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Buy and sell international shares using Australian dollars, with foreign currency exchanges conducted on your behalf on an International Wallet included with your International Shares account.
Access the world's largest companies in 13 global markets. Plus, invest smaller amounts in global companies with fractional shares.
Regular international traders can switch to a CommSec International Plus account to access more flexibility in multi-currency wallet, additional order expiry and self-managed FX conversions.
Settle trades directly with your SMSF CDIA linked to your CommSec International Shares account. Plus, enjoy competitive interest rates with no account withdrawal fees.
Before opening a CommSec International Shares account for your SMSF, you'll need a CommSec Australian Shares account under your SMSF.
Once you've opened a CommSec International Shares account for your SMSF, you'll need to fund your International Wallet (included with the account) before you can trade.
Transfer funds in Australian dollars (AUD) to your SMSF's CDIA.
Transfer funds (AUD) from your SMSF's CDIA to your International Wallet.
Brokerage fee applies per trade, based on the market that you're trading in. Foreign exchange fees apply on currency conversions.
Opening a CommSec International Share Trading Account is free and there are no ongoing account-keeping fees.
Track and manage your SMSF portfolio with seamless integration between the CommBank app and the CommSec app. Access market news and insights from CommSec, Australia's leading online broker with 30 years of experience, to help you stay informed about your SMSF investments.
You need a CommSec Australian Shares account under your SMSF before opening a CommSec International Shares account for your SMSF.
To open a CommSec Australian Shares account for your SMSF online, you'll need:
Once you've opened a CommSec Australian Shares account for your SMSF, you can open a CommSec International Shares account.
Note: By opening a CommSec Australian Shares account, you'll also open a CDIA for your SMSF.
Log on to CommSec and follow the prompts to open a CommSec International Shares account.
You'll also need the following to open an account:
Yes, you'll need a CommSec Australian Shares account linked to a CDIA before you can open a CommSec International Shares account. Both CommSec Australian Shares account and CDIA needs to be held by your SMSF.
With a CommSec International Share Trading Account, your SMSF can access 13 international markets including:
Your international trades are funded by your International Wallet. Before placing your first trade, you'll need to transfer funds into your International Wallet.
To transfer funds to your International Wallet:
You can use the CommSec app to trade, view and manage your SMSF CommSec International Shares account.
To view your SMSF accounts in the CommSec app, log on to your CommSec app (make sure you have the latest version) and tap Portfolio on the bottom of the screen to access your shares portfolio.
For more information on W-8 forms, refer to the W-8 hub on CommSec.
More ways to manage and invest your SMSF
Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA)
Manage contributions, expenses and investment settlements through a dedicated SMSF cash account.
SMSF Saver
Earn a high return on your SMSF savings while keeping instant access to your money whenever you need it.
CommSec Australian Shares Account
Invest in 2,000+ Australian companies and ETFs listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Call 13 15 19 Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm (Syd/Melb time)
SMSFs are complex and involve legal, administrative and compliance responsibilities. SMSF trustees (or directors of a corporate trustee) are responsible for managing the fund and ensuring it complies with all applicable requirements such as superannuation, tax and trustee obligations.
This information may include general advice but does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances, and so you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your circumstances before acting on it. You should consider seeking independent professional financial, tax and/or legal advice before making any decision based on this information.
Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec) is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and TMX Australia Exchange Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.
The Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) and CommSec Notice Investor are issued by Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. These products are administered by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The target markets for the CommSec Notice Investor and Commonwealth Direct Investment Account can be found within the products' Target Market Determination, available at https://qar90.com/tmd.
You can view the CommSec Notice Investor Terms and Conditions, CommBank Transaction, Savings and Investment Account Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide on the CommBank website, and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.
You can view the CommSec Share Trading Terms and Conditions, Best Execution Statement, and our CommSec Financial Services Guide and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.
You can view the International Shares Terms and Conditions and our CommSec Financial Services Guide and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.
Investing in overseas markets exposes you to risks including those related to movements in foreign currency exchange rates and market prices.
1 The FX fee is charged per currency conversion. Currency conversions are automatically performed for each trade unless the Plus feature enabling the foreign currency wallet has been activated and there are sufficient funds in the local currency to settle the trade.
2 For currency pairs that cannot be directly converted, an intermediate conversion to USD or another eligible currency will be necessary to facilitate the currency conversion. You will be charged FX fees for each leg, which is each individual currency conversion necessary to obtain the required currency pair conversion.
†Interest rates are subject to change. Only available for accounts set up as a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) where customers have applied through CommSec, or as agreed with a Private Banker at the time of account opening or upon your request.
Eligible CommBank transaction account can be an eligible Commonwealth Direct Investment Account (CDIA) or Private Bank Account (PBA) held by your self-managed superannuation fund. If you don't have an existing eligible transaction account, you will need to open a CDIA or PBA under the same name as your SMSF.
The Bank is authorised under the taxation laws to collect an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an exemption code. It is not an offence if you don't provide a TFN, an ABN or an exemption code, but by law, we may be required to withhold a portion of your interest earned on the account.
The target market for this product will be found within the product's Target Market Determination.
Please view our Financial Services Guide (PDF). Full terms and conditions for the transaction and savings accounts mentioned (PDF) and Electronic Banking (PDF) are available here or from any branch of the Commonwealth Bank.
