Best CHESS-sponsored share trading platforms in Australia

By Peter Terlato · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure
Chess online share trading Mozo

If you’ve started dipping your toes into the sharemarket, you’ve probably seen the term CHESS-sponsored pop up when comparing trading platforms. It might sound technical, but it’s actually one of the most important things to understand before you start investing.

CHESS stands for Clearing House Electronic Subregister System. It’s the network the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) uses to record who owns what shares. When you use a CHESS-sponsored broker, shares are held directly in your name under a unique Holder Identification Number (HIN). That means you legally own those shares – they’re yours, not your broker’s.

This arrangement can offer investors peace of mind, especially if you’re planning to build a long-term portfolio. If your broker ever shuts down, your shares can easily be transferred elsewhere. Plus, you get all shareholder rights directly, including company votes and dividend updates.

Some platforms use a different model called custodial ownership, where shares are held by the broker. It’s often cheaper, but you give up a bit of control and direct ownership in return.

CHESS vs custodial ownership: what’s the difference?

Feature CHESS-sponsored Custodial model
Who owns the shares
 You – the shares are legally held in your name.
 The broker – they hold the shares on your behalf.
How ownership is recorded
 Through the ASX’s CHESS system with your unique Holder Identification Number (HIN).
 The broker records ownership internally in their own system.
What happens if the broker shuts down
 Your shares are safe – they can be transferred to another broker easily.
 It can be harder to access or transfer your shares.
Costs
 Sometimes slightly higher brokerage fees.
 Often lower trading fees.
Suited to…
 Long-term investors who value security and transparency.
 Frequent traders or those chasing the lowest costs.

Top CHESS-sponsored platforms

With so many trading apps and brokers offering access to the ASX, it can be tricky to know which ones actually give you full CHESS sponsorship. The following platforms stand out because they won 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Awards for online share trading and combine CHESS-backed ownership with competitive fees, solid features, and reliable performance.

Platform
 ASX brokerage fee
 CHESS sponsorship?
 Markets
CMC Invest
 • $0 on your first buy (per security, per day) under $1,000
• $11 or 0.10% (whichever is higher) for all other trades

 Yes. All ASX trades are CHESS-sponsored and linked to your HIN
 ASX and 15 international markets
Tiger Brokers
 • $3 flat fee for trades up to $10,000
• 0.03% of trade value for trades over $10,000

 Yes. All ASX trades are CHESS-sponsored and linked to your HIN
 ASX, US, Hong Kong and China (A-shares) markets
Moomoo
 • $3 minimum fee or 0.03% (whichever is higher)

 Yes. All ASX trades are CHESS-sponsored and linked to your HIN
 ASX, US and Hong Kong markets

Fees and features are correct as of 7 October 2025 but are subject to change.

2025 Mozo Experts Choice Award winners

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important disclosures
CMC Invest
  • CHESS-sponsored shares
  • $11 or 0.10% brokerage fee on trades over $1,000 (whichever is higher)
  • $0 brokerage on first buy order up to $1,000 (limited to one stock per trading day)
  • Easy access to 15 international markets
  • Multiple 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Awards winner

CMC Invest is highly regarded among active traders for its dynamic trading tools and competitive cost structure. They have a straightforward pricing model: $11 or 0.10% on Australian trades over $1,000. Plus, they throw in your first trade each day for free up to a $1,000 cap, limited to one stock per day.

CMC Markets also stands out for its wealth of educational support through guides and resources, including articles, ebooks, podcasts and videos.

Ideal for active traders looking for a robust platform with extensive market access, CMC Invest also offers insights from industry leaders and up-to-the-minute global market data.

For Mozo Expert’s Choice Awards, CMC Invest took out additional awards in Regular Investor and Highly Commended Online Share Trading

Tiger Brokers
  • CHESS-sponsored shares
  • Trade Australian shares and ETFs from $3.00 brokerage per order
  • 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Award^ winner for "Casual ETF Investor"

Tiger Brokers offer an accessible trading platform with low fees for both ASX and US markets. New users can benefit from a special Mozo offer including 4x zero brokerage trades (with caps of 2 USD for US stocks, 3 AUD for Australian stocks, and 3 USD for US options) plus zero FX fees when exchanging up to AUD $2,000 monthly between AUD and USD with your first deposit.

The platform is particularly well-suited for casual ETF investors, as recognised by its 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Award. Remember that trading conditions and withdrawal restrictions apply to promotional offers. For complete details on fees and promotions, visit the Tiger Brokers website.

Mozo special offer for new users only:

Get 4x zero brokerage trades (brokerage fees waived up to US$2 per trade for US stocks, up to AU$3 per trade for AUS stocks, and up to US$3 per trade for US options) and zero FX fees for exchanging up to AU$2,000 every month AUD⇆USD with the first deposit of any amount. Other fees may apply.

Plus, AUD 40 cash vouchers with an accumulated net deposit of at least AUD 2,000 within 7 days of the first deposit. Trading conditions and withdrawal restrictions apply to the withdrawal of the AUD 40 cash – for full details, go to the Tiger Brokers website.

Moomoo
  • CHESS-sponsored shares
  • No monthly account-keeping fees (other fees may apply)
  • Trade Australian shares and ETFs starting at $3 brokerage per order
  • Access to US shares and ETFs starting at US$0.99 brokerage per order (other fees apply)
  • Multiple 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Awards^ winner
Find out more

Moomoo offers a robust trading platform with affordable fees for both ASX and US stocks. In Australia, trades start at A$3 or 0.03% of the order value, whichever is higher. For US stocks, there’s a flat fee of US$0.99 per trade.

Moomoo also has a great mobile share trading app, packed with plenty of useful features for beginners and smart data tools for those who know what they’re looking for. It’s perfect for those wanting global market access and real-time data, and keeps you updated with news from Bloomberg, Dow Jones, Benzinga and more. 

Keep in mind that purchasing shares from foreign exchanges with AUD involves a foreign exchange fee, which is included in the exchange rate. Be sure to review the full Financial Services Guide for more details.

For 2025’s Mozo Expert’s Choice Awards, Moomoo also took out awards in Australia's Best Online Share Trading, Casual ASX Investor, Casual US Investor, and Regular Investor categories.

New clients receive $0 brokerage for 30 days on US and ASX shares and up to 12 free stocks (conditions apply).

Before you settle on a platform, compare online share trading platforms and keep an eye out for brokerage fees, special offers, and more, or explore the featured brokers below.

Share account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Last updated 5 December 2025Important disclosures
  • Share Trading

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $0.00
    $0.00

    IG offers access to over 11,000 shares across the ASX, US and international markets, with no commission fees on trades. The platform supports extended trading hours on selected shares and provides 24-hour customer support. A 0.7% FX fee applies to international trades, with other charges potentially applying.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Share Investing

    Standard

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $0.00
    $0.00

    CMC Markets Invest makes it easy to trade with a handy web and mobile platform, competitive pricing and thousands of securities. Buy Australian and US shares from $0 brokerage (T&Cs apply - see website for full details).

    Go to site
    Details
  • Loading SVG...
    Tiger Account

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $3.00
    $0.00

    Mozo special offer for new users only: Get 4x zero brokerage trades (brokerage fees waived up to 2 USD per trade for US stocks, up to 3 AUD per trade for AUS stocks, and up to 3 USD per trade for US options) and zero FX fees for exchanging up to AUD 2,000 every month between AUD⇆USD with the first deposit of any amount. Other fees may apply. Plus AUD 40 cash vouchers with an accumulated net deposit of at least AUD 2,000 within 7 days of the first deposit. Trading conditions and withdrawal restrictions apply to the withdrawal of the AUD 40 cash – for full details, go to the Tiger Brokers website.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Loading SVG...
    Share Trading Account

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $2.00
    $0.00

    Superhero Trading allows you to invest in over 9,000 ASX and Wall Street shares and ETFs with brokerage from just $2 a trade. Sign up with code ‘mozo25’ and get US$10 of Nvidia stock when you fund your account with $100 or more within 30 days. T&Cs apply. 1Awarded-Winner: Best for Mobile Experience in the WeMoney Investment Awards 2023

    Go to site
    Details
  • Loading SVG...
    Share Trading

    Small trade brokerage
    Monthly fee
    $3.00
    $0.00

    Trade more than 22,000 shares, ETFs and options across the Australian, US and Hong Kong markets on the moomoo Australia platform. And only pay from A$3 for local CHESS-sponsored trades and US$0.99 for all US trades. Other fees apply.

    Find out more
    Details

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

Compare online brokers