Your complete Australian guide to Stake — from account setup and fees to tax obligations and platform comparisons. Everything you need before your first investment.
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The Australian investing landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years, and one platform has emerged as a standout choice for everyday Aussies looking to access global share markets. Whether you're a first-time investor trying to understand how to buy US stocks from Australia, or a seasoned trader wanting lower fees and a cleaner interface, this local guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From account setup to comparing your options, we've covered all the bases so you can make an informed decision before committing your hard-earned dollars.
Australia has long had a love affair with investing — property, superannuation, and the ASX are household conversations. But the rise of commission-free and low-cost trading apps has opened doors that were previously reserved for those with significant capital or connections to a full-service broker. Today, modern platforms are making it possible for everyday Australians to own shares in companies like Apple, Tesla, and Amazon, all from the palm of their hand. Beyond equities, savvy investors are also exploring bonds, REITs, LICs, and hybrid securities to build truly diversified portfolios across multiple industries. The opportunity to access US markets directly — without the clutter of legacy brokerage systems — is something that was simply not available to retail investors a decade ago.
Stake is an Australian-founded investment platform that allows users to invest in US-listed stocks and ETFs. Unlike traditional brokers that charge commissions per trade, Stake offers a streamlined, digital-first experience built specifically for the modern investor. The platform launched in Australia in 2017 and has since grown its user base to hundreds of thousands across the country, earning strong recognition within local investing communities and receiving notable industry sponsorship and media coverage along the way.
When you sign up, you're essentially opening a US brokerage account that is facilitated through a US clearing partner, DriveWealth. This means your investments are held in a legitimate, regulated US brokerage structure. Your funds are converted from Australian dollars to US dollars when you make a deposit, which is an important consideration when thinking about currency exchange costs. Stake also supports a range of order types — including market orders, limit orders, and stop orders — giving investors meaningful control over how and when their trades are executed. OTC securities may also be available depending on your account settings.
The platform is available both as a mobile app (iOS and Android) and a web-based trading interface. Navigation is intuitive, even for complete beginners. You can search for stocks, view price charts, set up watchlists, and execute orders with just a few taps. Fractional shares mean you don't need to buy a full share of a company — you can start investing with as little as a few dollars. Every account holder gains immediate access to thousands of US-listed securities from the moment their identity is verified.
For Australians specifically, there are some important tax and regulatory considerations. Dividends received from US companies are typically subject to a 15% withholding tax under the Australia-US tax treaty. You'll also need to report your gains and losses when tax time comes around, and the platform does provide full transaction history exports to assist.
If you're ready to explore what Stake offers, you can visit this link to sign up and see current promotions available to new Australian users.
Getting started with Stake is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few steps that often catch new users off guard — particularly around identity verification and funding. Here's a complete walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect.
Head to the App Store or Google Play and search for the platform, or use a browser to access the web version via the official site. The interface is clean and modern, and registration begins immediately on the landing page. Always verify you are using the correct https URL to ensure your connection is secure before entering any personal details.
You'll need to enter your full name, email address, and create a password. After confirming your email, you'll be prompted to enter additional personal details including your date of birth, residential address, and Australian Tax File Number (TFN). Providing your TFN is not mandatory, but withholding tax at the highest marginal rate may apply to any dividends if you choose not to provide it.
As a regulated financial service, the platform is required to verify your identity under Australian Anti-Money Laundering laws. You'll need to submit a government-issued photo ID — either a driver's licence or passport — along with a selfie for facial recognition. This process is usually completed within minutes using automated verification technology, though in some cases it may take up to 24 hours.
Once verified, you can deposit funds via bank transfer (PayID or BSB/Account number). Note that deposits are converted from AUD to USD at the current exchange rate plus a small FX fee. Withdrawals work the same way in reverse — USD is converted back to AUD before landing in your Australian bank account.
With funds in your account, you can now browse thousands of US-listed stocks and ETFs. Use the search function to find specific companies or explore curated lists by sector, theme, or performance. Place your first order and you're officially invested in global markets through Stake.
One of the biggest selling points of Stake is its competitive fee structure. However, "commission-free" doesn't mean completely free — here's a transparent breakdown of all the costs involved.
The basic plan (Free tier) offers unlimited commission-free trading in US stocks and ETFs. There is no monthly fee for this tier, which is excellent for casual or buy-and-hold investors. The main cost you'll encounter is the currency conversion fee, which applies every time you deposit or withdraw funds.
The premium subscription plan, known as Stake Black, comes with a monthly or annual fee and offers additional perks including faster fund transfers, priority customer support, and access to extended trading hours (pre-market and after-hours trading). For active traders who want more flexibility, the upgrade can be worthwhile.
| Feature | Free Tier | Black Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 | ~$9/month (or discounted annually) |
| Commission per Trade | $0 | $0 |
| FX Fee on Deposits | 0.7% | 0.5% |
| Extended Trading Hours | No | Yes |
| Priority Support | No | Yes |
| Faster Deposits | Standard | Priority |
Beyond subscription fees, investors should also consider the impact of currency conversion on their overall returns. If the AUD/USD rate moves unfavourably, it can erode your gains even if your stock picks perform well. This is a general risk of investing in US-denominated assets and is not unique to Stake.
To give you a complete picture, it's important to understand how Stake stacks up against other options available to Australian investors. The market has a growing number of competitors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some platforms arrive with heavy sponsorship backing and aggressive marketing, while others have grown steadily through word of mouth and strong product fundamentals.
| Platform | Markets Available | Commission | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | US stocks & ETFs, ASX | $0 (US), brokerage applies (ASX) | US market access, beginners |
| CommSec Pocket | ASX ETFs | $2 per trade (under $1,000) | Australian ETF investors |
| Selfwealth | ASX, US | Flat $9.50 per trade | ASX-first investors |
| Interactive Brokers | Multi-market, bonds, OTC | Varies by asset class | Advanced traders, bond investors |
| Pearler | ASX, US ETFs | $6.50 per trade | Long-term, passive investors |
What stands out about Stake is the focus on simplicity and accessibility, particularly for the US market. Many competing platforms come loaded with interface clutter — endless menus, redundant dashboards, and features most retail investors will never use. For Australians chasing exposure to US tech, healthcare, or consumer industries, Stake is often the most competitive option.
Investors interested in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) will also find a solid selection of US-listed REIT ETFs available through Stake, making it possible to build global real estate exposure without the capital requirement of direct property investment.
Investing in US stocks from Australia via Stake comes with specific tax obligations that every user should understand. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) expects you to declare all foreign investment income, including any proceeds from shares, bonds, or distributions from REIT holdings.
When you sell shares at a profit through Stake, you realise a capital gain. This gain is taxable in Australia at your marginal income tax rate. However, if you've held the shares for more than 12 months before selling, you may be eligible for the 50% CGT discount — a significant concession that rewards long-term investing. This applies equally to gains from equities, REIT units, and LIC holdings accessed through international platforms.
Dividends received from US companies through Stake are subject to US withholding tax of 15% under the Australia-US double taxation agreement (DTA). This withholding is taken before the funds reach your account. You must still declare the gross dividend amount in your Australian tax return, but you may be able to claim a foreign income tax offset for the US tax already withheld.
It's worth noting that investments made through Stake are held in your personal name — they do not count toward your super balance. If you are also looking to grow your retirement savings, consider whether your super fund offers international investment options, or speak to a financial adviser about self-managed super fund (SMSF) strategies.
Stake provides detailed transaction histories that you can export at any time. Keep these records for at least five years, as the ATO may request supporting documentation for your tax returns. Always consult with a registered tax agent or accountant who has experience with foreign investment income.
Now that you understand the mechanics and costs of Stake, let's talk strategy. Here are some practical tips for making the most of your investing journey on the platform.
Don't feel pressured to invest large sums immediately on Stake. Use the first few weeks to familiarise yourself with the platform's features — watchlists, price alerts, portfolio tracking, and order types. Making a small initial investment lets you experience the process without significant risk.
Since each Stake deposit incurs a currency conversion fee, batching your investments into fewer, larger deposits will reduce the overall percentage you lose to FX fees. For example, depositing $1,000 once costs less in relative FX fees than depositing $200 five separate times.
The fractional shares feature on Stake is genuinely powerful for Australian investors with modest starting capital. Rather than saving up to buy a single share of a high-priced company, you can spread your funds across multiple companies and industries — from technology and healthcare to financials and consumer goods — achieving better diversification from day one. You can also add exposure to bond-focused ETFs, hybrid security funds, REITs, and LICs to round out a balanced portfolio.
The 50% CGT discount available for assets held above the 12-month threshold is a significant benefit for Australian Stake users. Building a long-term portfolio mindset — buying quality companies and holding through volatility — is often more rewarding than frequent trading, particularly when currency conversion costs are factored in.
Rather than watching the market obsessively, use Stake's price alert feature to notify you when a stock hits a specific level. This disciplined approach helps you place orders strategically, without emotional impulse buying during volatile sessions.
Set a regular schedule — perhaps once every three months — to review your Stake holdings. Assess whether your portfolio still aligns with your goals, rebalance if necessary, and consider reinvesting any dividends or distributions received from your equity and REIT holdings.
Click here to open your Stake account today and take advantage of any available welcome offers for new Australian members.
After walking through the platform's features, pricing, tax implications, and practical tips for Stake, it's worth stepping back and asking the fundamental question: is Stake the right investment platform for your situation?
For most Australians who are curious about investing in US markets — whether it's major tech giants, healthcare innovators, broad-market ETFs, or REIT funds — Stake offers an accessible, cost-effective entry point. The combination of zero commission trading, a clean app interface, fractional shares, support for multiple order types, and ASIC regulation makes Stake one of the stronger options currently available in the Australian market.
Stake is particularly well-suited to:
Stake may be less ideal for:
The investing journey is deeply personal. Your risk tolerance, financial goals, time horizon, and existing savings all influence what the right path looks like for you. No platform — regardless of how polished its interface — replaces sound financial planning and a clear investment strategy tailored to your own circumstances.
If after reading this guide you feel confident that Stake aligns with your investing goals, the next step is simple. Set up your account, verify your identity, make your first deposit, and take ownership of your financial future. Always access Stake through its official https-secured web address or the verified app listing to ensure your details remain protected.
Ready to take that step? Sign up here and explore what's available for new Australian members — including any current promotional offers that may give your portfolio a head start.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance of any asset is not a guarantee of future results. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consider seeking guidance from a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions.
Yes. Stake is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Your US investments are held through DriveWealth, a regulated US broker-dealer that is a member of SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation), which protects customer accounts up to USD $500,000 in certain circumstances. While no investment is risk-free in terms of market performance, the platform itself operates within a well-regulated framework. Details of the platform's regulatory sponsorship and licensing are publicly available on its official https-secured website.
Yes. In addition to the US-focused offering, Stake provides access to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) through its local equities product. This allows you to trade Australian shares alongside your US portfolio. While direct bond and hybrid security purchases may be limited, you can access diversified exposure to bonds, REITs, LICs, and hybrid asset classes through ETFs listed on both the ASX and US exchanges. Every Stake account holder has the opportunity to build a genuinely blended, multi-asset portfolio. Brokerage fees apply for ASX trades — check the current fee schedule on the Stake platform's official page for specific details.
Standard deposits via bank transfer typically take one to two business days to appear in your Stake account. Withdrawals back to your Australian bank account generally take two to four business days after the request is processed. Black tier subscribers often receive priority processing for both deposits and withdrawals, which can speed up the timeline considerably for active investors managing regular orders. Processing times above the standard window are rare but can occasionally occur during high-volume market periods.
As an Australian resident investing in the US through Stake, you are generally not subject to US income tax on capital gains. However, US withholding tax of 15% is automatically deducted from dividends before they're paid to you, under the Australia-US Double Taxation Agreement. You must declare all foreign income — including dividends, bond interest distributions, and REIT payouts — in your Australian tax return, but you can claim an offset for the US tax withheld. It's strongly recommended to speak with a tax professional for personalised advice tailored to your situation as a Stake account holder.
Your shares are held in your name through DriveWealth, a US-registered broker. Even if the Australian Stake platform ceased operations, your underlying assets would remain yours and accessible. The SIPC coverage also provides an additional layer of protection for securities held in your account, up to the statutory limits. Your holdings — whether equities, REIT units, or bond ETFs — are not on the company's balance sheet and cannot be claimed by creditors. As a Stake account holder, your assets sit above the operational risks of the intermediary platform itself.
There is no strict minimum account balance required to open a Stake account. Thanks to fractional share investing, you can begin with as little as a few Australian dollars once converted to USD. This makes it straightforward for Australian investors at any income level to begin building a diversified portfolio across multiple industries — including equities, ETFs covering bonds, REITs, and LICs — without needing significant upfront capital. For most investors, starting with at least $100–$200 is a practical threshold to make the FX conversion worthwhile on Stake.
Stake Black is the premium subscription tier offered by the platform. It costs approximately $9 per month (or less when billed annually) and provides benefits including a reduced FX fee of 0.5% (vs 0.7% on the free tier), access to extended pre-market and after-hours trading, priority customer support, and faster deposit processing. For buy-and-hold investors who deposit infrequently, the free tier on Stake may be sufficient. For active traders or those making large regular deposits, Stake Black can quickly pay for itself through reduced FX costs alone.
Every time you deposit AUD into your Stake account, the funds are converted to USD at the prevailing exchange rate, and a currency conversion fee is added on top. For free tier users this fee is 0.7%, and for Stake Black subscribers it's 0.5%. The same fee applies in reverse when you withdraw — your USD balance is converted back to AUD before landing in your bank account. This means the total round-trip FX cost for a free tier Stake user is approximately 1.4% (0.7% in + 0.7% out). To minimise the impact of this cost, consider making fewer, larger deposits rather than many small ones.
Yes. While Stake does not offer direct purchases of individual bonds or hybrid securities, you can access a wide range of US-listed ETFs that provide exposure to these asset classes. For example, bond ETFs such as those tracking US Treasury or corporate bond indices are available, as are REIT ETFs covering global real estate and diversified LIC-style fund structures. This makes it possible for every Stake account holder to build a genuinely multi-asset portfolio that spans equities, fixed income, and real estate — all within a single account and without the minimum investment thresholds that apply to direct bond purchases.
Stake supports multiple order types to give investors control over their trade execution. Market orders execute immediately at the current available price — ideal for investors who prioritise speed of execution. Limit orders allow you to set a specific price at which you want to buy or sell, ensuring you don't pay more or receive less than your target. Stop orders trigger a market order when a specified price level is reached, useful for managing downside risk. OTC securities may also be accessible depending on account settings. This range of order types makes Stake suitable for a broad spectrum of investing styles, from simple buy-and-hold to more active management strategies.