VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
A CURATED DIRECTORY OF FINANCIAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES
CommSec Review, Pricing, and Features
CommSec
CommSec is Commonwealth Bank's Australian self-directed broker. Domestic shares are CHESS-sponsored, while international trades use a separate custodied account. Domestic costs vary by settlement method, and international orders add market-based brokerage plus 0.55% FX.
Best for
- Australian residents looking for a domestic broker connected to Commonwealth Bank settlement.
- Investors looking for CHESS-sponsored Australian holdings plus optional multi-market international access.
- Active Australian investors who want options, market tools, and bank-linked settlement.
Watch out
- International access requires Australian residence, an existing CommSec Australian Shares Account and a CDIA.
- The A$5 to A$29.95 tiers require CDIA or eligible margin-loan settlement. Settlement through another bank starts at A$29.95.
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Pricing
Key fees from the official fee schedule
Source-checked · Aug 23, 2026Australian shares with CDIA or eligible loanAustralian shares
Online Australian shares settled to another bankAustralian shares
U.S. market through International SharesInternational
Supported non-U.S. international marketsInternational
International currency conversionInternational
The Commonwealth Direct Investment Account is a separate Commonwealth Bank deposit used for settlement. Its interest and Financial Claims Scheme treatment must not be generalized to cash inside the international brokerage wallet. Australian CHESS-sponsored holdings are HIN-based. International holdings use a nominee and custodian structure in which the customer is beneficial rather than registered legal owner. CommSec Pocket, margin lending, exchange-traded options, CommSecIRESS and advised or banking products have distinct eligibility, pricing or risk terms and are not blended into the standard share-trading offer. See the Commonwealth Securities Limited fee schedule for your country.
Key features
- CHESS-sponsored Australian shares, ETFs and listed investments.
- International stocks across U.S., Canada, Europe and Asian markets.
- Domestic online brokerage from A$5 with eligible CDIA settlement.
- Custodian-supported international fractional and recurring orders.
- Exchange-traded options, research, screeners, and market tools.
- Domestic financial-year summaries and international tax documents.
Broker details
Account and availability
Available in 1 countryAustralian shares
Available in 1 countryInternational
AccountAustralian shares
Individual, Joint, Company, Formal trust, SMSF, Minor trust · AUD base currency · No general trading-account minimum stated
AccountInternational
Individual, Joint, Australian company, Formal trust, SMSF · AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NOK, SEK, CHF, SGD base currency · Existing Australian Shares Account and CDIA required
Cash and trading
Interest on uninvested cashAustralian shares
0.65% to 2.45% by balance tier
Interest on uninvested cashAustralian shares
1.90% below A$50k; 2.75% from A$50k
Interest on uninvested cashInternational
No public general customer rate
DepositsAustralian shares
No deposit fee stated; settlement changes brokerage
Linked Commonwealth Direct Investment Account, eligible CommSec margin loan or nominated Australian bank settlement account · Subject to bank transfer and trade-settlement timing
DepositsInternational
Instant funding A$0; FX 0.55% per conversion leg
Transfer from linked CDIA to the International Shares account, followed by automatic or wallet currency conversion · Instant buying power can be available; settlement and conversion rules apply
Withdrawals
International instant withdrawal A$0; FX and bank fees can apply
Transfer settled cash to the linked CDIA or nominated eligible bank account · Varies by settlement, conversion, market and bank processing
Fractional sharesAustralian shares
Not available
Australian listed shares and ETFs · Whole CHESS units
Fractional sharesInternational
Limited availability
Custodian-supported international stocks and ETFs · No universal minimum stated; recurring orders generally 10 in local currency
Tax support · Australia
Statements only
Regulation and protection
Commonwealth Securities Limited
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) · AFSL 238814
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and ASIC · AFSL 234945
ASX CHESS direct ownership · No compensation limit; HIN-based registration
CommSec-sponsored Australian holdings are recorded through CHESS and supported by holding statements. CHESS sponsorship does not protect against market loss.
Commonwealth Securities LimitedAustralian Financial Claims Scheme for eligible CDIA deposits · Up to A$250,000 per account holder per authorised deposit-taking institution
Applies to eligible deposits held directly with Commonwealth Bank and is aggregated with the customer's other eligible CBA deposits. It does not cover securities or market loss.
Commonwealth Bank of AustraliaSegregated nominee and international custody structure · No customer compensation limit stated by CommSec
International assets are segregated in CommSec Custodial Nominees' name, with Interactive Brokers LLC as international custodian/legal owner and the customer retaining beneficial ownership. Recovery remains subject to custody and insolvency rules.
Commonwealth Securities LimitedSource-checked · Reviewed Aug 23, 2026 · Official sources: CommSec financial services guide, CommSec International Shares terms and conditions, Open a CommSec International Shares Account, CommSec CHESS holding statements, Where CommSec international shares are held, Commonwealth Bank transaction, savings and investment account rates, CommSec international fractional shares, CommSec end-of-financial-year statements, CommSec International Shares client guide
FAQ
Is CommSec free?
CommSec should not be treated as free software. Brokerage access may have no monthly charge, but transaction, FX, market-data, custody, transfer, product, or spread costs can apply depending on the offer and jurisdiction. Check the broker details and official fee schedule.
Who is CommSec best for?
It suits beginner, intermediate, and advanced users.
What platforms and connections does CommSec support?
You can use CommSec on Web and Mobile.
Which markets does CommSec cover?
CommSec covers APAC, North America, and Europe. Examples include AU. It tracks Stocks, ETFs, and Options. Identifiers include Ticker.
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