Share Trading Fees Checklist: Brokerage, FX, Platform and Other Costs

The fee checklist to run before you trade

Moneysmart identifies brokerage, platform fees and foreign-exchange fees as costs investors may need to check. A useful platform comparison starts by mapping each cost to the action that triggers it.

• Brokerage: what is charged to buy and to sell?
• FX conversion: will AUD be converted for an overseas market?
• Platform or subscription fee: is there an ongoing charge?
• Inactivity fee: does a charge apply when the account is unused?
• Transfer or exit fee: what can apply when moving holdings or cash?
• Market or pass-through charges: are any third-party costs disclosed separately?

Why small trades deserve extra attention

A fixed dollar fee takes up a larger percentage of a small trade than a large one. Moneysmart specifically warns that fees can be a big share of a small trade. That makes trade size an important input when comparing brokerage rules.

For overseas shares, add the currency layer

A platform can have attractive brokerage and still have a meaningful conversion cost. If you plan to buy US or other overseas shares, inspect the FX rule separately and check when conversion occurs.

Five checks before clicking Buy

Use the fee schedule that applies to your market and order, not a generic marketing headline.

• Confirm the market and product.
• Enter your actual trade size into the relevant calculator.
• Read conditions attached to free, minimum or percentage pricing.
• Treat variable or unverified costs as unknown, not zero.
• Open the official provider source and recheck the current terms.