CommSecfrom 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
Broker comparison
CommSec vs.
Stake
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Updated: October 2026
See comparisonCommSec
StakeVS
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.
CommSecAustralia's largest online broker by Commonwealth Bank
StakeAustralian neobroker for commission-free US and ASX stock trading
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | CommSec | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | CommSec Web, CommSec App | Stake App, Stake Web |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Warrants, Managed Funds | Stocks, ETFs |
| Options trading | Yes, ASX options available | No |
| Fee model | from 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 deposit | 0 AUD | 0 AUD |
| Regulation | ASIC | ASIC |
| More information | Details | Details |
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
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
CommSecStake$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
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
CommSecCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationStakeCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
CommSecStocksETFsOptionsWarrantsManaged Funds
StakeStocksETFs
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
CommSecCommSec 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 platformStakeStake 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 platformRegulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
CommSecAustralia's largest online broker by Commonwealth Bank
- 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
StakeAustralian neobroker for commission-free US and ASX stock trading
- 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.
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.
Your next step
Your next step
CommSecAustralia's largest online broker by Commonwealth Bank
Open accountRead reviewStakeAustralian neobroker for commission-free US and ASX stock trading
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.