Finding the best online share trading platforms

Are you looking for the best online brokers in New Zealand? Thanks to the rise of online share trading platforms in the past couple of decades, it’s now easier than ever to buy shares online or on your mobile phone.

But with so many options to choose from, you’ll want to make sure you’re picking the right one for you. Our guide covers everything you should consider when comparing investment apps, including fees, trading options and support features.

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How to compare share trading platforms

There are plenty of things you’ll need to consider when looking at different platforms, however it all comes down to how you’re intending to use it. Ask yourself, do you want to buy New Zealand shares or are global shares important too? And do you consider yourself to be a beginner or an advanced investor?

Your answers will help you to decide which share trading platform will benefit you the most. Here are some of the key features to look at when comparing online share trading platforms:

• The fees. Almost every online trading platform will charge you a brokerage fee when you buy or sell shares, ranging from around $15 to $30 per trade. However, fees may be calculated as a percentage of the transaction amount for larger trades and may also be lower depending on how frequently you trade. Some providers also charge ongoing subscription or inactivity fees on top of this, especially with the more feature-dense platforms.
• What can you trade? Some trading platforms will not only give you access to New Zealand shares but also international shares. Others will also allow you to trade CFDs, forex, indices, currencies and much more, so look for this functionality if it’s important to you.
• Ease of use. Share market trading can be complicated and often requires you to respond quickly to market changes. With this in mind, look for a platform that allows you to make fast and precise trades with minimum fuss.
• Access to market data and research. Does the platform offer dynamic, real-time or delayed market updates? Some platforms offer research and broker analysis on individual stocks that can come in handy.
• Trade options. Consider the options available when you are buying or selling shares. Can you place orders at market and/or at limit, and are stop/loss orders an option to add more flexibility to your trading?
• Reporting. Check what reporting tools each platform offers to help you track how your trades are performing, record dividends and pass on any relevant information to the IRD at tax time.
• Margin loans. If you’re looking to borrow money to build your portfolio, check to see whether the platform provider offers margin loans.
• Customer support. Look for phone, email and live online chat support. Do they offer customer service 24/7 if you’re having trouble placing a trade?
• Education. Some platforms also feature a range of educational tools and resources, such as how-to guides and webinars, to help you get more out of your trading account.
• Security. How secure is the platform and what measures are in place to ensure the safety of your funds?

Find the best share trading platform to suit you

How can you choose a share trading platform that’s right for you? Ask yourself the following questions:

• What type of trader am I? Are you a casual trader, an active trader or an expert investor? This will influence the features you’re looking for in an online broker and their trading platform. From the ease of use of the system through to the market research information available, it’s critical that the trading platform complements your trading needs.
• How often will I trade? If you buy or sell shares once or twice a month (or even less), you’re most likely a casual investor. The more you trade each month, the more likely you are to need a share trading platform that offers an extensive range of features and expert analysis. Some platforms charge inactivity fees or higher broker fees if you don’t place a minimum number of trades per month, quarter or year.
• How will I place trades? Will you be placing all your trades online, via a mobile app or over the phone? Check the fees charged for the different ways to place trades.
• What will I be trading? While shares are the most commonly traded security, you can also trade a wide range of other securities through online brokers. Consider whether you want access to international shares, forex and CFDs as well as New Zealand stocks.
• How much does it cost? As well as ongoing fees, consider the brokerage fees that apply to your transactions and whether they may be waived or reduced if you satisfy certain criteria, such as placing a specified number of trades each month.

What fees will I pay to trade shares?

There are two main fees that commonly apply when you use online share trading platforms:

• Brokerage fees. Brokerage fees are the charges that apply to each buy and sell transaction, and they usually vary depending on the size of your buy or sell order or how often you trade.
• Ongoing fees. These apply monthly or annually, but not all providers will charge ongoing fees. This may depend on how frequently you trade, for example inactivity fees are often charged if you don’t place any trades within a certain period of time.

Brokerage fees vary greatly between providers but typically start at around the $15 to $30 range. For large transactions, fees of around 0.3% and up usually apply. If you’re planning on making lots of trades, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a platform that offers low per-trade fees.

Some providers will not charge any monthly fees at all. However, more advanced trading platforms and those that offer premium services will often charge a monthly fee. A number of brokers will waive this fee if you perform more than a certain number of trades each month.

Finally, remember that many brokers offer different membership levels – for example gold, silver and platinum – which offer different features and therefore attract varying fees.

What companies offer share trading platforms?

The table below contains details of the fees charged by a selection of share trading platforms and accounts in New Zealand. Keep in mind that some of these platforms are geared towards casual investors while others are designed for experienced investors.

How do I apply for a share trading platform account?

Once you’ve found the right online share trading platform, it’s quick and easy to apply for an account. If the platform is run by your bank and you already have an internet banking account, there’s often very little you have to do except deposit funds into your share trading account and start placing orders.

If you’re signing up for an account with a new provider, however, you’ll generally need to provide the following details:

• Your name, address and contact details
• Your tax number
• Your driver’s licence number
• Your linked bank account details

Once you’ve deposited funds into your account – a minimum deposit amount may apply – you’re ready to start trading.

Ready to start trading shares?

Once you’ve found a share trading platform and you’re ready to start investing, it’s actually quite easy to get started buying and selling shares. Read our guide on how to buy shares online here for a step-by-step guide to buying shares.

Share trading glossary

• Bear market: This term refers to when prices on the market are falling and further falls are expected to occur.
• Blue chip stock: A blue chip stock is a large company with a steady history of turning a profit.
• Brokerage fee: This is the fee you must pay to a share trading platform when you use the platform to buy or sell shares.
• Bull market: Opposite to a bear market. This term applies when share market prices are rising and expected to continue to rise.
• Contract note: This confirms a buy or sell transaction and includes details such as the type of share, the price paid and the quantity traded
• Dividend: Companies can distribute their profits or earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends. A dividend is calculated as a number of cents for each share you own.
• Float: The initial raising of capital through public subscription to a security.
• Fundamental analysis: This involves analysing the financial statements of a business to determine its overall financial standing.
• Futures: Futures are contracts to buy or sell an asset at a specified future date.
• Limit order: A limit order specifies the maximum (when buying) or minimum (when selling) price you are willing to accept for a share transaction.
• Listed company: Listed companies have shares that are purchased and sold through the NZX.
• Live price: This is the price of a share at a precise moment in time.
• Market order: A market order is an order to buy or sell a share at its current market price.
• NZClear (New Zealand Electronic Registries Interface System): This NZX system settles share trades and acts as the central registry for the electronic transfer of share ownership.
• NZX: The abbreviation for the New Zealand Stock Market, New Zealand’s primary stock exchange
• NZX 50 Index: This is an index of the performance of the share prices of around 50 of New Zealand’s biggest companies. Also referred to as the NZ50.
• Short selling: This is when you borrow a security and subsequently sell it, with the obligation to buy it back in future at a much lower price.
• Volatility: This reflects the amount of fluctuation in share prices.
• Warrant: This gives its holder the right to purchase a security within a certain timeframe and at a specific price.
• Yield: This is your return on an investment and is expressed as a percentage.

Frequently asked questions about share trading platforms

• What is the smallest trade I can do?

  The minimum amount of shares you can purchase in a company is $500.

• What is the difference between a market order and a limit order?

  When you place a buy or sell order, you will need to select whether you want to place it ‘at market’ or ‘at limit’. Market orders will be executed at the best available price on the market at the time the order is lodged, while limit orders allow you to set a maximum (when buying) or minimum (when selling) price limit for your transaction. If your limit price is never reached on the market, your order will not be executed.

• Can I test out share trading platforms before signing up?

  Yes, some providers will allow you to open a demo account which allows you to trade dummy shares and get a feel for how the system works. This can be a great way to determine whether a certain platform is right for you.

• What are dividends?

  Many NZX companies will pay dividends to their shareholders twice a year. Dividends are your share of the company’s profits or earnings and are usually paid as a number of cents per share you own. However, it is not compulsory for companies to pay dividends from their earnings and they may choose to reinvest those earnings back into the company.

• How do I make money from shares?

  There are a couple of ways in which you can generate wealth through shares:

  • Through a rise in the price of the shares you own, allowing you to sell them for profit
  • Through a company’s profits and earnings which they pay out as dividends to shareholders

• I've heard that I should diversify my share portfolio - what does that mean?

  Diversifying your share portfolio basically means spreading your share purchases across a wide range of business and industries to minimise your risk. For example, if you only have shares in a few companies that all operate in the manufacturing sector, you could be risking significant losses if the manufacturing industry suffers a downturn. But if you purchase shares in businesses across a wide range of industries, this spreads your risk out across different market sectors and can help safeguard your money.

• What are 'blue chip' companies?

  Blue chip companies are large companies that regularly turn a profit. They are featured in the NZX Top 50 Index and include companies like Fisher & Paykel and Sky City.

• What are some of the other advantages of trading shares?

  When compared to the cost of investing in property, for example, shares are relatively cheap. They’re flexible, allowing you to buy and sell whenever it suits you and potentially make quick profits, plus they can be sold quickly and easily if you need quick access to funds. Finally, you don’t need a large amount of money to get started in shares, with the minimum trade limit set at $500.

• Is it complicated to place a trade?

  Not particularly. Buying or selling is simply a matter of indicating how many shares you wish to purchase or sell and specifying whether you want to place a market order or a limit order.

• Do online brokers provide advice on which shares to buy?

  Yes, depending on the share trading platform you choose and possibly on the level of membership you choose, you may very well be able to access expert stock recommendations.

• How do I know what fees will apply?

  Every online share trading platform will need to detail the fees that apply to members and transactions, both in terms of ongoing fees and brokerage fees per transaction. Read the fine print of your chosen platform to make sure you’re aware of all fees and charges that may apply to your trades.

• Can I trade international shares?

  Yes, some online share trading platforms will also allow you to trade international shares.

• Can I open a joint account with my spouse?

  You’ll have to check the terms and conditions of your chosen online broker, but in most cases it is no problem to establish a joint account and start trading.

• Can I cancel or change an order after I have placed it?

  Yes you can, as long as the order is still open and has not been executed. However, keep in mind that market orders are placed instantly, so this really only applies to at limit orders.

• How can I become a better trader?

  The best approach to improve your trading skills is to research, research and research. From trading strategies to financial news, company announcements and market activity, staying up to date with anything and everything related to your planned trades and the share market in general could help increase your levels of success. There are also plenty of courses you can take to learn the ins and outs of online trading. Make sure you only study with a trusted education or training organisation.

• Where can I find out more about the New Zealand Stock Exchange?

  The best place to go for information on the New Zealand Stock Exchange is nzx.com.

• Can I borrow money to buy shares?

  Yes, there are two main approaches to borrowing money to purchase shares:

  • Margin lending. This is offered by some banks and large stockbroking firms and involves using your existing, shares or managed funds as security.
  • Using the equity in your home to take out a loan for investment purposes.
  • Unsecured loans, although these will have high interest charges.

  However, remember that there are many risks associated with borrowing money for an investment on which returns are far from guaranteed.