Best Investment Platforms in New Zealand: Which Platform Is Right for You?

Investing is getting easier, with digital platforms making buying and selling stocks, ETFs and other assets straightforward, quick and in many cases cheap.

This guide runs through some of the best investment platforms in NZ to help you figure out which may suit you if you’re planning to save, invest and improve your financial wellbeing. We'll also introduce to you Wise account which lets you send, spend, and receive money in different currencies.

What Is an Investment Platform?

An investment platform lets you buy, sell and manage assets like stocks, ETFs and bonds, usually through a mobile app. Investment platforms have become popular in recent years as they make it easy to start investing, even with low initial deposits. And because you can trade with nothing more than your phone, they’re simple to use and make keeping tabs on your money straightforward.

Investing is very individual and there’s not one perfect investment platform out there. If you’re looking out for the best online trading platform in NZ for your unique requirements you’ll need to compare a few options based on your own aims and preferences.

This article is provided for general information purposes and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Get professional help if you’re new to investing, to help you understand the risks involved and how to make the most of your money.

Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Platform for Investing

Here are a few things to consider while searching for the best NZ investment platform for your journey.

1. Understand your own investment needs

Before comparing platforms, define your goals. Are you planning to trade stocks frequently or do you prefer a "hands-off" managed fund? Consider your risk tolerance, timeline, and preferred markets. Since platforms cater to specific niches, knowing your priorities in advance helps you find the right fit.

2. Check for market access and asset types

Platform focus varies by region and asset class. While many cover the NZX, ASX, and US markets, some extend into Asia or offer global reach via traditional banks. Ensure the platform offers your preferred assets, whether those are single stocks, ETFs, fractional shares for smaller budgets, or advanced tools like futures and options.

3. Read the fee structure carefully

Costs vary significantly between providers. Some platforms charge monthly or annual subscriptions, while others use a pay-as-you-go model. To avoid surprises, carefully review the fee schedule for transaction fees, management costs, and any third-party charges.

4. Look out for foreign exchange costs

A commonly overlooked cost is the foreign exchange fee. When buying international shares, you typically pay a conversion fee (often around 0.5%) both when buying and selling. These markups can significantly impact your returns over time.

If you’re investing internationally, check out Wise, which supports 40+ currencies with low-fee conversion at the mid-market rate. More on that later.

5. Choose a regulated provider with strong service

Finally, security and service are crucial when investing. Use only properly licensed and regulated providers, and think carefully before you put any of your own money on the line. It can be reassuring to read through online reviews of the providers you’re considering to check what current customers have to say - and it’s also well worth looking at how customer service and support work should you ever need help with your account. The best investment platforms will offer 24/7 contact options, often in multiple languages to make it as easy as possible to get in touch.

Here we’ve selected six of the best investment platforms in NZ to help you compare a few and pick the best fit for your needs. Let’s dive in.

*Details correct at time of research - 11th March 2026

Sharesies Overview

Best for: Broad product range including investments, insurance, savings and debit card

Sharesies offers an all in one app which has options for investing in local and global assets, KiwiSaver plans, savings accounts, crypto, a debit card, and car or pet insurance. This broad range may make this a good investment platform for beginners looking to manage all their day to day financial transactions in the same place as their investments.

• Market options: Managed funds include local and global options, shares from the US, New Zealand and Australia
• Asset types: US, New Zealand and Australian shares and ETFs, and managed funds

Key fees:

• Plans at 3 NZD - 15 NZD/month, or use Pay As You Go (PAYG)
• PAYG fees capped at 5 USD, 15 AUD or 25 NZD per transaction
• Currency exchange fee of 0.5%
• Other fees apply when you top up using instant transfer or make an instant withdrawal

Tiger Brokers Overview

Best for: Excellent market access covering local, regional and global options with a broad range of assets

Tiger Brokers is a well established platform which has been operating for over a decade in markets around the world. It offers a broad range of markets with trading fees often capped based on the country and currency you’re buying in. As a provider with a large customer base, Tiger Brokers also offers a range of more complex investment vehicles like options and futures which are not usually recommended for beginner investors.

• Market options: New Zealand, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, China and Singapore
• Asset types: Stocks and ETFs, options and futures

Key fees:

• Variable flat transaction fees which vary by market - cap at 2 USD to buy or sell up to 200 US shares for example
• US Fractional Shares when buying under one share - 1% × trade value, over 1 share at standard whole share rates. Fractional fees capped at 1 USD/ Order
• Currency exchange is variable based on currencies - 0.35% for NZD to USD or AUD

Kernel Wealth Overview

Best for: Experienced investors without time to self manage looking for managed funds with relatively low fees

New Zealand based Kernel Wealth offers managed funds which cover New Zealand, regional and global markets, including some thematic funds to allow investors to build up a portfolio which suits their individual needs. You can also invest in US stocks and ETFs if you would rather create your own asset mix independent of a fund. Plans vary with monthly or annual fees, and some differences in costs and product mix available.

• Market options: Funds available locally and globally, stocks and ETFs from the US
• Asset types: Managed funds, US stocks and ETFs

Key fees:

• Plans from 0 NZD - 150 NZD annually
• Management fees 0.25-0.50% p.a. for funds
• No transaction fees
• FX fees on USD trades from 0.4% to 1.5% depending on your plan

Hatch Overview

Best for: Kids accounts with deep discounts on fees (0.5 USD to buy or sell up to 50 shares)

Hatch is a specialist in the US market and offers ways to invest in single company stocks and also ETFs. The fees are fixed, and include a currency exchange cost as you’ll be topping up in NZD and then transacting in USD. One fairly unusual perk of Hatch is that it offers kids accounts which have discounted fees allowing under 18s to learn to invest with lower overall costs compared to standard accounts.

• Market options: US
• Asset types: Stocks and ETFs

Key fees:

• Flat transaction fee of 3 USD for up to 300 shares (adult accounts)
• Flat transaction fee of 0.5 USD to buy or sell up to 50 shares (kids accounts)
• Currency exchange fee of 0.5%

ASB Securities Overview

Best for: Access to markets in Europe not usually covered by online platforms

ASB Securities is a solid choice if you’re looking for a trading platform which sits alongside your normal banking app. You can manage some New Zealand and Australian trades digitally and with fees which are fixed by volume - and access a broader range of markets by calling ASB to deal through a broker. This tends to be more expensive.

• Market options: New Zealand, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, major European markets
• Asset types: Stocks, ETFs and bonds

Key fees:

• Variable fees depending on market, transaction value and whether you trade digitally or by phone
• Digital trades in NZ and Australia - 15 NZD/AUD for trades worth up to 1,000 NZD/AUD
• Phone trades are offered in more markets, but may have higher overall costs

Invest Now Overview

Best for: Keeping your investments alongside term deposits and Kiwisaver funds, all through the same platform

Invest Now doesn't offer trading in individual company shares but instead has a focus on managed funds including Kiwisaver options. This can make it an attractive choice for investors looking for low effort investment vehicles which are fully managed. The platform also offers term deposits which can be helpful for investors looking to balance their portfolio across booth funds and cash holdings.

• Market options: Local, regional, and global
• Asset types: Managed funds (Kiwisaver also available)

Key fees:

• Invest now does not have account fees, but fund managers will impose their own charges depending on which you select

Invest internationally without high fees. Fund your trading account with Wise and get the mid-market rate on every conversion.

The Wise account is an easy way to save up to 4x when you send, spend, and withdraw money internationally. Hold and manage 40+ currencies, including NZD, USD, EUR, and more. All you need to do is sign up for a free account to get started, there's no monthly fees either.

You can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate on every conversion — basically the rate you see on Google. And with zero foreign transaction fees, and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

You'll get 8+ local account details in NZD and a selection of other global currencies to get paid conveniently to your Wise account. And when it's time to send money abroad, enjoy fast, low-cost transfers to 140+ countries. Plus, you can get a linked Wise debit card for spending internationally at the same great mid-market rate.

When it comes to managing money globally, the Wise account is a handy tool that makes it easier and simpler.

🚀 Open your Wise account

---

This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected New Zealand banks and other similar providers in Jan 2026. To learn more please visit https://payout-surge.live/nz/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

---

Sources:

1. Sharesies
2. Tiger Brokers NZ
3. Kernel Wealth
4. Hatch
5. ASB Securities
6. Invest Now
7. Sharesies pricing
8. Tiger Brokers pricing
9. Kernel Wealth pricing
10. Hatch pricing
11. ASB Securities pricing