(Aus) Online broker account I've seen or used and WHY

Note: This review may be outdated and from my personal view.


*CBA CommSec
- I had a savings/transaction  account with CBA and thinking that it would be seamless/faster to move funds from my savings account to the brokerage account  (I was wrong at that time as CBA was a separate entity to CommSec so it will take 1-2 days to move the funds). Now, I think they integrate the savings to online broker account and other investment portfolio with CBA MyWealth (I am not sure what are the changes since I have not used them for some time now).
- I find their user interface better.
- At the time I open an account with them, they charge additional access to stock recommendation and analysis. Now, I think they also probide basic recommendation and analysis for FREE. Higher access / services still need to pay extra (almost all online broker does the same thing).
- I also notice their transaction fee is a bit higher compare to others.
- I'm a small time stock investor/trader so basic transaction fee will go a long way.
- They charge extra fees to access stock recommendations and analysis  (I think they now give out free/limited/basic stock recommendation and analysis)

* Most online broker charge fixed transaction fee if your trade is below 10k AUD. Above 10k transaction fee depends on percentage.


I was looking for better transaction fee and I came across with NABTrade which new in the market offering FROM $14.95 per transaction.

I think this is the CHEAPEST you could find. If you find cheaper than this - let me know.
They also provide the highest interest rate for a trading account.



* NABTrade
- lower transaction fee than CBA if I trade below 10k AUD
- They offer a $200 or $300 transaction fee to use with in a month (This may not be accurate - I could not remember the details)
- they had an online broker account that earn interest. Your fund still earns interest even if you park your cash that you want to use for investing/trading.  Interest is below 1% but you don't get this feature from other online broker account.
- Also has good graphical interface as CBA. Graphical user interface helps in navigation specially if you are new to stock market investing/trading.
- I also have NAB savings/transaction account, thinking it will be easier to move the funds quicker between "high" online savings account which earns higher interest rate.
- I was disappointed when I try to withdraw some money online as they said they have a maximum limit if you do it online. I have to call them up if I want to take out money from the brokerage account. 
_ I find their platform  a bit slow at times and having some random issues accessing their website.
- I guess since it is a newly offered platform that they need to restrict some access and  tweaking and adjustments.

NABTrade could have matured and improve now compare to when they first started offering their online trading platform.


I came across with BellDirect when NRMA members are entitled for $100 cash back when opening an account with BellDirect.
Gain of $100 just be opening a trading account.
Compare to Commsec and NABTrade that offer $200-$300 worth of transaction fee to be used within a certain period.



* BellDirect
- lower transaction fee than CBA/almost similar to NABTrade if I trade below 10k AUD
- User interface is not as pretty as NABTrade and CommSec. I feel like their platform is more like for advance/expert investors/traders.
- They provide FREE basic stock recommendation/analysis. Now, I think NABTrade and CommSec also provides FREE basic stock recommendation and analysis.
- Trading account also provide interest. If you park your funds and has not bought any stocks, it still earn interest and deposit to your account on a monthly basis (same with CommSec and NABTrade).
- Deposit and withdrawals can be done online and takes 1-2 days
- Provides higher access to their trading platform and discount to trading fees if you trade more often.


Deciding on which online broker to use depends on your needs and which fits your trading style and and requirements.


Note:
- This review may be outdated and from my personal view.
- Check NABTrade / Commsec / Belldirect websites for their current offerings
- I have not used some of the broker account for a long time