Best Investment Apps NZ 2025: Compare Sharesies, Stake & Tiger Brokers
Compare the best investment apps in New Zealand. Get exclusive sign-up bonuses for Sharesies ($5), Stake (free stock), Tiger Brokers ($50) and Swyftx ($10).
Best Investment Apps in New Zealand 2025
Looking to start investing in New Zealand? You’re in the right place. This guide compares the top investment platforms available to Kiwis in 2025, complete with exclusive sign-up bonuses you won’t want to miss.
Quick Comparison Table
Platform | Sign-Up Bonus | Best For | Markets | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sharesies | $5 credit | Beginners & NZ shares | NZ, AU, US | Low, no minimum |
Stake | Free stock (Nike/Dropbox/GoPro) | US stocks | US only | Commission-free |
Tiger Brokers | $50 bonus | Active traders | Global (18 markets) | Competitive |
Swyftx | $10 in Bitcoin | Crypto investors | Crypto only | Low spreads |
1. Sharesies - Best for Beginners π₯
Why Choose Sharesies?
Sharesies is the most beginner-friendly investment platform in New Zealand. It’s perfect if you’re just getting started or want to invest small amounts regularly.
Pros:
- β No minimum investment - start with as little as 1 cent
- β Fractional shares - buy a piece of expensive stocks
- β NZ-owned and locally regulated
- β Kids accounts available
- β Easy-to-use app with great educational resources
- β Access to NZ, AU, and US markets
Cons:
- β Limited to ~3,000 stocks and funds
- β Not ideal for active day trading
Fees:
- $1.20/month for NZ/AU investing
- $3/month for US investing
- 0.5% FX fee on US trades
Perfect For:
First-time investors, those wanting to invest small amounts regularly, parents setting up kids' accounts.
Claim Your $5 Sharesies Bonus β
2. Stake - Best for US Stocks πΊπΈ
Why Choose Stake?
If you want to invest in US companies like Apple, Tesla, or Amazon without paying brokerage fees, Stake is your best bet.
Pros:
- β Commission-free US stock trades
- β 9,500+ US stocks & ETFs
- β Fractional shares available
- β Slick mobile app
- β No monthly fees (unless you opt for premium)
- β Free stock bonus when you sign up and fund account
Cons:
- β US markets only
- β FX fees on deposits/withdrawals
Fees:
- $0 per trade
- 0.7% FX fee (or 0.5% with Stake Black)
- No account minimum
Perfect For:
Investors focused on US markets, those who want commission-free trading, anyone wanting exposure to US tech stocks.
Get Your Free Nike/Dropbox/GoPro Stock β
3. Tiger Brokers - Best for Global Diversification π
Why Choose Tiger Brokers?
Tiger Brokers offers access to 18 global markets - the most of any platform available to Kiwis. If you want true global diversification, this is it.
Pros:
- β 18 global markets (US, HK, China, Singapore, AU, and more)
- β Low commissions
- β Advanced trading tools and research
- β Options trading available
- β $50 sign-up bonus
- β Institutional-grade platform
Cons:
- β Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- β More suited to active traders
Fees:
- US stocks: $1.99 minimum per trade
- Other markets: vary by exchange
- No account maintenance fees
Perfect For:
Experienced investors, those wanting access to Asian markets, active traders who need advanced tools.
Claim Your $50 Tiger Brokers Bonus β
4. Swyftx - Best for Cryptocurrency π
Why Choose Swyftx?
If you’re interested in cryptocurrency, Swyftx is Australia and New Zealand’s most user-friendly crypto exchange.
Pros:
- β 300+ cryptocurrencies available
- β Low fees (0.6% or less)
- β NZD deposits via bank transfer or POLi
- β Instant trades
- β Tax reporting tools
- β $10 Bitcoin bonus
Cons:
- β Crypto only (no stocks)
- β Higher risk asset class
Fees:
- 0.6% trading fee (lower with volume)
- Free NZD deposits
- Small withdrawal fees
Perfect For:
Crypto enthusiasts, those wanting diversification into digital assets, tech-savvy investors comfortable with volatility.
How to Choose the Right Platform
For Complete Beginners:
Start with Sharesies. It’s the easiest to understand, has great educational content, and you can start with tiny amounts.
For US Stock Focus:
Go with Stake. Commission-free US trading and a free stock to get started - perfect if you’re focused on American companies.
For Global Diversification:
Choose Tiger Brokers if you want access to markets beyond just NZ, AU, and US. Great for accessing Asian tech companies.
For Cryptocurrency:
Pick Swyftx - it’s the best crypto exchange for Kiwis, with easy NZD onramps and great interface.
Pro Tip: Use Multiple Platforms π
You don’t have to pick just one! Many savvy investors use:
- Sharesies for NZ/AU shares and regular small investments
- Stake for US stock exposure
- Swyftx for a small crypto allocation
This way, you get the best of all worlds and maximize your sign-up bonuses:
- $5 from Sharesies
- Free stock from Stake (~$5-10 value)
- $10 from Swyftx
- $50 from Tiger Brokers if you’re more experienced
Total free money: ~$70-80 just for signing up! π°
Investment Tips for Kiwis
-
Start Small: You don’t need thousands to begin. Even $10/week adds up over time with compound growth.
-
Diversify: Don’t put all your money in one company or market. Spread it across different sectors and geographies.
-
Think Long-Term: The stock market goes up and down, but historically trends upward over 10+ years.
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Use KiwiSaver Too: These platforms complement (not replace) your KiwiSaver. Max out your KiwiSaver employer contributions first.
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Educate Yourself: All these platforms offer educational content - use it! Understanding what you’re investing in is crucial.
-
Start Today: Time in the market beats timing the market. The best time to start was yesterday; the second best is now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these platforms safe?
Yes, all platforms mentioned are regulated and legitimate:
- Sharesies: NZ FMA licensed
- Stake: Registered with NZ FMA, backed by regulated brokers
- Tiger Brokers: Multiple international licenses
- Swyftx: AUSTRAC registered
Do I need a lot of money to start?
No! Sharesies lets you start with 1 cent. Most others need $50-100 minimum for sign-up bonuses.
What about tax?
You’ll need to declare investment income on your NZ tax return. Sharesies and others provide tax statements to help. Consider using Hnry if you have multiple income streams.
Can I lose money?
Yes - all investing carries risk. Never invest money you can’t afford to lose, especially in individual stocks or crypto.
Ready to Start Investing?
Click any of the links below to claim your sign-up bonuses:
- Sharesies - Get $5 β (Best for beginners)
- Stake - Get Free Stock β (Best for US stocks)
- Tiger Brokers - Get $50 β (Best for global markets)
- Swyftx - Get $10 Bitcoin β (Best for crypto)
Happy investing! ππ°
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. All investments carry risk. Do your own research and consider seeking advice from a licensed financial advisor. Kiwi Coupons may earn a commission if you sign up through our referral links.