Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsPlus500 and CommSec are not substitutes for the same job. Plus500AU is a provider of leveraged contracts for difference (CFDs). CommSec is a broker for buying and selling securities, including ASX shares and ETFs, with an international-share service as well.
That distinction determines the answer. If you want to own investments for years, receive dividends and retain shareholder rights, CommSec is the better fit. If you want short-term, leveraged exposure to rising or falling prices—and accept the risks and financing costs of CFDs—Plus500AU is the more relevant platform.
This comparison covers products available to Australian retail clients, with fees and product information checked on 7 August 2026.
Plus500 vs CommSec: the short answer
| What you want to do | Better fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Build a long-term portfolio of Australian shares or ETFs | CommSec | You buy securities and receive CHESS-sponsored holdings with a HIN under the standard Australian Share Trading Account. |
| Receive dividends and retain voting rights | CommSec | Share ownership carries investor rights. A Plus500AU share CFD does not. |
| Trade short-term price movements with leverage | Plus500AU | It issues CFDs that provide leveraged long or short exposure without buying the underlying asset. |
| Buy actual international shares | CommSec | CommSec International Shares provides access to 13 markets, including the US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. |
| Trade a broad selection of markets from one CFD platform | Plus500AU | Its CFD range includes shares, indices, commodities, forex, ETFs and options, subject to the live instrument list. |
For most personal investors comparing platforms to start or grow a portfolio, CommSec is the more appropriate choice. Plus500AU is a trading product, not a cheaper way to buy shares.
#1 Best Overall
- Fit for Your Monitors - Each monitor arm can only accommodate a maximum size of 32 inches. Monitors larger than 32 inches are not compatible. And the monitor must have VESA mounting holes of either 75x75mm or 100x100mm. The weight range of the screen must be from 4.4 lbs to 17.6 lbs. We recommend that you carefully verify this information before making a purchase.
- Super Space Saver - Conveniently frees up more valuable work space by elevating 3 monitors off of your desk, making your workstation spacious and clutter-free.
- Customized For Optimal View - The arms allow easy to adjust monitors swivel, tilt and rotate to find an optimal view angle and position for comfortable work. Freely set your monitors to landscape or portrait mode!
- Increase Comfort & Efficiency - Complete your work in 3 monitors at the same times with comfortable view position. Now you can enhance your work efficiency in comfortable work posture.
- Two installation options - Two separate installation options are provided: C-clamp or grommet mount. C-clamp fits desk thickness 0.39-3.15", grommet mount fits desk thickness 0.39-2.36". Both options securely hold your monitor. Choose the installation method that suits your needs.
The key difference: ownership versus a price-tracking contract
What you get with CommSec
With a CommSec Australian Share Trading Account, you buy eligible ASX-listed securities. Newly opened accounts are automatically CHESS-sponsored under CommSec’s stated account arrangements and receive a Holder Identification Number (HIN).
CHESS sponsorship records your holdings against your HIN. It does not mean CommSec owns the shares for you. This is different from issuer-sponsored holdings, which are recorded by the company’s share registry against a Securityholder Reference Number (SRN).
Actual share ownership can provide:
- dividend entitlement;
- voting rights where applicable;
- access to shareholder communications; and
- an investment that can be held without CFD financing charges.
Share ownership does not remove investment risk. The market value can fall, dividends can be reduced or cancelled, and selling shares can create a capital gain or loss.
What you get with Plus500AU
Plus500AU issues CFDs. A share CFD follows the price of a referenced share, but you do not acquire that share. You therefore do not receive the underlying company’s voting rights or ownership interest.
CFDs can be opened long or short and generally use margin. A small initial amount can control a larger position, which magnifies both gains and losses. For Australian retail clients, ASIC’s CFD protections restrict leverage by asset class, from a maximum of 30:1 for major currency pairs to 2:1 for crypto-asset CFDs, with other categories subject to their own limits. ASIC’s retail protections also include margin-close-out and negative-balance protections; the current intervention order has been extended to 23 May 2027.
Plus500AU’s current risk disclosure says an Australian retail client can lose all, but not more than, the balance of the Trading Account. That protection does not make CFDs suitable for everyone. A leveraged position can consume the account balance quickly, and the product remains a derivative rather than a long-term investment in the referenced company.
Fees: CommSec is transparent brokerage; Plus500AU charges through trading costs
CommSec Australian-share brokerage
For eligible online Australian trades settled through a Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) or CommSec Margin Loan, CommSec’s current brokerage schedule is:
| Trade value | Online brokerage |
|---|---|
| Up to and including $1,000 | $5 |
| More than $1,000 to $3,000 | $10 |
| More than $3,000 to $10,000 | $19.95 |
| More than $10,000 to $25,000 | $29.95 |
| More than $25,000 | 0.12% |
The reduced rates require online trading, CHESS Participant Sponsorship with CommSec and settlement through an eligible CDIA or CommSec Margin Loan. If you choose to settle into another bank account, the published rate is $29.95 for trades up to $9,999.99 and 0.31% for trades of $10,000 or more.
CommSec says the minimum initial investment in a particular Australian share is generally $500. Once you already hold that security, additional purchases may be possible from $100, subject to the relevant rules. A CDIA currently has no fee when linked to a CommSec Australian Shares or CommSec Pocket ETF account.
These rates are not a flat $5 per trade. The $5 price applies only to the smallest eligible online Australian-share trades.
Plus500AU costs
Plus500AU does not charge a dealing commission according to its current Financial Services Guide. Its main trading revenue is incorporated into the bid/ask spread, which varies with the instrument and market conditions.
Rank #2
- Wide Compatibility for Triple 32" Setups: This triple monitor desk mount fits most 17"-32" flat or curved screens weighing 4.4-17.6 lbs per arm with VESA 75x75mm or 100x100mm mounting holes. Please check your monitor size, weight, VESA pattern, and desk thickness before purchase.
- Maximize Desk Space & Efficiency: Elevate your setup with this triple monitor mount. Replace original base stands to instantly reclaim space for your keyboard, mouse, and accessories. Designed to support 3 screens, this sturdy three monitor arm keeps your workstation organized, clutter-free, and built for peak productivity.
- Smooth and effortless height adjustment: Each arm of this three arm monitor stand is carefully designed for smooth and effortless height adjustment. If the monitor shifts up or down after installation, simply adjust the tension of the arms until the screen is stably held at your desired height.
- Flexible Viewing for Work and Gaming: Customize your setup using a versatile triple monitor mount. Tilt, swivel, and rotate each screen on this 3 monitor stand to build an immersive gaming station or efficient trading desk. Every adjustable three monitor arm delivers optimal ergonomic flexibility.
- Two Secure Mounting Options: Choose C-clamp or grommet mounting to fit your desk setup. The C-clamp fits desks 0.39"-3.15" thick, while the grommet base fits desks 0.39"-2.36" thick for a stable triple screen workstation. Please refer to the listing page video for more detailed desk installation compatibility.
Other costs can include:
- overnight funding when a position is held beyond the instrument’s funding time;
- currency conversion costs where applicable;
- Guaranteed Stop premiums, if the feature is available for the instrument;
- withdrawal fees in particular circumstances; and
- inactivity fees under the applicable account terms.
To inspect a particular spread and funding information, use:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Log in → search for the instrument → select the Details icon (i) → Trading InfoPlus500AU’s Financial Services Guide also identifies this route for overnight funding:
Main lobby screen → select the instrument → Details on the far right of the rowThe displayed rate is instrument-specific and can change. A Friday position held into the next trading day may receive a funding adjustment equal to three times the daily amount to account for the weekend.
The current contractual material describes an inactivity fee of up to US$10, or the remaining account balance if lower, when there has been no detected login for at least three months. The fee is described as being levied quarterly. Some withdrawal methods, including bank transfer or PayPal, may also attract a fee of US$10 or its equivalent. Check the terms that apply to your account before depositing money.
Which platform offers more markets?
CommSec’s products
CommSec’s Australian service covers ASX shares, ETFs, warrants, exchange-traded options, fixed-income securities and selected managed investments. It also offers margin lending and international shares.
CommSec International Shares currently supports 13 markets, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan and selected European and Asian markets. It is a service for buying international securities, not CFDs.
Published international brokerage includes:
| Market | International Shares account | International Shares Plus |
|---|---|---|
| United States | USD$5 or 0.12%, whichever is greater | USD$9.95 or 0.20%, whichever is greater |
| Canada | CAD$40 or 0.40% | CAD$50 or 0.50% |
| United Kingdom | GBP£12 or 0.40% | GBP£20 or 0.50% |
| France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands | EUR€12 or 0.40% | EUR€20 or 0.50% |
| Hong Kong | HKD$130 or 0.40% | HKD$200 or 0.50% |
| Japan | JPY¥1,500 or 0.40% | JPY¥2,500 or 0.50% |
The published foreign-exchange conversion fee is 0.55%. International Shares Plus has a separate, higher brokerage schedule but adds multi-currency management and more flexible order expiries. Eligible customers can switch to it for free, according to CommSec.
CommSec also supports recurring investments in eligible US and European stocks and ETFs where its international custodian supports fractional trading. The minimum is 10 units of the relevant currency, except Swedish krona, where it is 100 kr. Brokerage applies to every recurring transaction and is added to the nominated investment amount.
To create one, the current path is:
Portfolio → launch your International Shares Account → Trade → Recurring Investment → Create Recurring InvestmentCommSec advertises overnight trading in more than 10,000 US stocks and ETFs from 8:00pm to 3:50am EST, Sunday to Friday, subject to the NYSE holiday schedule. Only Day Limit orders are permitted in that session.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Compatibility - Hex monitor mount ideal for most screens up to 27" and 22lbs each with 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes.
- Fully aticulation - Rotate 360°, tilt ±90° up and down, swivel ±90° left and right (middle plates tilt ±45° up and down, swivel ±45° left and right), extra tall height adjustment along the center pole.
- Two install options - C-clamp and optional grommet base (fits desk up to 4" thickness) save your valuable desk space.
- Integrated cable management - Keeps your desk tidy and clean by organizing your power and AV cables in detachable cable clips.
- Easy installation - Step-by-step user manual and organized hardware kit for hassle free mounting.
Plus500AU’s markets
Plus500AU offers CFDs over categories including shares, indices, commodities, forex, ETFs and options. The exact instruments, spreads, trading hours and margin requirements must be checked in the platform because they differ by product.
This is where Plus500AU can be more convenient for an active trader: one account can provide long or short exposure across several market categories. But broad market access should not be confused with ownership. A CFD on a US share is still a CFD, not a US shareholding.
Orders and risk controls
CommSec orders
For domestic orders, CommSec documents Good for Day and Good till Expiry. A Good for Day order expires at the end of the trading day. A Good till Expiry order can run to a nominated date up to 20 trading days ahead, or the default 20 trading days. Margin Lending Trading Accounts use a maximum and default of five trading days.
For international shares, the documented order types include Market, Limit, Stop, Stop-Limit, Market on close, Limit on close, Mid-Price, Trail and Trail-Limit. Longer expiry arrangements require International Shares Plus.
Conditional Trading is available only where the client is CHESS-sponsored by CommSec and has authorised a direct debit on the linked bank account. It is not available for CommSec Margin Lending accounts. Conditional orders may also be removed if the ASX purges orders for the stock.
Plus500AU orders
Plus500’s controls include Close at Profit (Take Profit), Close at Loss (Stop Loss), Guaranteed Stop where available, and Trailing Stop. A normal stop-loss or take-profit instruction does not guarantee the selected execution price. A market gap can result in execution at the next available price.
A Guaranteed Stop is different: where offered, it can protect against execution beyond the selected stop level, including in a gap, but Plus500AU’s PDS says a premium is charged before approval. It is not a free substitute for a normal stop.
Plus500AU accepts orders through its trading platform. Its current PDS says phone and email orders are not accepted.
Recommended Free Tools
Tax, dividends and record keeping
CommSec share transactions can produce records for capital gains tax, dividends, dividend statements and franking credits for Australian shares. The ATO treats CGT as part of income tax, and a gain or loss can arise when investments such as shares are disposed of. You should retain contract notes and distribution documents.
Plus500AU CFDs can have different tax consequences. Its PDS says the outcome depends on factors including your circumstances, the purpose of your trading and applicable tax law. Do not assume that a CFD gain or loss is treated exactly like a share transaction, or that CFD losses are always capital losses, always deductible or always business income. Obtain advice from a qualified Australian tax professional if the amounts are material or your trading is frequent.
Rank #4
- STURDY & UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY : Crafted from high-grade iron and aluminum, this triple monitor mount confidently supports three screens up to 27 inches and 22 lbs per arm. Fits VESA patterns 75x75mm and 100x100mm. Perfect for home offices, gaming setups, or professional workstations
- FULL MOTION ERGONOMICS : Each arm offers +35° to -35° tilt, 180° swivel, and 360° rotation. Easily switch between landscape and portrait orientation for coding, design, or trading. Reduce neck and eye strain by positioning each screen exactly where you need it
- PRECISE ALIGNMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE VESA PLATES : Individual height adjustable VESA plates let you fine tune each screen by up to 0.4 inches. This ensures your three monitors line up perfectly for a seamless, professional display without annoying gaps or mismatched heights
- TWO INSTALLATION OPTIONS & CABLE MANAGEMENT : Choose between C-clamp (fits desks 0.4-2.4 inches thick) or grommet mounting. Integrated cable management routes wires neatly through the arms, keeping your desk clean and clutter free
- MAXIMIZE YOUR WORKSPACE : Lift your monitors off the desk and reclaim valuable real estate for notes, keyboard, or other essentials. Ideal for home, dorm, school, business, or office settings. All necessary hardware and clear instructions are included for a hassle free setup
Practical account features
CommSec’s Australian account makes it straightforward to check your HIN:
Log in → Portfolio → Accounts → choose the relevant account → Shares → HIN next to “CHESS”CommSec notes that the displayed HIN may omit the leading X and preceding zeros. Include the complete HIN when a form requires it.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For international trading, funds are transferred to the International Wallet:
Log in → Portfolio → locate the International Shares Account → Transfer fundsInternational tax documents can be found at:
Portfolio → International Shares account → Launch Platform → Performance & Reports → Tax DocumentsPlus500AU’s interface is built around the CFD trading account and instrument details rather than a portfolio of registered shareholdings. That makes it suited to monitoring open positions, margin and financing costs, but less suited to someone seeking a conventional buy-and-hold investment account.
Who should choose CommSec?
CommSec is the stronger choice if you:
- want to buy and hold Australian shares or ETFs;
- need CHESS sponsorship and a HIN;
- want dividends and shareholder rights;
- are comfortable paying brokerage on purchases and sales;
- want access to actual international shares; or
- prefer investment records that correspond to securities you own.
Its costs can be relatively high for small or infrequent international trades, particularly after minimum brokerage and the 0.55% FX conversion fee are considered. Compare the all-in cost before placing an order.
Who should choose Plus500AU?
Plus500AU may suit an experienced trader who specifically wants:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- leveraged exposure;
- the ability to take short positions;
- short-term trading across shares, indices, forex, commodities and other CFD categories; or
- platform-based risk controls such as trailing stops and Guaranteed Stops where available.
It is a poor match for someone who believes they are buying shares, wants to hold for years, or has not calculated the effect of overnight funding and leverage. The fact that there is no dealing commission does not make a CFD position free to hold.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verdict: CommSec wins for investors; Plus500AU wins only for a specific trading use case
CommSec is better for conventional investing. It gives Australian retail clients access to actual shares and ETFs, CHESS-sponsored holdings for eligible domestic accounts, dividends and shareholder rights. It also provides a route to buying international shares.
Plus500AU is better only when the objective is CFD trading. Its leverage, short-selling capability and multi-market product range are relevant to short-term traders who understand that they are trading a derivative with spreads, funding charges and counterparty exposure—not building ownership of a portfolio.
Before opening either account, decide what you are buying: a security you intend to own, or a leveraged contract whose value tracks a market price. That decision matters more than the headline brokerage rate.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBest Value
- Wide Compatibility for Quad-Screen Workstations: This 4 monitor mount fits 13″–32″ monitors, with each arm supporting up to 22 lbs. It is compatible with 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm VESA patterns. Ideal for heavy multitasking, gaming, monitoring, financial trading, dispatching, video editing, and professional productivity setups, the quad monitor stand helps you build a complete four-monitor workstation in one system.
- Larger Base and Reinforced Build for Reliable Support: A 4-monitor setup requires stronger support and greater stability. This quad monitor mount features a larger mounting base to increase desktop contact and support area, along with a thickened pole and solid steel construction for reliable multi-monitor support. Compared with standard monitor desk mounts, it is better suited for long-term fixed-angle use and helps reduce wobbling during multi-screen work.
- Flexible Screen Positioning: The 4 monitor stand supports ±90° swivel, ±45° tilt, and 360° screen rotation, making it easy to create horizontal four-screen layouts, stacked dual-row setups, mixed landscape and portrait displays, or multiple vertical screens. Whether used for monitoring, trading, editing previews, data comparison, or professional office work, the multi monitor stand lets you adjust each screen for a more efficient workstation.
- Free Up Desk Space: Placing four monitors directly on the desk can quickly take up valuable space. This 4 monitor desk mount lifts and organizes all screens on one support system, reducing the clutter caused by multiple original monitor bases. It frees up more room for your keyboard, mouse, control panel, documents, and other devices, helping even complex multi-screen workstations stay clean and organized.
- Cable Management & Height Adjustment: This 4 screen monitor mount features built-in cable management to organize cables from four monitors, reducing crossed wires and desktop clutter. The 34.25″ pole supports height adjustment, making it easier to set the viewing height for stacked screen layouts. Note: When adjusting height, if the arm needs to pass the connector area, remove the corresponding screw first, pass the arm through, then resecure it.
FAQ
Is Plus500 the same as CommSec?
No. Plus500AU issues CFDs, while CommSec provides brokerage for securities such as Australian shares, ETFs and international shares. A Plus500AU share CFD does not give you ownership or voting rights in the referenced company.
Can I buy real shares through Plus500AU?
Not through the Australian Plus500AU CFD product. You can trade a CFD based on a share price, but you do not acquire the underlying share.
Is CommSec better for long-term investing?
Generally, yes. CommSec provides access to actual securities and CHESS-sponsored Australian holdings with a HIN under its standard account arrangements. That is more appropriate for a long-term portfolio than a CFD account with overnight funding and no underlying ownership.
Can I lose more than I deposit with Plus500AU?
Plus500AU’s current risk disclosure for Australian retail clients says you can lose all, but not more than, the balance of the Trading Account. Leverage can still use the balance rapidly, so negative-balance protection should not be interpreted as low risk.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Does Plus500AU charge commissions?
Its current Financial Services Guide says it does not charge a dealing commission. Trading costs can still include the bid/ask spread, overnight funding, currency conversion costs, Guaranteed Stop premiums and certain withdrawal or inactivity fees.
Does CommSec charge only $5 per trade?
No. The $5 rate applies to eligible online Australian-share trades up to and including $1,000 when settled through a CDIA or CommSec Margin Loan. Larger trades, other settlement arrangements, international shares and options use different rates.
Which platform is better for short selling?
Plus500AU is the more directly relevant product because its CFDs permit short exposure. CommSec’s conventional share account is designed primarily for buying and selling securities you own; the risks and mechanics are not the same as shorting through a CFD.
Are Plus500AU CFD losses tax deductible?
There is no safe universal answer. The tax treatment can depend on your circumstances, trading purpose and applicable Australian tax law. Get professional tax advice rather than assuming CFD gains and losses receive the same treatment as share transactions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Bottom Line
Choose CommSec if you want to invest in securities. Choose Plus500AU only if you deliberately want to trade leveraged CFDs and understand the difference between price exposure and ownership. For a typical Australian long-term investor, CommSec is the clear winner; for a sophisticated short-term CFD trader, Plus500AU may be the more suitable tool.
Product features, fees and account terms can change. This article is general information, not personal financial or tax advice. Check the relevant provider documents before applying or trading.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
