CommSec vs CommSec Pocket: What’s the difference?

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CommSec vs CommSec Pocket: What’s the difference?

The rundown

Investing can seem complex if you don’t know much about it. Add in a range of trading platforms (some with multiple products, like CommSec) and things can get a little confusing.
If you’re asking yourself whether you should invest with CommSec, CommSec Pocket, or both, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s compare the two.

What is CommSec?

CommSec is an online trading platform that gives you access to many of the big Aussie and international sharemarkets, like the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ, an American stock exchange where some of the world’s largest companies are listed. You will however need a CommSec International Share Trading account to trade US stocks.

When you open a share trading account with CommSec, you can buy and sell shares in publicly listed companies. For example, you could buy shares in Qantas, which is listed on the ASX.

How do I set up a CommSec account?

Find out more about opening a CommSec account here. If you’re an existing CommBank customer, experience a seamless new sign-up process in the CommBank app.

What is CommSec Pocket?

CommSec Pocket is a great way to start if you’re new to investing. You can start investing with as little as $50 and grow your portfolio as you learn the ropes.

When you invest with CommSec Pocket, you buy units in a bundle of assets known as an Exchange Traded Fund or ‘ETF’.

What is an ETF?

ETFs trade on a stock exchange, just like shares. The difference is that an ETF can include a number of shares from different companies or other investment options, while a share is an investment in a single company. One ETF can give you exposure to a whole diverse portfolio without buying a lot of individual shares.

You can pick from ten themed ETFs with CommSec Pocket including:

Aussie Sustainability: Invest in Aussie companies that encompass both values-based and environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing screened by the provider.
Aussie Corporate Bonds: Balance your portfolio with a defensive selection of around 50 different Aussie corporate bonds.
Aussie Top 200: Invest in the 200 largest companies on the ASX.
Aussie Dividends: Gain access to around 30 Aussie companies known for paying strong dividends.
Diversified Equities: Get exposure to around 8,000 companies listed on over 60 global exchanges to obtain a globally diversified equities exposure.
Global 100: Invest in 100 of the largest companies globally.
Emerging Markets: Access over 800 companies in the world's fastest growing economies.
Health Wise: Invest in medical innovation with around 100 companies in the Global Healthcare sector.
Sustainability Leaders: Get exposure to a diversified portfolio of global stocks identified as "Climate Leaders."
Tech Savvy: Gain exposure to around 100 of the largest tech innovators and non-financial companies on the NASDAQ.

Features and fees: A side-by-side comparison

When it comes to the nitty-gritty, how do CommSec and CommSec Pocket stack up? Here’s a quick table to help you compare.

	CommSec	CommSec Pocket
Minimum beginning investment	$500	$50
Account funding options	Bank transfer	Bank transfer
Share trading	Yes	No
ETF trading	Yes	Yes
Trading fee (Rates listed are for CDIA Settlement)	$5.00 (Up to and including $1,000)) $10.00 (Over $1,000 up to $3,000 (inclusive)) $19.95 (Over $3,000 up to $10,000 (inclusive)) $29.95 (Over $10,000 up to $25,000 (inclusive)) 0.12% (Over $25,000)	$2.00 for trades up to and including $1,000 0.20% of the value of trades above $1,000

For a full breakdown of fees and charges – including International trade fees and charges which are different - check here.

So which one’s the winner?

This comes down to you and where you’re at with investing.

If you’re new to it all, CommSec Pocket is a straightforward and affordable way to invest – take your pick from the ten ETFs and gain experience as you go.

CommSec gives you lots of investment options, which is great if you want more control over where your money goes.

Either way, you’ll be taking the reins when it comes to your investing journey.

Start your investing education now

If you’re new to investing, knowing where to start can be tricky, which is why we’ve set up The Academy to help you get a handle on the fundamentals before you dive in.

Get the lowdown on CommSec Pocket or find out more about investing in shares with CommSec.

Important information

Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec) is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

This information is not advice and is general in nature. The information has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to the individual's objectives, financial situation or needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. You can view the CommSec Terms and Conditions, International Shares Terms and Conditions, CommSec Pocket Terms and Conditions, Product Disclosure Statements, Best Execution Statement and Financial Services Guide, and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services. Consider the PDS for each ETF prior to making an investment decision.

Investing in overseas markets exposes you to risks including those related to movements in foreign currency exchange rates and market prices.

Past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

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