Kiwi Coupons
Best Investment Apps NZ 2026: Sharesies vs Hatch vs Stake vs IBKR
Best investment apps NZ: compare Sharesies, Hatch, Stake, Tiger Brokers, IBKR, and Swyftx by fees, markets, beginner fit, and sign-up bonuses.
Quick answer: Sharesies for beginners and NZ/AU/US in one app; Hatch or Stake for US shares with different fees; Tiger Brokers for wider global markets; Interactive Brokers for serious traders on 150+ markets; Swyftx for crypto only. Bonuses: links on each coupon page below.
Investing apps let you buy shares, funds, or crypto from your phone. This guide explains what each platform does, which apps suit beginners, and where to find current sign-up bonuses — not personal financial advice.
Quick comparison
| Platform | Best for | Markets | Fee style (check live) | Sign-up page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharesies | Beginners, small amounts | NZ, AU, US | Plans + FX fees | Coupon |
| Hatch | US ownership, flat fees | US | Flat USD trade fee | Coupon |
| Stake | US trades, $0 brokerage promo | US | $0 brokerage advertised | Coupon |
| Tiger Brokers | Active / global traders | Many intl. | Competitive commissions | Coupon |
| Interactive Brokers | Serious traders, 150+ markets | 150+ global | Tiered commissions | Coupon |
| Swyftx | Crypto | Crypto | Spreads/fees on crypto | Coupon |
Which investment app should beginners try first?
| If you want... | Start with | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Small first investment and simple NZ onboarding | Sharesies | Percentage fees and plan structure can matter as balances grow. |
| US shares with clear flat fees | Hatch | USD conversion and flat brokerage can be inefficient for tiny trades. |
| US trading with $0 brokerage positioning | Stake | FX fees, product scope, and account features differ from Hatch/Sharesies. |
| More international markets and active tools | Tiger Brokers | More complexity; check commissions, FX, and campaign rules. |
| Professional trading, 150+ markets, advanced tools | Interactive Brokers | Steep learning curve; serious platform not designed for beginners. |
| Crypto exposure | Swyftx | Crypto is volatile and not the same risk profile as shares or ETFs. |
For most beginners, the best first app is the one that makes it easiest to start small, understand fees, and avoid investing money you need soon.
1. Sharesies
Sharesies offer → · sharesies.nz
What Sharesies is
Sharesies is a NZ-founded platform used by 1M+ customers across NZ and Australia (sharesies.nz). It combines investing, KiwiSaver, spending (Debit Mastercard with Investback), savings (Save / PIE Save), insurance, and crypto in one ecosystem.
Key features (from Sharesies)
- Invest in shares and ETFs (NZ, AU, US) with low minimums
- KiwiSaver scheme on-platform
- Advised portfolios (managed-style investing)
- Crypto buy/sell for supported coins
- Plans to reduce fees if you invest regularly
Regulation
Sharesies operates under NZ financial regulation (FMA-licensed provider — confirm on sharesies.nz legal pages).
Who it suits
- First-time investors and small regular contributions
- Parents considering kids accounts
- People who want NZ + global without multiple brokers
Offer on Kiwi Coupons
$5 sign-up credit via referral — sharesies-coupons.
2. Hatch
Hatch offer → · hatchinvest.nz
What Hatch is
Hatch lets New Zealanders invest in US shares and ETFs with emphasis on beneficial ownership and transparent USD fees (hatchinvest.nz).
Key features
- 9,500+ US stocks and ETFs (per Hatch marketing)
- Flat USD fee per trade (amount on live fee page)
- Fractional shares on supported listings
- NZ-owned narrative and education content
Who it suits
- Investors focused on the US market
- People who prefer flat fees over percentage commissions
- Long-term buy-and-hold in USD
Offer on Kiwi Coupons
$10 top-up when you fund $100+ — hatch.
3. Stake
Stake offer → · hellostake.com
What Stake is
Stake is a platform for US stocks and ETFs popular in NZ and Australia, advertising $0 brokerage on US trades (hellostake.com).
Key features
- Large US stock and ETF universe
- Mobile-first trading experience
- Wall St and Aus products exist — confirm NZ product scope in-app
Who it suits
- Frequent US stock traders watching brokerage costs
- Investors comparing Hatch vs Stake fee models
Offer on Kiwi Coupons
Free US stock (e.g. Nike/Dropbox/GoPro campaigns vary) on stake after funding.
4. Tiger Brokers
Tiger Brokers offer → · Tiger NZ
What Tiger Brokers is
Tiger Brokers is a global brokerage offering NZ access to multiple international markets and mobile trading tools.
Key features
- Broad market access (US, HK, SG, etc. — confirm NZ entitlements)
- Competitive commissions for active traders
- Campaign vouchers for new accounts on our coupon page
Who it suits
- Experienced investors wanting one app for several countries
- Active traders who value tools and market depth
Offer on Kiwi Coupons
Up to $150 in vouchers — see tiger-brokers-nz for code FX2C5S and rules.
5. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offer → · interactivebrokers.com
What Interactive Brokers is
Interactive Brokers (NASDAQ: IBKR) is one of the world's largest brokerages, handling ~2.5 million trades daily across 150+ global markets. Available to NZ residents with NZD funding.
Key features
- 150+ markets — US, ASX, NZX, HK, LSE, TSE, and more
- Full product suite — stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds
- Industry-leading margin rates — benchmark + tiered spread
- Professional tools — Trader Workstation (TWS), API access, portfolio analytics
- Regulated by SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC, and others
Who it suits
- Experienced and active traders who want global market access
- Investors who value low margin rates and advanced trading tools
- Those who've outgrown the simplicity of Sharesies/Hatch/Stake
Offer on Kiwi Coupons
$200 USD per referral + up to $1,000 in IBKR stock for friends — interactive-brokers.
6. Swyftx (crypto)
What Swyftx is
Swyftx is a cryptocurrency exchange (AUSTRAC registered), not a traditional share broker.
Key features
- Buy/sell Bitcoin and 350+ cryptocurrencies (per marketing)
- NZ users access via Swyftx with AUD/NZD funding paths — confirm in-app
Who it suits
- Investors who already understand crypto volatility
- People keeping crypto separate from share portfolios
Offer on Kiwi Coupons
$10 Bitcoin bonus after deposit/trade — swyftx.
Compare by situation
| Goal | Start here |
|---|---|
| First investment ever | Sharesies |
| US-only portfolio | Hatch or Stake |
| Lowest US brokerage headline | Stake ($0 promo — check FX costs) |
| Multiple countries | Tiger Brokers |
| Professional platform, 150+ markets | Interactive Brokers |
| Bitcoin / altcoins | Swyftx (high risk) |
| KiwiSaver + shares one brand | Sharesies |
Investing vs everyday money apps
Spending apps (Emerge, Dosh, Revolut) are not share brokers. See Compare Money Apps.
Sign-up offers (links)
- Sharesies — $5
- Hatch — $10
- Stake — free stock
- Tiger Brokers — vouchers
- Interactive Brokers — $200 USD + stock
- Swyftx — $10 BTC
Related guides
Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Investing involves risk. Read each provider's PDS and terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best investment app for beginners in NZ?
Sharesies is often recommended for beginners because you can start with very small amounts and access NZ, Australian, and US markets in one app. Hatch and Stake suit investors focused on US shares with different fee models. Compare fees and bonuses on each provider's website.
Are Sharesies, Hatch, and Stake safe?
They are regulated financial service providers operating in New Zealand. Sharesies is licensed by the NZ FMA. Hatch and Stake are established platforms with NZ regulatory registration. Always read each provider's disclosures — investing still carries market risk.
Do I need a lot of money to start investing in NZ?
Sharesies advertises investing from 1 cent. Hatch and Stake commonly require around $50–$100 funding to qualify for sign-up bonuses on our coupon pages. Minimums can change — check each app.
What markets can I access?
Sharesies: NZ, AU, and US shares and funds. Hatch and Stake: primarily US markets. Tiger Brokers: broader global markets. Swyftx: cryptocurrencies only.
What fees do NZ investment apps charge?
Fees include brokerage, FX conversion, and monthly plan fees on some platforms. Sharesies lists plan fees for NZ/AU and US investing on its site. Hatch uses flat USD trading fees. Stake advertises $0 brokerage on US trades. Compare live fee pages before trading.
Can I use more than one investment app?
Yes. Many Kiwis use Sharesies for NZ/AU and a US specialist (Hatch or Stake) for American stocks. You will file tax on combined investment income.
What about tax on investments in NZ?
You generally declare investment income to IRD. Platforms often provide annual tax statements. This is not tax advice — see IRD guidance or a tax professional.
Is Swyftx the same as a share trading app?
No. Swyftx is a cryptocurrency exchange (AUSTRAC registered), not a traditional share broker. Compare it only if you want crypto exposure and understand crypto risk.
What is Tiger Brokers used for?
Tiger Brokers targets investors who want access to multiple international markets and mobile trading tools. Sign-up vouchers on our page are subject to Tiger's campaign rules.
Can I lose money investing?
Yes. Shares, ETFs, and crypto can fall in value. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Only invest money you can afford to lose.
Do promo codes work on investment apps?
Most offers are referral links or in-app campaigns for new funded accounts, not checkout coupon codes. Search 'Sharesies promo code' usually means the same referral bonus — see our coupon pages.