Compare share trading platforms in NZ — NZX, US and overseas market access, fees and tax handling.
Last updated 8 June 2026 · By MoneyGuru Editorial Team
total market capitalisation of NZX-listed companies
The NZX Main Board lists more than 130 companies with a combined market capitalisation over $230 billion. Most retail Kiwis hold NZX exposure through KiwiSaver — direct share access is the next step for those wanting more control.
Source: NZX Limited · NZX Main Board (NZSX) — market capitalisation · verified 2026-06-09
A panel of New Zealand share investing platforms we compare
A short profile of each NZ share investing platform on our panel.
NZ-owned online share platform
Strengths
Considerations
Suited to: NZ retail investors wanting an easy entry to NZ and US shares.
US-share specialist for Kiwis
Strengths
Considerations
Suited to: Kiwis investing primarily in US shares and ETFs.
Multi-market online broker
Strengths
Considerations
Suited to: Active traders wanting multi-market access.
AU-NZ retail broker
Strengths
Considerations
Suited to: Kiwis wanting US shares with a simple mobile experience.
Bank-tied online broker
Strengths
Considerations
Suited to: Customers wanting bank-tied broker with traditional service.
Side-by-side platform features at a glance.
| Platform | Markets | Online order entry | PIE / tax wrapper | Brokerage | KiwiSaver integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharesies | NZX + US | Yes | Yes | Tiered | Yes |
| Hatch | US only | Yes (PIE option) | Yes | Tiered | No |
| Tiger Brokers | US + AU + HK + others | Yes | Yes | Tiered | No |
| Stake | US + ASX | Yes | Yes | Tiered | No |
| BNZ Direct Broking | NZX + ASX | Yes | No | Standard | Yes |
Four steps before opening an account.
Long horizon (decades) suits broad ETFs. Short horizon (months) suits cash or term deposits — not shares.
Match platform to where you want to invest (NZX, US, global), tax handling needed (PIE wrapper), and trading frequency.
Single shares are risky. ETFs spread risk across hundreds of holdings. Start with broad ETFs.
NZ has no general capital gains tax but FIF rules apply to overseas shares above threshold. Get accountant advice once portfolio grows.
NZ retail investors can access NZX shares, ASX shares, US shares, ETFs and managed funds through online platforms (Sharesies, Hatch, Stake, Tiger), traditional brokers (BNZ Direct Broking, ASB Securities) and KiwiSaver schemes. Tax handling differs by market — NZ has no general capital gains tax, but FIF rules apply to overseas shares above a threshold. PIE wrappers cap tax at 28% for higher-income investors.
Match the platform to the market you want (NZX, US, global), the trading frequency you expect, the tax wrapper that suits your tax rate, and the total cost (brokerage plus FX margin). Start with broad ETFs while you learn — single-share picking is harder than the platforms make it look.
A short questionnaire — typically takes about two minutes.
Your enquiry is sent to Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891), our partner Financial Advice Provider.
The adviser sources quotes across a panel of NZ insurers or lenders and walks you through the options.
No obligation to apply, switch or buy. You decide whether to proceed.
Open an account with an online broker or platform, complete identity verification, transfer funds, then place orders for NZX or overseas shares or ETFs. Most platforms accept investments from small amounts. Start with broad ETFs while you learn — single-share picking is harder than the platforms make it look.
NZX is smaller, less diverse and dominated by a handful of large companies. US is larger, more diverse and includes most global tech leaders. NZ resident investors can hold both — many platforms offer access to both. Tax handling differs (PIE wrappers vs FIF rules).
Foreign Investment Fund rules apply to NZ residents holding overseas shares (above a threshold). FIF taxes a deemed 5% return rather than actual dividends and gains. Below the threshold, simpler rules apply. Get accountant advice once your overseas holdings grow.
Portfolio Investment Entity — NZ tax structure that caps tax on investment income at 28% regardless of marginal tax rate. PIE wrappers around overseas shares can save tax for higher-rate investors. Platforms like Hatch and Sharesies offer PIE-fund versions of US ETFs.
Online platforms charge less than traditional brokers. NZX brokerage on smaller trades is often a flat fee; larger trades attract a percentage. US trades add FX conversion margin. Total cost of a trade includes brokerage, FX margin, and any platform fees.
For most retail investors, broad-market ETFs (e.g. NZ Top 50, US S&P 500, global all-world) outperform a hand-picked single-share portfolio over the long term. ETFs spread the risk across hundreds of companies. Pick single shares only if you have time and interest to research.
Capital gains on shares held as a personal investment are generally not taxed in NZ (no general capital gains tax). However, dividends are taxed, FIF rules apply to overseas shares above threshold, and shares held as a business (trader) attract income tax on gains. Get accountant advice for non-standard cases.
Sharesies offers a KiwiSaver scheme where members choose specific funds, including some ETFs. Most other KiwiSaver providers offer a fixed range of risk-profile funds without single-share access. Choosing fund type is more important than fund picking.
KiwiSaver NZ →
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ETFs.co.nz ↗
NZ-focused ETF directory — per-security holdings, tax status, after-tax-by-PIR data.
FundCompare ↗
NZ managed-fund returns + Disclose-Register filings beyond KiwiSaver.
Our methodology →
How we research and compare each vertical.
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