Best NZ Share Trading Platforms in 2025: Full Comparison Guide
Introduction
New Zealand's investment landscape has rapidly evolved, making it easier than ever for everyday Kiwis to invest in shares. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch platforms, understanding the pros and cons of each option is essential in 2025. This guide compares the top NZ share trading platforms to help you make an informed decision, focusing on fees, plan structures, and user-friendliness.
1. Sharesies
Promotion Code: SOTM10 (Valid until 31/12/2025)
Sharesies is a popular choice among beginner investors thanks to its user-friendly interface and very low entry point (fractional investing for as little as $1). It supports NZ, US, and Australian markets and offers multiple subscription plans:
- Minimum investment: $1
- Markets: NZX, ASX, US
- 0.5% FX fee
- Ideal for: Beginners, casual investors, and those who want plan flexibility.
Sharesies Plans & Fees
| Pay as you go | $3 Plan | $7 Plan | $15 Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan fee | No monthly fee | $3 /month or $32.40 /year | $7 /month or $75.60 /year | $15 /month or $162 /year |
| Buy & sell orders | 1.9% transaction fee ($5 USD Max) | $500 /month covered | $1,000 /month covered | $5,000 /month covered |
| Auto-invest orders | 1.9% transaction fee ($5 USD Max) | $1,000 /month covered | $3,000 /month covered | $10,000 /month covered |
2. Hatch
Hatch focuses on the US market and is known for its detailed investment data and sleek interface. It charges a flat $3 USD per trade for adult accounts and just $0.50 USD per trade for kids’ accounts, with a 0.5% FX fee on deposits/withdrawals.
- Minimum investment: No minimum
- Markets: US stocks & ETFs only
-
Fees:
- USD $3 per trade (adults), USD $0.50 per trade (kids)
- 0.5% FX fee
- Ideal for: Intermediate investors focusing on the US market, or parents investing for kids
3. Stake
Stake offers two tiers: a free plan and “Stake Black.” Both charge $3 USD per trade (or 0.01% above $30,000) and have a 1% FX fee. Stake Black costs $13 NZD /month (annual billing) or $15 NZD /month, adding features like instant funding and advanced order types.
- Minimum investment: No minimum
- Markets: US only
-
Fees:
- $3 USD per trade (0.01% above $30k)
- 1% FX fee
- Stake Black: $13 /month (annual) or $15 /month
- Ideal for: Experienced investors wanting advanced tools (Black) or casual traders wanting simple US exposure (Free plan)
4. ASB Securities
ASB Securities is a traditional brokerage with a strong reputation in New Zealand. Its fees are higher (starting from $15 per trade), but you get full NZX access and solid company research tools, which appeal to more serious or long-term investors.
- Minimum investment: Varies
- Markets: NZX and some global options
- Fees: From $15 per trade
- Ideal for: Long-term investors wanting robust research and local-market focus (NZX/ASX only, US Share not available)
Illustrative Fee Comparison: Single $1,000 NZD Trade for Apple
Below is an approximate scenario of what it might cost to buy $1,000 NZD of Apple shares on each platform under each platform’s cheapest or default plan. Actual results will vary by day depending on FX rates and exact fees:
| Platform | Plan Chosen | FX Fee (@ 0.5700) | Trade Fee (USD) | Total Est. Cost (NZD) | Est. USD You Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharesies | Pay as you go | 0.5% on $570 USD = $2.85 USD | 1.9% on $565.15 USD = $5 ( |
$2.85 + $5 = $7.85 USD total | $562.15 USD |
| Hatch | Standard Adult | 0.5% on $570 USD = $2.85 USD | $3 USD | $2.85 + $3 = $5.85 USD total | $564.15 USD |
| Stake | Free Plan | 1% on $570 USD = $5.70 USD | $3 USD | $5.75 + $3 = 8.7 USD total | 561.30 USD |
| ASB Securities | Standard | $15+ (NZD) | N/A (NZX/ASX) | N/A | N/A |
*Note: The above numbers are illustrative. Exact amounts will vary.
What if you make multiple trades per month?
- Sharesies: Upgrading to a $3, $7, or $15 plan can reduce or eliminate the 1.9% (or $5 USD) transaction fee for a certain amount of trades. If you frequently invest or auto-invest, the monthly plan could save you money overall.
- Hatch: The $3 USD per trade remains the same. If you make many trades, your total cost adds up. However, if you deposit one large sum and then invest gradually, you only pay the 0.5% FX fee once.
- Stake: The $3 USD per trade remains the same. If you trade frequently and want instant funding or advanced order types, consider Stake Black ($13–$15 /month). Frequent traders benefit from extra features but still face the 1% FX fee on each deposit.
- ASB Securities: At $15+ per trade, fees can stack up quickly for frequent trading. However, for large or infrequent NZX trades, it may still be cost-effective and convenient.
Which Platform Suits Which Investor?
Casual/Budget Investor: Sharesies Pay-As-You-Go or Stake’s free plan might be best if you only make small or occasional trades.
Beginner/New to Investing: Sharesies (simple interface, fractional shares) or Hatch (straightforward US share purchases).
Parents Investing for Kids: Hatch offers a kids’ account at $0.50 USD per trade, very cost-effective for small, frequent buys.
Frequent Trader: Sharesies’ higher-tier plans can reduce per-trade fees. The monthly cost might be worth it if you trade enough. Although Stake Black costs more than its competitors, it includes advanced features—like instant buying, analyst ratings, and detailed financial data—that can greatly benefit active traders.
Long-Term, NZ-Focused Investor: ASB Securities provides in-depth local research tools and direct NZX access, albeit at higher cost for small frequent trades.
Conclusion
Choosing the right NZ share trading platform in 2025 ultimately depends on your investing style, frequency of trades, and which markets you wish to access:
- Sharesies: Great for beginners, fractional shares, flexible subscription plans.
- Hatch: Straightforward US market access, especially for new investors and kids’ accounts.
- Stake: Ideal for US-focused investors seeking minimal fees (free plan) or advanced features (Stake Black).
- ASB Securities: A traditional brokerage option for those who value robust NZX research tools.
Always watch for changes in FX rates, subscription fees, and trading costs. Check each platform’s website for the most up-to-date information before you start trading.
Also check out:
- Investing in New Zealand Stocks: 2025 Outlook and Strategies
- KiwiSaver vs Real Estate: Which is Better for Retirement?
- Best High-Interest Savings Accounts in NZ (2025)
Kiwi Money Matters is written and maintained by a New Zealand-based writer with hands-on experience in finance and accounting since 2015.
All posts are personally researched, written to ensure clarity and trustworthiness for everyday Kiwis.
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