Broker comparison

CommSec vs.
Stake

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Checked on 22 October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides

Both are based in Sydney, ASIC-regulated and ask for no minimum deposit — so the choice comes down entirely to what you want to trade. CommSec is the only one of the two with ASX options and also covers warrants and managed funds, but costs from AUD $10 a trade. Stake trades US stocks commission-free and Australian ones from AUD $3, but offers neither options nor any other derivatives.

Australia's largest online broker by Commonwealth Bank

Australian neobroker for commission-free US and ASX stock trading

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsCommSec Web, CommSec AppStake App, Stake Web
Product typesStocks, ETFs, Options, Warrants, Managed FundsStocks, ETFs
Options tradingYes, ASX options availableNo
Fee modelfrom AUD $10 per trade (up to $1,000), AUD $19.95 (up to $10,000)$0 commission on US stocks, AUS stocks from AUD $3 per trade
Minimum deposit0 AUD0 AUD
RegulationASICASIC
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

CommSec

CommSec Web, CommSec App

Stake

Stake App, Stake Web

Product types

CommSec

Stocks, ETFs, Options, Warrants, Managed Funds

Stake

Stocks, ETFs

Options trading

CommSec

Yes, ASX options available

Stake

No

Fee model

CommSec

from AUD $10 per trade (up to $1,000), AUD $19.95 (up to $10,000)

Stake

$0 commission on US stocks, AUS stocks from AUD $3 per trade

Minimum deposit

CommSec

0 AUD

Stake

0 AUD

Regulation

CommSec

ASIC

Stake

ASIC

More information

CommSec

Details

Stake

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

from AUD $10 per trade (up to $1,000), AUD $19.95 (up to $10,000)

Published fee
from AUD $10 per trade (up to $1,000), AUD $19.95 (up to $10,000)
Minimum deposit
0 AUD
See terms at provider

$0 commission on US stocks, AUS stocks from AUD $3 per trade

Published fee
$0 commission on US stocks, AUS stocks from AUD $3 per trade
Minimum deposit
0 AUD
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Worked out

What does it actually cost?

Typical months at CommSec and Stake, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.

ScenarioCommSecStake
ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a monthA$2CommSec Pocket regular investing: A$2 per order up to A$1,000 × 1A$3Standard A$3 per trade up to A$30k × 1 (no separate recurring-order fee listed)
10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a monthA$100Online, settled to CDIA: A$10 per trade (A$1,000–3,000) × 10A$30ASX: A$3 per trade (up to A$30k) × 10
Custody and account fee per yearA$0Account keeping fee $0, inactivity fee A$0—No account-fee statement confirmed on pricing page

Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: commsec.com.au · hellostake.com

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

StocksETFsOptionsWarrantsManaged Funds
StocksETFs

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

CommSec Web · CommSec App

CommSec offers trading through CommSec Web and the CommSec App. The web platform is comprehensive, offering research tools, stock screeners, detailed market data, charting features, and access to ASX options trading. The mobile app enables quick trading and portfolio monitoring on the go with push notifications and watchlists. CommSec is seamlessly integrated with Commonwealth Bank online banking and enables instant transfers between accounts.

Explore platform

Stake App · Stake Web

Stake offers trading through the Stake App and Stake Web. The mobile app is the centerpiece of the offering, providing a simple, modern interface for buying and selling US and Australian stocks. The web platform complements the offering with an expanded portfolio overview. Both platforms are designed for user-friendliness, offering basic charting features and real-time quotes but no advanced analysis tools or screeners.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

CommSec

Commonwealth Securities Limited (ABN 60 067 254 399, AFSL 238814), CBA subsidiary

Supervisor
ASIC
Investor compensation
ASX shares CHESS-sponsored under the client's own HIN; Australia has no general investor compensation scheme
Cash
Settles via a CDIA account at Commonwealth Bank; Financial Claims Scheme up to A$250,000 per bank

Stake

Stakeshop Pty Ltd (ACN 610 105 505), authorised representative 1241398 of Stakeshop AFSL Pty Ltd (AFSL 548196); US shares custodied by DriveWealth

Supervisor
ASIC
Investor compensation
Australia has no general investor compensation scheme; US shares held via US custodian DriveWealth
Cash
Not confirmed on an official page

Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

For Commonwealth Bank customers who want their bank account and broker linked and ASX exchange-traded options. Orders cost more, but you get research and banking integration.

  • Australia's most well-known and largest broker
  • Seamless integration with Commonwealth Bank
  • Comprehensive research and analysis tools
  • Higher fees than neobrokers
  • Only available for Australian customers

For cost-conscious investors who want cheap ASX and US shares in a lean app. There are no options and no direct crypto purchases.

  • Commission-free US stock trading
  • Access to Wall Street and ASX in one app
  • Simple, modern app
  • Primarily for Australian customers
  • FX fees for US stock trading

Find the broker that fits

CommSec oder Stake?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Open The Dealing Room

In-depth analysis

Entry and fees: The entry barrier is zero at both — neither CommSec nor Stake asks for a minimum deposit. After that the cost models diverge. CommSec charges from AUD $10 a trade up to AUD $1,000 of order value and AUD $19.95 up to AUD $10,000. Stake trades US stocks commission-free and Australian stocks from AUD $3 a trade, but applies an FX conversion fee on US trading. For small, frequent orders Stake is markedly cheaper; if you buy in larger blocks anyway, the difference bites less.

Products and platforms: This is the real dividing line, and it is a sharp one. CommSec trades stocks, ETFs, options, warrants and managed funds, and is the only one of the two offering ASX options. Stake restricts itself to stocks and ETFs — no options, no derivatives. If you want to run an options strategy, Stake simply has no instrument for it. On platforms, CommSec provides a web interface and an app and brings comprehensive research and analysis tools; Stake backs a deliberately lean, modern app that puts Wall Street and the ASX in one place.

Profile and verdict: CommSec (4.0/5 from 1,800 reviews) was founded in 1995 and belongs to Commonwealth Bank, with account and brokerage tightly linked accordingly. Stake (4.0/5 from 800 reviews) has been running since 2017 and is built as a neobroker. With identical ratings, the decision is not about quality but about intent: options, warrants and funds exist only at CommSec, commission-free US stock trading only at Stake. Both are aimed primarily at Australian customers.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between CommSec and Stake?
CommSec: from AUD $10 per trade (up to $1,000), AUD $19.95 (up to $10,000). Stake: $0 commission on US stocks, AUS stocks from AUD $3 per trade. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: CommSec or Stake?
CommSec offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Warrants, Managed Funds. Stake offers Stocks, ETFs.
How are CommSec and Stake regulated?
The broker profiles list ASIC for CommSec and ASIC for Stake. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is CommSec or Stake better for beginners?
CommSec lists a 0 AUD minimum deposit and offers CommSec Web, CommSec App. Stake lists 0 AUD and offers Stake App, Stake Web. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
CommSec vs Stake: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between CommSec (4/5, 1800 reviews) and Stake (4/5, 800 reviews) depends on your needs. CommSec: Australia's largest online broker by Commonwealth Bank. Stake: Australian neobroker for commission-free US and ASX stock trading.

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