Choosing the right share trading platform is one of the most important decisions for an Australian investor. In 2025, the market is crowded, but for long-term investors, CHESS sponsorship is the non-negotiable feature for security.
⚡ Quick Verdict: The 2025 Winners
- 🏆 #1 Overall Pick: Moomoo. It combines the lowest flat fee ($3), full CHESS sponsorship, and the best welcome bonus (free Apple shares potential).
- 🤖 Best for Automation: Pearler. The "Autoinvest" feature is unmatched for set-and-forget investors.
- 🛠️ Essential Add-on: Sharesight. The only way to accurately track performance and automate tax reporting for any of these brokers.
This guide compares the five best CHESS-sponsored brokers, breaking down their fees, standout features, and hidden "gotchas".
2025 Broker Showdown
| Broker | Brokerage (ASX) | Best For... | Sign-up Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moomoo | $3.00 | Overall Value | 🎁 Up to 12 Free Stocks |
| CMC Invest | $0 (Under $1k) | Small Daily Buys | None |
| Stake | $3.00 | Simplicity | $10 or Stock |
| Pearler | $5.50 - $6.50 | Automation | $20 Credit |
| Webull | $0 (ETFs only) | ETF Traders | Varies |
The Criteria: What Matters?
- CHESS-Sponsored Only: All brokers reviewed hold your shares directly in your own name (HIN).
- Low Fees: We prioritize platforms that support low-cost Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA).
- Automation: Ability to "set and forget" your investing.
1. Moomoo (Winner) 🏆
Moomoo has taken the top spot in 2025 by successfully combining professional-grade tools with the lowest flat-fee pricing in the market.
Why it wins:
It is currently the cheapest way to trade CHESS-sponsored shares without the daily limits that apply to CMC. Plus, its new recurring buy feature makes it a legitimate rival to Pearler for automation.
🛡️ Is Moomoo Safe?
Yes. Despite being a newer entrant, Moomoo Australia is ASIC regulated (AFSL 224663) and CHESS sponsored. This means your shares are legally yours, not held by Moomoo. Your cash is held in segregated trust accounts with Australian banks like HSBC.
✅ The Pros
- Lowest flat fee ($3)
- Advanced analysis tools included free
- 24/5 US Trading access
❌ The Cons
- App can be overwhelming for beginners
- Currency conversion fees on US trades
💡 Pro Tip: Moomoo's reporting is great for trading, but for tax time, I highly recommend syncing your Moomoo account with Sharesight to automate your capital gains and dividend tracking.
💰 Moomoo: Exclusive Welcome Bonus
Get $0 brokerage for 30 days and up to 12 free stocks. Plus, transfer an existing portfolio to unlock huge rewards (up to an iPhone 16 Pro value).
Claim Moomoo Offer & Free StocksT&Cs apply. Capital at risk.
2. CMC Invest
CMC Invest is a veteran in the space and remains the king of "small balance" investing.
Best Feature: $0 brokerage on buy orders under $1,000 (limited to one per stock, per day). This allows disciplined investors to build a portfolio for free.
✅ The Pros
- Free trades for small buys
- Established, trusted brand
❌ The Cons
- High fees on sells ($11 minimum)
- Mobile app is less modern than Moomoo/Stake
3. Stake
Stake revolutionized the market with $3 brokerage. It offers the cleanest, simplest user interface of the bunch.
Best Feature: Simplicity. If Moomoo is too complex for you, Stake is the best alternative.
4. Pearler
Pearler is built for the "FIRE" (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community. It doesn't encourage trading; it encourages accumulating.
Best Feature: Autoinvest. You can set up a direct debit, and Pearler will automatically buy your target ETFs for you, balancing your portfolio as it goes.
Pearler: Cash Bonus
Use code RUI242410 to get a $20 cash credit after your first trade.
Claim Pearler Offer5. Webull
Webull is the dark horse, offering $0 brokerage on all ETFs (Buy and Sell).
Best For: Investors who only trade ETFs and want to keep costs at absolute zero.
🛠️ The Essential Tool for All Investors
Buying shares is easy. Tracking dividends, corporate actions, and calculating CGT for the ATO is hard. You need a portfolio tracker.
★ Sharesight
Sharesight is the industry standard for Australian investors. It connects with Moomoo, CMC, and others to automatically record your trades.
- ✅ Automates tax reporting (EOFY is a breeze)
- ✅ Tracks true annualized performance
- ✅ Tracks dividend reinvestment plans (DRPs)
Deal: Use the link below to save 33% (4 months free) on an annual premium plan.
Claim 4 Months FreeNeed a Side-by-Side Comparison?
I've built a detailed Excel spreadsheet comparing every fee and feature. Download it for free (Password: bonus).
Download Broker Cheat Sheet