Investing can seem complicated if you don’t know much about it. Add in a range of trading platforms (some with multiple products, such as CommSec), and things can get a little confusing. If you’re asking yourself whether you should invest in CommSec, CommSec Pocket, or both, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s compare both.
What is Commsec?
CommSec is an online trading platform that gives you access to several major Australian and international stock exchanges such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and the NASDAQ, a US stock exchange where some of the largest companies in the world are listed.
Huh. However, to trade in US stocks you will need a ComSec International Share Trading account.
When you open a share trading account with CommSec, you can buy and sell shares in publicly listed companies. For example, you can buy shares in Qantas, which is listed on ASX.
What is CommSec Pocket?
CommSec Pocket is an investing app that’s great for beginners. You can start investing with as little as $50 and grow your portfolio as you learn the ropes.
When you invest with CommSec Pocket, you buy units in a bundle of assets known as an Exchange Traded Fund or ‘ETF’.
You can choose from seven themed ETFs in the CommSec Pocket app, including:
• Australian Top 200: This includes the 200 largest ASX companies.
• Australian Dividends: Focuses on 30+ companies that are known to pay above-average dividends (profits to shareholders like you).
• Global 100: Covers approximately 100 major global companies.
• Emerging Markets: Gives you access to 800+ companies in fast-growing economies like China, Taiwan, and India.
• Healthwise: Contains about 100 companies focused on medical innovation.
• Sustainability Leaders: Provides you with information on nearly 200 companies that have been screened to avoid negative environmental, social, or governance risk activities.
• Tech Savvy: Includes nearly 100 of the biggest tech innovators on the NASDAQ.
Features and Fees: A Side-by-side Comparison CommSec and CommSec Pocket
When it comes to specifics, how do CommSec and CommSec Pocket stack up?
Here’s a quick table to help you compare.
CommSec | CommSec Pocket | |
Minimum beginning investment | $500 | $50 |
Account funding option | Bank transfer | Bank transfer |
Share trading | Yes | No |
ETF trading | Yes | Yes |
Trading fee (Rates listed are for CDIA Settlement) | $10.00 (Up to and including $1,000) $19.95 (Over $1,000 up to $10,000) $29.95 (Over $10,000 up to $25,000) 0.12% (Over $25,000) | $2.00 for trades up to and including $1,000 0.20% of the value of trades above $1,000 |