Best Stock Trading App South Africa – Top App Revealed
Are you looking for the best stock trading app in South Africa? If you, heaps of providers now allow South Africans to buy and sell stocks at the click of a button. But, with so many options on the table, how do you know which trading app to go with?
In this guide, we review the best stock trading apps in South Africa right now. Our top picks all excel when it comes to tradable stock markets, fees and commissions, supported payment types, and regulation.
In This Guide
Top Stock Trading Apps South Africa 2021
Below you will find a quickfire overview of which top-rated stock trading apps made the cut! To read our full review of each app, simply scroll down.
- eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App South Africa with Zero Commission
- Libertex – Low-Cost CFD Stock Market App with ZERO Spreads
- Plus500 – Best Stock Trading App for Low-Cost Trades
- AvaTrade – Best Stock Trading App for Fans of MT4/MT5
- IG – Best Stock Trading App South Africa for Creating a Diversified Portfolio
- Skilling – Share Trading App With Several Platforms
- CM Trader – Top Stock Trading App Regulated by the South African FSCA
Best Stock Trading App Reviewed
As noted above, there are dozens of stock trading apps available to South African investors. There are several key metrics that you need to focus on before choosing a provider – such as low fees, access to lots of stock markets, and a strong regulatory standing.
As per our in-depth research, below you will find the stock trading app for beginners in South Africa right now.
1. eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App for Beginners – 0% Commission
With more than 17 million clients now using the platform, eToro is by far the best stock trading app in South Africa. The main appeal with eToro is that it is perfect for newbies, heavily regulated, and offers super-competitive trading fees. Although you can trade on the main desktop website, many investors in South Africa prefer to use the broker’s investment app.
Available on both iOS and Android, this top-rated stock trading app gives you access to over 2,400 shares. Across 17 international markets, this includes companies listed in the US, UK, France, Sweden, Hong Kong, and more. Best of all, eToro is a 100% commission-free broker. That means South Africans are not required to pay any share dealing or account fees.
Looking to trade small amounts? If so, the eToro stock trading app permits a minimum investment of $50 per stock. This is because the provider supported ‘fractional ownership’, so you can invest in or trade a ‘portion’ of a share. If you’re looking to trade stocks in a passive manner – eToro offers a Copy Trading tool. This allows you to copy the portfolio and all ongoing trades of your chosen verified investor – of which there are almost 700,000.
We should also note that the eToro app is not only compatible with stock trading. On the contrary, this top-rated trading app also offers markets on ETFs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, forex, and indices. In terms of getting started, you can deposit funds with a South African debit/credit card or bank account. E-wallets like Paypal and Neteller are also supported. Finally, you can trade safely at eToro, as the broker is authorized and regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC.
Read our comprehensive eToro app review to find out more.
Pros
- Regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
- Trusted brand with over 17 million client accounts worldwide
- Buy stocks without paying any commission or share dealing charges
- Social and copy trading features
- Trade CFDs with leverage
- 2,400+ stocks listed on multiple international markets
- Personalized eToro account where you can set up trading price alerts
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced traders that like to perform technical analysis
67% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs at this site.
2. Libertex – Low-Cost CFD Stock Market App with ZERO Spreads
Irrespective of which South Africa stock trading app you sign up with – you will always need to pay a ‘spread’. This is the gap between the bid and ask price of your chosen stock. With that said, Libertex is the only stock trading app that we have previously come across that does not charge any spreads at all.
This means that you can trade stocks at the actual market rate. Instead of paying a spread, Libertex charges a small commission. This will vary depending on your chosen market but is rarely above 0.5% per slide.
We also like Libertex as this top-rated stocking trading app requires a minimum deposit of just $10. You can facilitate this with your debit/credit card, bank account, or e-wallet. In terms of what you can trade, Libertex specializes in CFDs. This covers stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, and commodities. Finally, your money is safe at Libertex – as the platform is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct (FSP Number: 47381).
Pros
- Zero spread CFD trading
- Good educational resources
- Long established broker
- Compatible with MT4
- Competitive spreads
Cons
- Only offers CFDs
83% of traders lose money when trading CFDs at this site.
3. Plus500 – Best Stock Trading App for South African Share CFDs
Plus500 is a popular CFD trading site that offers thousands of financial markets. This includes access to heaps of domestic companies that are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. As you will be traded CFDs, this means that you won’t actually own the underlying shares.
You will, however, be able to speculate on the future price of the shares in question. In fact, trading stock CFDs at Plus500 does come with certain benefits. First and foremost, the platform allows you to trade CFDs on a commission-free basis. You will also find that in most cases – spreads are very competitive. Plus500 also offers leverage. This means that you only need to put up a small percentage of your trade size.
For example, if you have an account balance of $200 and you trade stock CFDs with leverage of 1:10 – then your position is actually worth $2,000. And of course – much like any other CFD trading app, Plus500 allows you to choose from a buy and sell position on all trades. This means that you can profit from both rising and falling markets. The Plus500 stock trading app is available to download free of charge and is compatible with iOS and Android phones.
Once installed, you will only need to meet a minimum deposit of $100. Once you do, not only can you trade stock CFDs, but heaps of other markets. This includes everything from indices and digital currencies to ETFs and forex – all via CFD instruments. You can easily fund your Plus500 account with a debit/credit card, Paypal, or bank wire. Finally, Plus500 is regulated by several bodies and its parent company is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Read our comprehensive Plus500 app review to find out more.
Pros
- Heavily regulated trading platform
- 0% commission on all forex trading positions
- Leverage facilities available
- Mobile app is highly rated
- No transaction fees
- Account minimum just $100
- Heaps of forex pairs supported
- Thousands of CFD instruments
Cons
- Does not offer traditional investment assets
80% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs at this site.
4. Skilling – Share Trading App With Several Platforms
Skilling is a relatively new entrant to the South African stock trading app scene – but it is worth considering nonetheless. After all, the app allows you to trade without paying any commission.
Plus, with the view of attracting traders to its platform – Skilling is offering some of the best stock trading spreads in the space. Take note, Skilling doesn’t offer South African companies. But, if you’re keen to trade US stock CFDs like Tesla, Amazon, and Facebook – Skilling has you covered.
We also like the fact that you can trade via popular third-party platforms MT4 and cTrader. Or, if you prefer to stick to the basics, the Skilling app is great for newbie traders. Most importantly, although Skilling is an up and coming stock trading app, it holds a fully-fledged license with E.U.-based CySEC.
Pros
- More than 700 share CFDs
- Commission-free share trading with tight spreads
- Range of three trading platform
- Supports algorithmic trading
- Supports the MetaTrader 4
- User-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android
Cons
- Does not support ETF trading
75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5. AvaTrade – Best Stock Trading App for Fans of MT4/MT5
AvaTrade is a hugely popular stock trading app in South Africa. In fact, the stock trading app is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) – alongside many other jurisdictions. There are several reasons why we like AvaTrade. Firstly, the platform is compatible with both MetaTrader series – MT4 and MT5.
As such, this will favor those of you that already have experienced trading stocks. After all, these third-party platforms are packed to the rafters with advanced chart analysis tools and order types. Additionally, if you are planning to use an automated robot to trade stocks, you can do this at AvaTrade via the MT4/MT5 platform.
When it comes to trading on your phone, you can choose between the AvaTrade, MT4, or MT5 app. Either way, AvaTrader offers an abundance of financial markets. In particular, this includes a great range of stock CFDs that you can trade with ease. You can choose from a buy/sell position on all markets and even apply leverage.
AvaTrade accounts take just a couple of minutes to open – and you can instantly deposit funds with your South African debit card. Bank transfers are also possible, but this takes several days to process. Finally, the minimum deposit at AvaTrade is just $100 – which is suitable for first trading budgets.
Pros
- Thousands of financial instruments supported
- Super-tight spreads on forex pairs
- Several trading platforms – including MetaTrader 4 and 5
- Regulated in several jurisdictions
- Great for news and market insights
- Low account minimums
Cons
- Best suited for more experienced traders
There is no guarantee you will make money with this provider.
6. IG – Best South Africa Stock Trading App for Creating a Diversified Portfolio
IG is a market leader in the global brokerage scene – with the firm first opening its doors in the mid-1970s. Although it is headquartered in the UK, IG is home to heaps of South African traders. Not only is this because IG is heavily regulated, but it offers one of the most diverse stock trading libraries in the space.
For example, you can trade thousands of stock CFDs at IG from dozens of international marketplaces. If you’re looking to trade home-grown companies, you’ll be pleased to learn that this includes the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Outside of South Africa, you can also trade stocks listed in North America, Asia, Europe, and more.
IG is also known to offer high levels of leverage. The specific amount will, however, depend on which stock market you wish to access. In terms of the app, this is available on both iOS and Android. If you wish, you can also access your IG account on the move via the MT4 app – as the broker is fully-compatible.
When it comes to fees, this top-rated stock trading app charges a variable commission. Once again, this varies depending on the market. If example, you want to trade South African stocks, you’ll pay a commission of 0.20% per slide, at a minimum of ZAR 100. If it’s US stocks that take your fancy, the commission is $0.02 per share, at a minimum of $15.
Read our comprehensive IG app review to find out more.
Pros
- Trusted investment app with a long-standing reputation
- More than 17,000 financial markets
- Low stock trading fees
- Leverage and short-selling also available
- Spread betting and CFD products
- Access to dozens of international markets
- Great research department
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $250
- US stocks have a $15 minimum commission
Your capital is at risk when trading CFDs at this site.
7. CM Trader – Top Stock Trading App Regulated by the South African FSCA
Due to its relationship with the FSCA, CM Trader is a hugely popular stock trading app in South Africa. The platform offers a modest number of financial markets – cover CFDs in the form of stock indices, commodities, and forex.
You can choose from two trading platforms – Sirix, which is native to CM Trading, or MT4. Both platforms offer a fully-fledged trading app. You might also like CM Trading for its ‘CopyKat’ feature. In a similar nature to the Copy Trading tool on eToro, this allows you to copy the platform’s best-performing traders like-for-like.
Once again, this is great if you don’t have the time to actively trade the markets. If you’re a newbie, you might be best suited for CM Trading Bronze Account. This requires a minimum deposit of just $250. But, if you’re after more competitive fees and plan to trade with larger amounts, the Silver Account might be more suitable. This requires a minimum deposit of $1,000.
Pros
- Regulated by the South African FSCA
- Trade stock indices, forex, and commodities
- Minimum deposit of just $250
- CopyKat feature allows automated trading
- MT4 supported
Cons
- Only 150+ financial markets supported
Your capital is at risk when trading at this platform
How to Choose the Best Stock Trading App South Africa for You
So now that we have discussed the best stock trading apps South Africa available in the market right now – we need to explain some of the key factors that you need to consider before choosing a provider. After all, no two stock trading apps are the same – so it’s important to have a firm grasp of whether the platform is right for you.
Regulation
Put simply, you should never consider using a stock trading app is it not regulated by a reputable body. In some cases, the app might be regulated by the South African FSCA.
However, we should make it clear that if your chosen stock trading app is licensed by another reputable body – such as the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or CySEC (Cyprus), this is also fine.
In fact, the aforementioned bodies actually offer a greater level of protection than the FSCA, so do bear this in mind.
User Experience
Most stock traders in South Africa prefer to trade via a desktop device. This is especially the case when performing advanced technical analysis – as a small screen won’t quite cut it. However, many investors actually prefer to trade stocks on an app, on the proviso that the end-to-end user experience is seamless.
For example, it should be easy to find the respective asset or market that you wish to trade. The stock trading app for beginners facilitates this through a search facility. For example, if you want to trade Apple stocks, you should be able to find the market by entering the name of the company into the search box.
Additionally, the process of setting up buy/sell, market/limit, and stop-loss/take-profit orders should be simple. You shouldn’t need to zoom into the screen to make the platform more accessible – as the best stock trading providers will optimize their app for the specific operating system.
Tradable Stocks
Before choosing a provider, you need to ensure that the stock trading app gives you access to your desired market. For example, some platforms only allow you to buy US stocks, while others offer dozens of exchanges.
In the case of eToro, you can trade over 2,400 stocks from 17 international markets – all on a commission-free basis. However, the platform doesn’t offer South African stocks. If this is something you are after, you can trade South African share CFDs on the Plus500 app.
You also need to clarify whether you are buying and selling actual stocks, or trading CFDs. The former means that you own the shares outright, while the latter means you are simply speculating on the future price of the stock. At eToro, you will have access to both traditional stocks and share CFDs.
Fees
Make sure you check what trading fees are applicable on your chosen app. Most providers will charge you a variable fee on each trade you place.
For example, IG charges 0.2% to trade South African stock CFDs. However, you need to check whether a minimum commission is in place, too. At IG, that’s ZAR 100.
In other cases, you might be able to trade stocks on a commission-free basis. This is something offered by eToro – meaning that all stock trading fees are built into the spread.
Other fees to keep an eye out for include:
- Deposit/withdrawal fees
- Inactivity fees
- FX conversion fees
- Account management fees
You can normally check what fees are payable by heading over to the provider’s website. This should, of course, be done before you open an account.
Trading Tools & Features
If you’re interested in certain trading tools or features, make sure your chosen stock market app offers this. For example, if you are looking to trade small amounts, you’ll want to pick a provider that allows you to access ‘fractional shares’. At eToro, you can trade all 2,400+ shares from just $50.
Additionally, look to see if the app offers price alerts and real-time notifications. This will ensure that you stay ahead of the game at all times. We should also note that a lot of traders in South Africa are interested in automated investing. If this sounds like you, look for a Copy Trading feature such as the one offered by eToro.
Education, Research & Analysis
It’s also handy when a provider offers educational resources for beginners. For example, the best stock trading apps South Africa allow you to read through educational guides, articles, and even offer regular webinars.
If you’re already a seasoned trader and want access to advanced research facilities, check to see if the provider offers technical indicators. Additionally, it’s useful if the stock trading app in question offers financial news direct to your phone. Once again, this is important for keeping abreast of key developments on your chosen stocks.
Device Compatibility
All of the best stock trading apps in South Africa will be compatible with both Android and iOS – so that’s pretty much 99% of smartphone users. This is usually the case with Android tablets and iPad. If, however, you have a Windows phone – you’re going to be out of luck.
In most cases, you can still use your phone to trade – but this will need to be done via the provider’s mobile website. Although some are clunky, we found that eToro still offers a great user experience through its mobile browser.
Payment Methods
The best stock trading apps South Africa allow you to easily deposit and withdraw funds. In fact, you should be able to do this instantly via the app itself. Most traders in South Africa will opt for a debit/credit card – as this is convenient, instant, and usually free. With that said, some stock trading apps also support e-wallets and mobile payments like Google and Apple Pay.
These are also credited to your account instantly. You should avoid stock trading apps that only support bank wire transfers – as it can take a few days for the funds to arrive.
Customer Service
If you run into an issue with your stock trading account, you’ll want the option of speaking with a support agent in real-time. For this, the best stock apps offer live chat. You will likely be able to raise a support ticket via the app, but this means that you will need to wait for a reply.
Alternatively, some stock trading app providers run a fully-fledged telephone support team. Either way, it’s also worth checking what hours the customer service team operates if you are using an international stock trading app.
How to Download a Stock App & Start Trading
Ready to start buying and selling shares via a stock trading app right now?
If so, the guidelines below will walk you through the process with commission-free stock trading app eToro.
Now that you have registered, download the eToro stock trading app to your phone. You’ll be taken to the official download page on the Apple or Google Play Store, depending on your operating model.
Once you have downloaded and installed the eToro app, log in with the username and password that you created in Step 1.
Now that your account is funded, search for the stock that you wish to buy or trade.
Or, you can click on the ‘Trade Markets’ button to see what stocks are listed.
Once you click on the stock you wish to trade, you will need to set up an order. To keep things simple, stick with a ‘Market Order’ and enter your stake. This will ensure that eToro executes your order instantly.
Finally, click on the ‘Open Trade’ button. And that’s it – you’ve just placed your first commission-free trade on the eToro stock market app!
Conclusion
In summary, South Africans now have access to a plethora of stock trading apps. This means that you can easily buy and sell shares at the click of a button. You do, however, need to spend some time researching the right stock app for your financial goals. This is because no two trading apps are the same.
With that said, we found that eToro is the best stock trading app in South Africa for several reasons. Not only can you buy and trade over 2,400 stocks from 17 markets, but all positions are commission-free. It takes just a few minutes to open an account and you can instantly fund it with a South African debit/credit card or e-wallet.
You can get started with eToro right now by clicking on the link below!
eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App for Beginners ZA – 0% Commission
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
FAQs
What is the best stock trading app for beginners South Africa?
Never traded stocks on your mobile phone? If so, you'll likely want to start off with eToro. This user-friendly stock trading app is now home to over 17 million users.
Is stock trading legal in South Africa?
Yes, trading - whether that's stocks, forex, or commodities, is perfectly legal in South Africa.
Can you trade stocks for free South Africa?
Yes, eToro allows you to trade over 2,400 stocks on a commission-free basis. There are no ongoing account fees either - which is why the app is so popular with South African traders.
Which stock market apps offer South African shares?
We found that Plus500 is the best stock market app for trading South African shares. Best of all, the CFD platform is commission-free.
Are stock market apps safe in South Africa?
Yes, as long as the stock trading app in question is regulated by a reputable body. This might include the FSCA, FCA, or ASIC.
What is the best stock market app for Android?
eToro - which is available on both Android and iOS, is arguably the best trading app in the space. You can trade heaps of stocks commission-free, the app is simple to use, and of course - eToro is heavily regulated.
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