund investors
Sharesies
$0.01Free0.5% (NZ), 0.5% (US), 1.9% (AUS)Complete beginners and small investors
Simplicity (Investment Funds)
Low minimums; regular contributions supportedFree (management fees apply at fund level)$0 (buy/sell fund units)Set‑and‑forget passive fund investing
Smartshares (Direct ETFs)
$500 initial, then $50+ regular$30 one‑off establishment fee$0 (regular savings/direct purchase)Long‑term ETF investors happy with scheduled buys
Stake (NZ)
No stated platform minimumFreeUS: US$3 per trade; ASX: A$3 per tradeUS & AU share investors who want flat‑fee simplicity
Superhero (NZ)
US$10 (US trades), A$10 (ASX trades) min trade sizeFreeUS: US$2 per trade (≤US$20k, then 0.01%). ASX: A$2 per trade (≤A$20k, then 0.01%)Beginners focusing on US/ASX with tiny starting amounts
SuperLife (Funds & ETFs)
Low minimums (often from small amounts)$12/year admin + fund fees$0 (buy/sell fund units)DIY fund builders who want lots of choice
Tiger Brokers (NZ)
No platform minimumFreeNZX: 0.10% commission + 0.20% platform fee (min NZ$2 each). US: from US$1.99/trade. ASX: from A$2.49/tradeCost‑focused investors needing multi‑market access

Which Platform is Right for You?

Decision Tree

Start: What's your investment experience?
Beginner
New to investing
How much to start with?
$5-$50
Very small amounts
Sharesies
Fractional shares
$250+
Larger amounts
InvestNow
No account fees
Experienced
Some investing knowledge
What do you want to invest in?
US Stocks
Individual companies
Hatch
Research tools
Index Funds
Diversified portfolios
Kernel
Goal-based

Sharesies

Perfect for beginners with small amounts

  • Start with as little as $5
  • Buy fractional shares
  • User-friendly interface

InvestNow

Best for fund investing with no fees

  • No account or transaction fees
  • Wide range of managed funds
  • $250 minimum investment

Hatch

Ideal for US stock market investing

  • Access to US stocks and ETFs
  • Research tools and analysis
  • Flat $3 trading fee

Kernel

Simple goal-based index fund investing

  • Low-cost index funds
  • Goal-based investing approach
  • ESG/sustainable options

Still Not Sure?

Answer these quick questions to get a personalized recommendation

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How much can you invest monthly?
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What's your risk tolerance?
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What are your goals?

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