Finding the right share trading platform in Australia can feel like navigating a maze. There are dozens of options, each with different fees, features and quirks. Stake has become one of the most talked about platforms among Australian investors over the past few years, and for good reason. But is it actually the best choice for you?
This honest Stake review covers everything you need to know before opening an account, including fees, features, what you can and cannot trade, and how it compares to other popular Australian brokers.
What is Stake
Stake is an Australian share trading platform founded in Sydney in 2017. It was originally built specifically to give Australians easy access to US stocks, which was surprisingly difficult and expensive at the time through traditional Australian brokers.
Since launching, Stake has expanded significantly. You can now trade both US stocks and Australian shares through the same platform. The app is available on iOS and Android and has a clean, modern interface that appeals particularly to younger investors.
Stake is regulated by ASIC, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which provides important consumer protections for Australian users.
Who is Stake Best For
Stake works well for Australian investors who want to invest in US stocks and ETFs without paying excessive fees. It is also a solid option for beginner investors who want a clean, easy to use interface. If you plan to buy US-listed ETFs like VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) or VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) directly, Stake is one of the most cost effective ways to do this from Australia.
It is less suited to active traders who need advanced charting tools, or to investors who want to focus exclusively on Australian shares, where Pearler and CommSec have specific advantages.
Stake Fees Australia
This is where Stake genuinely stands out compared to older Australian brokers. Here is a breakdown of the main fees:
US market trading: Stake charges zero brokerage fees on US stock and ETF trades. This is a significant advantage. Traditional Australian brokers that offer US market access often charge AUD 15 to AUD 30 per trade. On Stake, you pay nothing.
Australian market trading: Stake charges AUD 3 per trade for ASX shares and ETFs. This is extremely competitive. For comparison, CommSec charges AUD 19.95 for trades up to AUD 10,000. Pearler charges AUD 6.50 per trade but has a lower fee for their autoinvest feature.
Currency conversion: When you fund your account to trade US stocks, Stake charges a 0.7 percent foreign exchange fee when converting AUD to USD. This is reasonable but worth factoring in if you are making frequent US trades.
Stake Black subscription: Stake offers an optional premium subscription called Stake Black for AUD 9 per month. This includes unlimited US trades, priority customer support and other features. For very active US traders it may make sense, but most buy and hold investors will do fine on the free plan.
What Can You Trade on Stake
US stocks and ETFs: Stake gives you access to all major US listed stocks and ETFs. This includes giants like Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet, as well as ETFs like VOO, VTI, QQQ and many others.
ASX shares and ETFs: Stake added Australian market access, meaning you can buy ASX listed shares like Commonwealth Bank, BHP and CSL, as well as popular Australian ETFs like VAS, VGS, A200 and VDHG.
Options and OTC stocks: Stake has introduced options trading for more experienced investors, though this is not relevant for most beginners.
Stake App and Platform Experience
The Stake app is one of its strongest selling points. It is clean, modern and easy to navigate. The design clearly targets a younger demographic who expects a smooth mobile experience rather than clunky desktop software.
Key features include a portfolio overview showing your holdings and performance, a discover section for exploring stocks and ETFs, access to company financials and basic research, price alerts, and recurring investment options for Australian shares.
The platform is not designed for serious technical analysis. If you want advanced charts, indicators and real time data feeds, you will be better served by Interactive Brokers or similar professional platforms.
Stake vs Pearler vs CommSec
It helps to see how Stake compares to the two other most popular Australian options.
Stake vs Pearler: Pearler is specifically designed for long term ETF investors and has features like autoinvest that make dollar cost averaging very easy. Pearler charges AUD 6.50 per ASX trade versus Stake’s AUD 3, so Stake is cheaper for Australian shares. However, Pearler does not offer US market access, which is a major reason many investors prefer Stake. If you only want Australian ETFs, Pearler is worth serious consideration. If you want US stocks, Stake wins.
Stake vs CommSec: CommSec is the largest and most established broker in Australia but its fees are considerably higher. CommSec charges AUD 19.95 for trades up to AUD 10,000 compared to Stake’s AUD 3. For Australian shares, Stake is dramatically cheaper. CommSec does have advantages in research tools, customer support reputation and the comfort of being backed by Commonwealth Bank.
Is Stake Safe
Yes, Stake is regulated by ASIC which provides important protections for Australian investors. Stake also uses third party custodians to hold client assets separately from Stake’s own assets. This means that even if Stake were to experience financial difficulties, your shares are held separately and are protected.
For US stock trading, Stake uses DriveWealth LLC, an SEC registered broker dealer in the United States, to execute and custody US trades. DriveWealth is a member of FINRA and SIPC, providing an additional layer of protection.
Stake Pros
Zero brokerage on US stocks is a genuine game changer for Australian investors who want international exposure. The AUD 3 fee for Australian shares is highly competitive. The app is clean, modern and easy to use. Both US and Australian markets are accessible in one platform. ASIC regulation provides important consumer protections.
Stake Cons
The platform lacks advanced charting and research tools. Currency conversion fees apply when funding your USD account. Customer support response times can be slow during busy periods. The autoinvest feature for Australian shares is less developed than Pearler’s equivalent.
Final Verdict
Stake is an excellent choice for Australian investors who want low cost access to both US and Australian markets in one easy to use app. The zero brokerage fee on US stocks is a standout feature that no major traditional Australian broker can match, and the AUD 3 ASX fee is very competitive.
If your investing strategy involves buying US ETFs like VOO or VTI, or US stocks alongside your Australian investments, Stake deserves strong consideration. If you are exclusively focused on Australian ETFs and want the best autoinvest features, Pearler may serve you slightly better.
For beginners who are just starting out in Australia, Stake is one of the friendliest and most affordable platforms available.
You can learn more about building an ETF portfolio in our guide to the best ETFs for Australian beginners and compare all the top Australian brokers in our dedicated broker comparison article.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions. Financebaz may earn a commission if you open an account through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.