Investing Apps

Discover investing apps and platforms recommended for NZ investors and NZ citizens living overseas.

To make your first investment, you’ll need to create an account with an investment app platform that offers the shares, ETFs, and funds you want. Here are investing apps and platforms we recommend:

1. IBKR for NZ and UK investors: Stocks & ETFs.

2. Trading 212 for UK/Europe investors: Stocks & ETFs.

3. eToro for NZ and Eurozone investors: Stocks & ETFs.

Best for Pure Cost Efficiency

1. IBKR – excellent for large trades and minimal FX costs; good for active & long-term investors.

2. Trading 212 – very strong for small to mid-size USD trades due to zero commission.

Cost Drawbacks to Be Aware Of:

1. eToro – highest overall fees.

2. Trading 212 – FX fee (0.15%)

3. IBKR – lowest overall fees.

You should evaluate investment app platforms based on factors such as costs, investment selection, investor research, analysis tools and 24/7 customer service access. All investment apps will require a proof of your identity, proof of address and complete a short questionnaire.

Interactive Brokers Summary

Interactive Brokers is a globally recognised broker/dealer operating in over 135 markets. It surpasses New Zealand-based services like Hatch, Sharesies, Stake, and ASB Securities in investment options and opportunities. Additionally, it competes with US-focused alternatives such as Superhero and Tiger Brokers.

Interactive Brokers provides direct online access to trading and clearing services for private investors, institutional and professional traders. It supports a wide range of products, including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and funds. Interactive Brokers Group, publicly listed on NASDAQ under the ticker IBKR, executes over 1.8 million trades daily.

Key Fee Highlights:

• Interactive Brokers (IBKR) directly integrates with Wise.com for fast, low-cost account funding and withdrawals. This partnership enables users to transfer funds in multiple currencies using Wise’s competitive, mid-market exchange rates, often arriving within 24 hours or less. 

• FX commission for account funding: 0.002% (minimum USD 2).

• Comparatively, FX fees for Hatch, Sharesies, and Stake are 0.50% to 1.00%.

Trading 212 Summary

Trading 212 is a European fintech broker that offers trading in stocks and ETFs and other instruments through a mobile and web platform. It was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in London with several international regulatory subsidiaries. The platform is designed to be simple to use, including features like fractional shares, “pies” (auto-invest portfolios), and multi-currency accounts.

Key Fee Highlights:

• A beginner or casual investor

• Trading mainly stocks/ETFs

• Wanting very simple, commission-free trading

• Prefer a mobile-first, easy UI