How to Buy the S&P 500 with CommSec

Summary: Australian investors can invest in the S&P 500 through CommSec, a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank and regulated by ASIC. While providing reliability, CommSec charges high fees of 0.2% per trade for international indices and has an outdated user interface, potentially complicating navigation for newcomers. 

Setting up an investment involves creating a CommSec account and transferring funds via the CommBank Netbank app. Alternatives like eToro offer more flexible fee structures and an easier interface, making them an attractive option for those seeking different investment platforms.

Can I Buy the S&P 500 with CommSec?

Yes, you can invest in the S&P 500 in Australia through CommSec, the popular Australian brokerage and subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank. It operates under stringent regulations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), assuring alignment with local financial standards. This regulatory compliance offers an extra layer of security for investors.

When trading the S&P 500 with CommSec, it's essential to note that they charge relatively high fees compared to other Australian brokers, starting at 0.2% per trade for international indices like the S&P 500. In addition to high fees, CommSec has an outdated user experience and can be complicated to navigate for beginners. 

‍

How to Buy S&P 500 with CommSec

To invest in the S&P 500 through CommSec, Australian investors must set up a bank account with the Commonwealth Bank. This means that holders of accounts with other banks such as ANZ, NAB, and others may need to explore alternatives like eToro for such investments, including the S&P 500.

For those choosing to invest via CommSec, here's a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Create a CommSec Account: Sign up with CommSec, making sure to complete the verification process as per Australian regulations.
2. Fund Your Account: Transfer AUD from your personal or company bank account on CommBank to your CommSec account in the CommBank Netbank app.
3. Search for SPY: Search for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and add it to your watchlist.
4. Select SPY: Select the ‘SPY’ and then click ‘Buy’ to execute your transaction. 

‍

Best Alternative to CommSec for the S&P 500

If you're looking for an alternative to CommSec for investing in the S&P 500 in Australia, we recommend considering a platform like eToro. This is the most popular multi-asset broker regulated by ASIC and offers instant AUD deposits from any Australian bank. Their platform offers over 3,000 assets across multiple asset classes, including popular indices and ETFs like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF. 

‍

What are the Fees?

CommSec's fee structure for trading the S&P 500 starts at 0.2% per trade, reflecting their alignment with Australian regulations and the services they provide. This rate applies to their platform in Australia, and additional charges may be relevant depending on the trade or investment product.

In comparison, eToro operates on spread-based pricing with costs built into the buy and sell price of an asset, including those tracking the S&P 500. Unlike CommSec, eToro offers commission-free trading for stocks, but other fees like withdrawal and inactivity charges may apply. Investors should review eToro's specific fee details on their website for a comprehensive understanding of the costs.

‍

Bottom Line

Investing in the S&P 500 through CommSec in Australia is entirely possible, but investors should be mindful of the relatively high fees starting at 0.2% per trade and a potentially complicated user experience. While CommSec provides a reliable platform under stringent ASIC regulations, alternatives like eToro, offering commission-free trading and a more user-friendly interface, may appeal to investors seeking different fee structures or onboarding methods with various banks.